HDFS 285 PULMONOLOGY

Pulmonology

Study of the lungs and respiratory system

Common Diagnosis in Pulmonology

Asthma

Asthma in Children

Affects about 4.9 million children in the United States

Asthma and Sex in Children

Tends to affect more male children than female children

Asthma and Sex in Adults

Females have higher rates of asthma than males

Testosterone and Asthma

Increased testosterone may decrease airway swelling in males

Asthma and Income

Asthma rates are higher in children living in lower-income households

Asthma and Race/Ethnicity

Higher rates occur among Puerto Rican, Black, Indigenous, Native American, and Alaska Native children

Asthma and Location

Higher rates occur in children living in inner cities

Asthma and Air Pollution

Higher rates occur in children living near high amounts of air pollution

Asthma Symptoms in Babies/Toddlers

Persistent, repeated, or nighttime coughing

Rapid Breathing

A symptom of asthma in babies and toddlers

Working Hard to Breathe

A symptom of asthma in babies and toddlers

Nostrils Flaring

A sign of increased difficulty breathing

Retractions

Skin sucking in around/between the ribs or above the sternum

Exaggerated Belly Movement

A possible sign of breathing difficulty

Panting

Difficulty keeping up with normal activities such as playing

Wheezing

A whistling sound when breathing

Trouble Sucking or Eating

A possible asthma symptom in babies and toddlers

Tiredness

Child is not interested in normal or favorite activities

Cyanosis

Tissue color change involving the lips, tongue, eyes, fingers, or nail beds

Cyanosis on Darker Skin

May appear grayish or whitish

Cyanosis on Lighter Skin

May appear bluish

Asthma Symptoms in School-Age Children/Teens

Shortness of breath

Cough

A symptom of asthma in school-age children and teens

Chest Tightness/Pain

A symptom of asthma

Wheezing

A whistling sound when breathing

Nighttime Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms may wake a child at night

Peak Flow Reading

A drop may indicate worsening asthma

Exercise Intolerance

Not being able to do physical activity that is normal for the child's age

Asthma Risk Factor

Family history of asthma

Asthma Risk Factor

Respiratory illnesses such as flu, RSV, and colds

Asthma Risk Factor

Allergies and eczema/atopic dermatitis

Asthma Risk Factor

Mother smoking during pregnancy

Asthma Risk Factor

Secondhand or thirdhand tobacco smoke exposure after birth

Asthma Risk Factor

E-cigarette aerosol exposure after birth

Asthma Risk Factor

Living in an area with high air pollution

Asthma Diagnosis

Physical exam

Asthma Diagnosis

Lung function tests for children age 5 and older

Asthma Diagnosis

Allergy testing

Asthma Treatment

Avoid or reduce asthma triggers

Asthma Treatment

Take asthma medicines as prescribed

Asthma Treatment

Follow an Asthma Action Plan

Asthma Treatment

Take care of overall health

Asthma Trigger

Respiratory infections caused by viruses

Asthma Trigger

Exercise and physical activity

Asthma Trigger

Cold and dry air

Asthma Trigger

Major temperature and weather changes

Asthma Trigger

Allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and pollen

Asthma Trigger

Strong odors, irritants, and chemicals

Asthma Trigger

Smoke from wildfires, cooking, cigarettes, or vaping

Asthma Trigger

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen

Asthma Trigger

Indoor and outdoor air pollution

Asthma Trigger

Strong emotions

Peak Flow Meter

Device that measures how fast you can exhale a lungful of air; typically used for daily monitoring

Inhaler

Hand-held device used to breathe medicine directly into the lungs

Spirometry

Measures how much air you can pull into and push out of your lungs

Nebulizer

Electrically powered machine that turns liquid medication into a mist for breathing through a mask or mouthpiece

Pulmonary Function Test

Measures how well a person breathes

Bronchodilator

Medicine that relaxes tight muscles to widen the airways

Corticosteroid

Strong anti-inflammatory medicine that lowers swelling in the lungs

Retractions

Area between the ribs and in the neck sinks in when a person attempts to inhale

Bronchospasm

Twitching and sudden constriction of the airways that can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath

Asthma Action Plan

Plan used to help manage asthma and follow prescribed treatment