How to Treat Asthma

Asthma is a condition that causes the airway to narrow, restricting airflow.  It is usually diagnosed in children.  Adults can develop asthma too at any time.  Treatment is geared more toward preventing asthma attacks.  There are medications used to treat an asthma attack.  An asthma attack is brought on by certain stimuli that triggers the response.  Although there are medications available to help with the attack, would you know the other steps to take to ensure the patient has a healthier outcome?

If you are a health care provider that may work in an emergency room setting or any Pediatric setting that provides care to infants, toddlers or the school age population, then you should consider taking a PALS course.  PALS means Pediatric Advanced Life Support.  This course offers certification upon successful completion.  The course goes into great detail and has a protocol set in place that all healthcare personnel follow when the emergency situation arises. Without proper intervention and fast effective care, a patient will die as a result.  Knowing the proper steps to administer effective treatment and care to the patient, you are ensuring that the patient will have a better outcome.

You can take a PALS course and become certified within 1-2 days.  Some health care facilities provide extra pay to your base pay when you obtain certifications.  Becoming certified in PALS tells your employer that you are competent in providing appropriate care to the children population.  Some positions in the medical field require you to have the certification, especially if that facility treats children.  Some facilities will transfer a child out to a facility that is equipped to handle emergency situations.  But still this does not relieve you of your responsibility and accountability of knowing how to treat a child in distress.  You should carefully consider taking a PALS course and become certified in case you are ever faced with the situation of providing care to a child that is in a life threatening situation.  It is your responsibility to provide the best care that you can give.  Don’t be caught in a situation with a child that is having an asthma attack and not know the correct way to give the care that they need and deserve from a healthcare professional.