Asthma

Have you or your child been diagnosed with asthma? Texas Children’s Health Plan offers tools, resources, and self-management ideas to help members understand asthma and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that makes it harder to breathe. For people with asthma, the airways in their lungs are often swollen or inflamed. This makes them very sensitive to a cold or things in the environment like dust, smoke, strong perfumes, and even pets. When exposed to any of these conditions, the insides of the airways swell even more, narrowing the space for the air to move in and out of the lungs. That is why breathing becomes so hard.

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Symptoms

Symptoms may vary but the primary symptoms of asthma may include:

• Wheezing

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness

Who’s at risk?

Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children. However, asthma can start at any age. People with allergies are also at high risk of having it. If not properly managed, it can be a life-threatening disease.

Common triggers

There are many factors that may trigger asthma, and each child reacts differently to these. Some of the most common factors are:

• Colds and respiratory infections

• Allergic reactions to allergens like pollen, mold, animal dander, feather, dust

• Tobacco smoke

• Poor air quality or very cold air

• Emotional stress

• Exercise

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Living with asthma

It is very important that you work with your doctor to create an action plan against asthma. An action plan is a written treatment plan document that you can share with family, caregivers and friends. It includes the following:

• How to identify irritants

• How to recognize and handle asthma attacks

• Which medicines to take, how and when to take them

• When to call your doctor or go to the emergency room

• Who to contact in an emergency

Download our Asthma Action Plan today.

Download our Asthma Quick Guide today to learn more about:

• Asthma medications and proper use

• Types of asthma attacks

• Tips for self-management

• Goals of asthma care

Our Case Management Program

Texas Children’s Health Plan Care Coordination team helps you and your child take control of his or her asthma by:

• Providing asthma education such as information on what causes asthma attacks and types of medications to use when your child has an attack

• Helping with your Asthma Action Plan

• Understanding your doctor’s care plan for your child and avoiding emergency room and doctor visits

• Home visits and extra support

To join our Case Management Program, please call Member Services at 1-800-990-8247.

Check out the following information that will get you on the right track to control your asthma.