FLORENCE, SC – On Saturday, May 13, McLeod Children’s Hospital will host a free Asthma Camp for children ages eight to 10. Ann Bochette joined News13 Now at 9 a.m. during the week before the camp to explain some basics about asthma and things parents would learn at the camp. Those details are in the videos posted in this story. A summary of the information follows these additional details about the camp, which McLeod provided:

During the camp, children will learn how to manage their asthma through fun and interactive games. Game stations will demonstrate lung anatomy, trigger avoidance, as well as asthma medication and proper usage. Games will also teach the importance of asthma control during activities such as sports.

The camp also includes a parent education session conducted by a Certified Asthma Educator, focusing on asthma basics, symptom recognition, trigger avoidance, proper medication administration, and the Asthma Action Plan.   The camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the McLeod Children’s Hospital Child Life Activity Center. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

To register for the McLeod Children’s Hospital Asthma Camp, call McLeod Reservations and Scheduling at (843) 777-2095. For more information about the camp, call the McLeod Asthma Educator at (843) 777-8506.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways of lungs. It causes airway constriction and inflammation.

Common causes:

  • genetics
  • prenatal smoking
  • 2nd hand cigarette smoke

The most common asthma symptoms:

  • cough
  • wheeze
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness

Ways to avoid triggers:

  • know what your child’s specific triggers are. Examples include

    • Colds & viruses (Talk with a doctor about the annual flu vaccine.)
    • Outdoor Allergens (Talk with a doctor about medication to control seasonal allergies.)

    • Indoor Allergens

      • Dust mites (Consider putting pillows/mattresses in dust-mite-proof encasements.)
      • Harsh chemicals or perfumes
      • cigarette smoke

Proper medication use:

  • The most common categories or medications used to treat asthma are:

    • short acting or “rescue” medication
    • long acting or “controller” medication
    • users should know when to use which medication
    • users should know hoe to use inhaler devices properly

Asthma action plan:

  • written plan given by your doctor that lists:

    • your personal symptom recognition
    • how to monitor your breathing
    • your personal triggers and ways to avoid them
    • which medication to take every day
    • which medication to take when symptoms occur
    • when to get emergency help