Brunswick, ME—At the start of each school year, children with asthma must provide their school with an updated Maine Asthma Action Plan. Certified Asthma Educator, Stacey Schmidt, RRT, AE-C with Mid Coast Hospital’s Asthma Education Program is available to assist families in drafting their Asthma Action Plans for the upcoming school year.
An Asthma Action Plan is a written strategy that is developed in conjunction with a certified healthcare professional to help caregivers control a patient’s asthma. It shows daily treatment, such as what kinds of medications to take and when to take medications; it describes how to control asthma symptoms long-term; and it indicates how to handle worsening asthma. Guidelines on when to call the doctor or when to go to the emergency room are also included.
Asthma is a condition in which an individual’s airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus that can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a severe problem that interferes with daily activities. While asthma can’t be cured, symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it is important for anyone with asthma to work with a healthcare professional to track their signs and symptoms and adjust their treatment as needed.
“A written plan helps not only for daily management, but also in recognizing and handling worsening asthma symptoms,” said Schmidt. “An Asthma Action Plan is an important tool in asthma management and allows the patient to take responsibility for their asthma control.”
Mid Coast Hospital’s Asthma Education Program supports the management of asthma in children and adults. Schmidt is available to work one-on-one with patients concerning medications, delivery devices, and the management of asthma “triggers” so individuals can enjoy an optimal quality of life.
For more information on Asthma Action Plans or Asthma Education, please call Stacey Schmidt at (207) 373-6595 or visit www.midcoasthealth.com/asthma.
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