Sleep & Respiratory Newsletter

November 2017

Asthma, activity and athletics: what should we expect our children with well-controlled asthma to be able to do?

Routine use of albuterol before exercise is often used for adult exercise-induced bronchospasm. However, it may not be the best approach for a child with asthma as there may often be additional subtle signs of poor asthma control

Children with asthma have a variety of symptoms. Wheezing is often associated with the condition. But when the child suffers a coughing fit, chest tightness or is observed having problems playing during recess, there can be greater uncertainty for the care provider and the family. It may be called “bronchitis” or something else.

This article speaks to approaches and best practices that parents, care givers and clinical professional can follow to helping children manage asthma so they can live healthy and active lives.

Study suggests positive airway pressure therapy could reduce COPD patient hospitalization

However, 92% of the COPD patients studied did not receive PAP therapy

Hospitalization of patients with COPD creates a huge burden on the healthcare system―to the tune of an estimated $50 billion in associated costs^{1, 2}. And hospitalizations are at an all-time high – with the 30-day readmission rate for patients with chronic COPD ranging from 20-39%^3-5. A recent Philips-funded study revealed that while positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was associated with a reduction in hospitalization, a staggering 92% of patients studied were not receiving it in any form.

 “With improved awareness and implementation of PAP therapy as a treatment for COPD, we can lower the cost burden for health systems while allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.” Noted Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, professor of medicine and interim chief of Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine with University of Arizona College of Medicine.