Framework for Basic Asthma Education

Knowledge

• Normal versus asthmatic airways
• What happens to the airways during an asthma attack
• Signs and symptoms of worsening asthma
• Identification of triggers
• Medications
  
  • Role of relievers and controllers
  • Action
  • Potential side effects
  • Importance of adherence

Self-Management Skills

• Medications 
  
  • Use of age appropriate delivery device 
  • Child/family demonstration of delivery device technique 
  • Proper inspection/cleaning of device
• Self Monitoring 
  
  • Use of symptom diary/Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) monitoring and technique (optional)
• Action Plan 
  
  • Description of action plan 
  • How to use an action plan 
  • Steps to take in worsening asthma 
  • Emphasize long term benefits 
  • Encourage family to share the action plan with all relevant caregivers such as grandparents, older children, daycare workers, teachers, coaches, camp counsellors, nurses etc