Asthma Management

Asthma Case Management services are available for school age children. With a referral from the patient's physician or the family, Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center's Public Health Nurses certified with the American Lung Association Asthma Certification program will provide Asthma Case Management following the protocol the Asthma Coalition established, and the physicians Asthma plan of treatment.  This includes the Public Health Nurse and Environmental Public Health Specialist, as well as the Environmental Science Professor from Southeast University providing a home environmental assessment to identify potential triggers of asthma attacks, and ways to mitigate them.  
When appropriate, a simple Asthma knowledge test is done to determine the patient and patient's family level of understanding of the disease, its triggers, and what to do to prevent and treat an Asthma attack. Follow up visits may include education and printed information given on (1) clearing the home of asthma triggers, (2) a graph on pediatric medications information, (3) a self assessment form for environmental and other factors that can make asthma worse, (4) definitions of drugs and asthma management apparatus (so patient and physician are reading off the same page), and (5) printed information about asthma itself.

These educational tools are used by the Public Health Nurse and Environmental staff to assure increasing the level of knowledge of Asthma and how to prevent future attacks and complications. There are no charges involved with the Asthma Case Management program.

Referrals can be made by contacting Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center at 573-335-7846 and asking for a Public Health Nurse or Environmental Public Health Specialist. Physicians are encouraged to call us and find out more about the program.

Prevent Asthma in the Home - Take medication on schedule!

Remove Triggers

1. Do not allow smoking from the home and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
2. Use mattress covers and pillow case covers.
3. Listen to air quality reports on television or radio. Plan outdoor activities when air pollution is low.
4. Remove cockroaches:
   1. remove water and food sources
   2. vacuum areas where cockroaches might be every 2–3 days
   3. can use cockroach traps and gels
5. Pet removal: If this is not an option, keep pets outside of bedroom
   1. Bathe pats weekly
   2. keep pets outside as much as possible
   3. vacuum or mop floors every week
6. Mold Removal:
   1. Use a dehumidifier
   2. Eliminate water leaks