DACH AIR - Darnall Area Comprehensive Healthcare Asthma Information and Resources.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes it hard for the person to breathe. Most people with asthma have early warning signs that their asthma is getting worse. If those are missed or ignored, the late signs may appear. At this point, medical help is needed. Some people with asthma can go for long periods of time with no signs of asthma and while it can be controlled, there is no cure.
During an asthma attack, three things happen: tiny muscles around the airways tighten, the airways themselves swell and mucus forms inside the airways.
A "trigger" usually brings on an asthma signs/symptoms. . Knowing and using good trigger control is the best thing an asthmatic can do to prevent attacks.
Early warning signs tell a person with asthma when asthma is getting worse and needs attention. Everyone's early warning signs are a bit different. It is very important for asthmatics to recognize these early signs and take action to prevent an attack.
Peak flow is a measure of how well a person is breathing. It can easily be done at home, and helps manage asthma.. Peak flow readings often start to drop before the early warning signs begin. The asthma action plan is often based on peak flow readings and tells a person with asthma what to do every day and if the peak flow readings drop or asthma signs begin.
People with good asthma control are able to do what they want to do, avoid most serious attacks, stay out of the emergency room and lead normal lives.
Darnall's program for asthmatics is called DACH AIR. It is an asthma self-management program that provides the necessary skills and knowledge to take charge of asthma. The program offers one-on-one education.. To enroll in DACH AIR, either call 288-8136 to schedule an appointment or the primary care manager can make a referral to the program.
page last modified on: 6/4/2014