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Important Program Changes
Effective September 1, 2009

As of the end of this August, the Idaho Asthma Prevention and Control Program (IAPCP) will no longer be funded by the CDC.

Click here to read the letter from Jack Miller, MHE, Program Manager

Asthma Coalition of Idaho website

Program Goals

To work with community partners to implement air quality programs and educate asthma management through-out Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed through education and air quality awareness.

Asthma Facts

  • Approximately 120,000 residents of Idaho have Asthma. 15.4% of Idaho households with children 0-17 years of age have, at least, one child diagnosed with asthma. This corresponds to an estimated 31,000 households impacted by childhood asthma.
  • Leading serious chronic disease among children.
  • The third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children under age 15.
  • #1 reason for disease related emergency room visits in children.
  • Children account for 40% of asthma cases.
  • Deaths from asthma have tripled among children.
  • There are approximately 5,000 deaths from asthma annually!

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Asthma Symptoms/ Triggers

  • Coughing
  • Chest Tightness
  • Shortness of Breathe
  • Wheezing
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Nighttime or early morning coughing
  • Allergens
  • Irritants such as tobacco smoke, strong odors
  • Weather changes
  • Viral or sinus infections
  • Physical Activity can influence attacks- especially long distance running.
  • Medications
  • Foods
  • Emotional anxiety
  • Air Quality
  • Reflux disease (Stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus, or food pipe)
  • Symptoms Vary from person to person

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Asthma Management Goals

  • Control symptoms
  • Prevent exacerbations (attacks)
  • Maintain lung function as close to normal as possible
  • Avoid adverse effects from medications
  • Prevent irreversible airway obstruction
  • Prevent asthma mortality
  • Use the Asthma Action plan as much as possible!

Conclusions

  1. Identify Asthma children and make sure to talk with parents about medications, where they will be located, and major triggers.
  2. Create an action plan and make all children aware of the symptoms and proper procedure for an attack- (Notify an adult ASAP if an asthmatic attack is occurring!)
  3. Trigger proof your facility!

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