HEALTH CARE OF PATIENTS SUFFEERING FROM ASTHMA

Abstract

Prevention is an important aspect of health care, including asthma, and is divided into:

• primary,
• secondary and
• tertiary

Primary prevention refers to healthy children who are at high risk with the aim of preventing the development of diseases caused by allergies, and includes measures to prevent sensitization to nutritional and inhalation allergens. Secondary prevention includes avoiding allergens that promote the development of symptoms of the disease in the child. One of the measures of secondary prevention is the education of children suffering from asthma as well as their parents about the disease, the causes of worsening of the condition, recognition of symptoms and treatment. Tertiary prevention includes chronically ill children with the aim of preventing the worsening of the disease. In children with asthma, tertiary prevention would mean preventing the deterioration of lung function and preventing a decrease in the quality of life. Children suffering from bronchial asthma and their parents must be informed about possible complications, self-help and help with asthma attacks, breathing exercises, prevention of attacks and adjustment of physical activity. The nurse, as part of the team, participates in all levels of prevention, including education in all aspects. The nurse teaches the child about the correct measurement of PEF, about avoiding harmful allergens and irritants, supervises the treatment process, takes care of regular tests and check-ups, and distributes written material (educational brochures). Worsening of asthma can be prevented by removing allergens and irritants from the patient's environment, which results in the need for smaller doses of medication.

Education on proper inhalation technique Correct use of the inhaler is key to the effectiveness of inhalation therapy. A large percentage of patients do not use inhalers adequately, which affects the delivery of the drug to the lungs, thereby reducing the bronchodilator effect in the short term and worsening asthma control in the long term. Errors can be independent or dependent on the inhaler. Each type of inhaler requires a different technique, so it is advisable to keep the same type of inhaler when changing therapy.