title: The wheezing child.
abstract: Asthma self-management is a new concept. Asthma Care Training for Kids (A.C.T.) was developed at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA); its concepts have been incorporated into the daily management of the asthmatic child. The child is allowed to be in the driver's seat, to have some control of his or her disease. Using the colors of the traffic signals--red, yellow, and green--pediatricians teach children about their symptoms, aggravators, and medications. The children keep daily diaries, which result in better control of disease, along with increased compliance. Causes of asthma are presented; pediatricians are advised to explain to their patients and the parents the concept of hyperreactive ("twitchy") airways; that is, asthma can be caused or aggravated by many things, including allergens, infection, and exercise. Proper home management is detailed, including environmental control. The use of antiasthmatic medications is stressed, especially the side effects.
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000150:complications; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology; D012648:Self Care; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants