What is an Action Asthma Plan?

It is a plan drawn up by your child’s doctor to guide caretakers on how to manage your child’s asthma when you leave the hospital.  There are many different Asthma Action Plan sheets out there for families.  Many times, your doctor may prefer using his/her own Asthma Action Plan sheet to communicate specific actions that need to be followed for asthma management at home.

Are all Asthma Action Plans the same?

No, each child may have different medications, with different strengths, given at different times to manage their asthma.  The same child may even have their Asthma Action Plan changed as their condition changes (alterations will only be done by a doctor).

Although the plans are different, they have similar goals:

• Have one document to inform all caretakers (family, babysitters, school nurse, etc.) of the Asthma Action Plan
• Use an easy to follow sheet to guide caretakers on everyday, when child is starting symptoms, and bad asthma attack management.  (Many have a green, yellow, and red zone sheet to make it simple to follow)

How do I get my child an Asthma Action Plan?

• Call the doctor who manages your child’s asthma flare-ups.
• If your child is admitted to the hospital for asthma, be sure an Asthma Action Plan is provided before discharging home.
• Be sure to take the Asthma Action Plan to your child’s asthma doctor’s next visit so it can be adjusted or continued as needed.

To see an example of an Asthma Action Plan, go to the following link:

http://www.texasasthma.org/attachments/wysiwyg/539/AAPEnglishFinalelectronic-2.pdf

Please note:  This form is only valid if signed by your child’s doctor.

Take Care,
Cindy, RN

August 22, 2010

Are you or your family afraid of adopting the “Back to Sleep” campaign for your infant?  Sometimes just knowing about SIDS precautions is not enough.  Families may first need to buy into the program before following the SIDS guidelines for their premature or sick baby.  I hope the following link will help families form a deeper understanding of the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD):

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/upload/sids_qa_health_care_providers.pdf

Take Care,
Cindy, RN

·       Contact:  Cynthia Sedillo RN, BSN

·       Office Location:  North Central Baptist Hospital Madison Oaks entrance 2^nd floor, across from the PICU waiting room

·       Office Phone Number:  210-297-4308

·       Office Email:  CASEDILL@baptisthealthsystem.com

* Programs:  Pediatric Tracheostomy, Pedi Puffers Asthma Classes, High Risk CPR for Neonatal and Pediatrics 

While your child is hospitalized, your doctor, nurse, and other bedside staff will be a wealth of information on the condition of your son/daughter.  If you would like more information, please contact me using the information listed above.  Your child’s nurse can also assist you in contacting me.

Take care,
Cindy, RN