#BreatheEasyWithOmron: Managing Childhood Asthma

I never had asthma. I also never had to deal with childhood asthma with my two daughters. However, that changed when I met the hubby and had kids with him. Haha!

My hubby has had to deal with asthma ever since he was a child. Apparently, it’s in his genes. I learned that the condition can be hereditary and so I had to anticipate that our two boys will inherit it as well. That’s exactly what happened.

Our one-year-old baby Zander actually had an asthma attack last week and it developed into pneumonia (more about this story next time). He was hospitalized and it was a really scary experience for me. Thankfully though, I learned a lot about asthma and other respiratory diseases the week prior when I attended an event hosted by Omron Healthcare at Stacy’s in Bonifacio Global City on September 20, 2017.

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the Omron brand because it has been in the market since 1933. OMRON is a global brand and leader in advanced automation, Sensing and Control Technology, and home healthcare. Their products include blood pressure monitors, thermometers, nebulizers, body fat analyzers, step counters and pulse massagers.

The event was attended by other mommy bloggers like myself because Omron wanted to spread the word about asthma and what’s available in the market right now in terms of effective medication.

Special guest, Dr. Anjanette O. Reyes – De Leon, Pediatrician and Asthma and Lung specialist, talked about respiratory problems, management and cure.

Let me share with you what I learned.

Childhood Asthma

• Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in young infants and children, making it a leading cause of absences, emergency department visits and hospitalization.
• Asthma can begin at any age, with most children beginning to show symptoms before the age of 5.
• Childhood asthma affects the airways or breathing tubes in the lungs. When an attack occurs, the airways become swollen and irritated. This causes the airways to become narrower, which causes less air to flow into the lungs making normal breathing difficult.

Asthma Triggers

Triggers can vary from person to person. So, it’s important for us moms to determine which factors trigger our own kids’ asthma. Here are the common ones.

• Colds or other infections
• Pollen
• Sudden change in temperature
• Outdoor air pollution
• Exercise
• Second-hand cigarette smoke
• House dust mites
• Pets such as dogs and cats
• Cockroaches
• Mold

Early Signs of Childhood Asthma

Warning signs also differ from child to child. Here are the most common signs.

• Coughing
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Fever
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Tickle in the throat
• Watery eyes
• Restless behavior
• Pale or red face
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Tightness in the chest
• Feeling weak and tired

Asthma Treatments

Thankfully, there are several safe and effective options to treat and control childhood asthma. Two types of medications are mainly used:

Quick Relief (Relievers)

Provides immediate relief for asthma symptoms, such as Salbutamol (Ventolin) or Terbutaline (Bricanyl)

Long-term Control (Preventers)

Have to be taken over a period of time. Usually contains a coricosteroid medication. Helps control the swelling and inflammation of airways, reducing the risk of severe asthma attacks.

The Device Matters

The most effective treatment for asthma is to deliver the medication directly to the lungs, via different types of devices. There are nebulizers, metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers.

For childhood asthma, the easiest one to use is a nebulizer, which allows patients to inhale and exhale normally through the mouthpiece or mask while receiving the medication.

Omron Compair Nebulizer System NE – C801

During the event, Omron Healthcare introduced us to the Omron Compair Nebulizer System NE – C801. Patients can carry this anywhere as it is extremely portable, lightweight (only 270 grams!), easy to carry (yes, even during vacations!), and easy to use. This is a HUGE plus for me because the nebulizer we have at home is so old, big, and bulky. I hate using it. Also, unlike old types of nebulizers, this one is actually less noisy.

The Omron Compair Nebulizer System NE – C801 comes with its own bag. Inside are two masks (one for adults, one for kids), a mouthpiece, and the nebulizer kit (inhalation top, vaporizer head, medication tank, nozzle and air tube connector).

I think the most amazing thing about the Omron Compair Nebulizer System NE – C801 though is that it makes use of VVT or Virtual Valve Technology, which produces fine medication for an efficient and easy nebulization. For those of you familiar with using nebulizers, you should know that a lot of the medication doesn’t get into the patient and instead becomes waste. With this one though, the VVT produces the ideal particle size making the equipment deliver the optimal dose of medication to your child’s lungs to attain maximum therapeutic effect.

We are actually currently using this nebulizer for Zander because he needs to continue with nebulization even after being released from the hospital. I’ll be writing a review of it so stay tuned for that!

Meanwhile, if you’re interested to buy the Omron Compair Nebulizer System NE – C801, do so now! It normally costs Php 3,280 in all leading drugstores, appliance stores, and infant stores nationwide. But they have an ongoing promo until Oct. 31, 2017 wherein you can get a discount of Php 300. So check it out!

Enjoy Omron best deals! For more information, please visit www.omronhealthcare.com.ph. For updates on the latest activities, promotions, connect via Facebook.