II. Management: Explain Pathophysiology
III. Management: Describe Medication Roles
- Emphasize Long-term medications as key to control
- How Medications work
- Long-term medications reduce inflammation (e.g. Inhaled Corticosteroid)
- Short-term medications rescue from bronchospasm (e.g. Short acting beta Agonist)
IV. Management: Skill Training
- See Inhaler Education
- See Metered Dose Inhaler
- See Inhalers above
- Inhaler technique teaching is billable (CPT 94664)
- Spacer and holding chamber use
- Monitoring methods
- Symptom monitoring
- Peak Flow meter
- Early recognition of exacerbation
- Written action plan
- Stepwise plan for exacerbations
- When and how to take Rescue medications
- Discuss Exercise
- See Breathing Exercises in Asthma
- Encourage regular physical Exercise as tolerated
V. Management: Control Measures for Environmental Allergens
- See Environmental Allergen
- Tobacco Cessation and eliminate Secondhand Smoke exposure
- Animal Dander
- Remove animal from house
- Keep animal out of patient's bedroom
- Install Filter on bedroom air duct
- House-Dust mites
- Encase mattress and pillow in impermeable cover
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Reduce indoor humidity <50%
- Remove dust "collectors" from room
- Cockroaches
- Set traps
- Preventative measures
- Pollens
- Keep windows closed during the season
- Indoor Mold
- Fix leaks and other water sources of mold growth
- Reduce indoor humidity to <50%
- Clean