No abstract

The number of children with a diagnosis of asthma has increased significantly over the years, and asthma currently is the most common pediatric chronic disease. Asthma continues to take the lives of children at an alarming rate. Proper diagnosis, education, and appropriate management are essential for decreasing morbidity and mortality. Asthma can be diagnosed with a thorough medical history, family history, and physical examination. Diagnostic and assessment tools such as pulmonary function tests and pediatric asthma scores are valuable for determining the severity of asthma. Immediate assessment and initiation of appropriate medications and management are essential for a positive outcome. The use of bronchodilator therapy with corticosteroids is the gold standard for acute asthma exacerbation, but it may not be effective for certain moderate to severe exacerbations. This article discusses the prevalence, pathophysiology, and diagnosis and treatment of asthma, including the role of magnesium sulfate for acute asthma exacerbations.

Introduction: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of individuals with asthma in the United States has increased by 4. 3 million, or 12.3%, between 2001 and 2009, creating an increasing burden on our health care system. Effective patient education is a key component of asthma management. The National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) promotes "optimal asthma management and quality of life by advancing excellence in asthma education through the Certified Asthma Educator process." Methods: Following completion of the asthma educator certification examination, applicants were invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous Web-based survey. The survey was developed and approved by the Executive and Research Committees of the NAECB, with the objective of reviewing the experience of applicants seeking initial certification and of those seeking recertification. Results: Completed surveys were obtained from 988 applicants. Seventy-six percent of respondents were first-time test takers; the remaining respondents were repeat test takers. Eighty percent reported having passed the examination. Approximately 85% felt that the time allotted for the examination was "just right"; the level of difficulty was " just right" for 65% of the respondents, and the clarity of the examination questions was rated as "good" or "excellent" by 72% of the respondents. Seventytwo percent responded that the examination reflected the role of the asthma educator and 88.1% would recommend the examination to others interested in asthma education. Open-ended responses highlighted benefits and barriers. Discussion: The asthma educator certification examination is reflective of the professional responsibilities of the asthma educator. Benefits and barriers are discussed in the context of published literature.

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners worked collaboratively with other pediatric health care provider organizations to develop and implement an innovative pediatric asthma program using a train-the-trainer model with a goal to increase the availability of pediatric asthma education in medically underserved areas/health care provider shortage areas. Course content was developed using the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel 3 guidelines. Participants in the program are now teaching pediatric asthma programs in their own communities and making an impact on pediatric asthma care.