Phases of Asthma SelfRegulation

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Phases of Asthma Self-Regulation

• Phase 1. Asthma Symptom Avoidance
• Phase 2. Asthma Acceptance
• Phase 3. Asthma Compliance
• Phase 4. Asthma Self-Regulation

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Phase 1. Asthma Symptom Avoidance

• In this phase the parent may say
• I think she will outgrow her asthma
• I dont let her run and play too much
• We give her cough medicine when she starts her
  asthma
• Theme Parents dont see asthma as a chronic
  illness or know how to deal with it.

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Phase 2. Asthma Acceptance

• In this phase the parent may say
• We took him to the hospital when he started to
  wheeze
• As soon as he gets better, I stop the medicine
• If the medicine doesnt work right away, I stop
  using it
• Theme Parents see asthma as a chronic disease,
  but only react to symptomsthey lack a preventive
  approach to treatment.

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Phase 3. Asthma Compliance

• In this phase the parent may say
• If his symptoms change, I call the doctor
• You can never skip a dose of medicine
• What if I give him the medicine and he gets
  worse?
• I dont know why the doctor changed his medicine
• Theme Parents believe asthma can be controlled
  with regular treatment, but have trouble coping
  with changing symptoms.

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Phase 4. Asthma Self-Regulation

• In this phase the parent may say
• At the first sign of a cold, I give her 4 puffs
  of her controller instead of 2
• Taking her reliever in class was a problem, so we
  met with her teacher to work it out
• You have to keep her on a stronger medicine until
  the asthma is really under control
• Theme Parents adjust treatment to changing
  symptoms based on their doctors guidelines.

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Initial questions to assess phase of asthma
self-regulation

• What worries you most about asthma?
• What do you do to stop asthma?
• What fears do you have about the medicines?
• How do you feel about managing an asthma attack
  at home?
• Do you think the emergency room is a good place
  to take him when he has asthma?

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Specific questions to assess phase of asthma
self-regulation

• How sure are you about asthma being a chronic
  disease? (assessing phase 1)
• How sure are you about medicines preventing
  asthma symptoms before they start? (assessing
  phase 2)
• How sure are you about exactly following a
  doctors plan? (assessing phase 3)
• How sure are you about adjusting your childs
  medicines to changes in asthma symptoms?
  (assessing phase 4)

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Helping families move to the next phase

• Phase 1. Let them know asthma is a chronic
  disease that needs regular treatment, and
  reassure them that their child can live a normal
  life.
• Phase 2. Teach them that following a consistent
  treatment plan will prevent symptoms and make it
  easier to deal with asthma attacks.

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Helping families move to the next phase

• Phase 3. Assure them that you will help them
  master the treatment plan.
• Phase 4. Praise their successful efforts to
  adjust the treatment plan in changing
  circumstances and offer to help when needed.