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Let Them Breathe

Marilyn Clifford1

  • 1School Nurse, Camden City NJ School District, Camden City, NJ.

NASN School Nurse (Print)
|February 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Childhood asthma arises from genetic and environmental influences, with health inequities worsening these factors. Preschool nurses are vital in addressing these inequities for urban children during early asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Equity Studies

Background:

  • Childhood asthma results from a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures.
  • Health inequities significantly exacerbate the environmental factors contributing to pediatric asthma.
  • Asthma symptom development often begins in the preschool years, highlighting a critical window for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the critical role of preschool nurses in mitigating health inequities affecting urban children with asthma.
  • To underscore the importance of early intervention in preschool years for managing childhood asthma.
  • To highlight the environmental and genetic factors contributing to childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review and synthesis of existing literature on childhood asthma, environmental factors, and health inequities.
  • Analysis focuses on the developmental stages of asthma during preschool years.
  • The role of healthcare providers, specifically preschool nurses, is examined in the context of addressing health disparities.

Main Results:

  • Preschool years are a key period for the establishment of asthma features.
  • Health inequities disproportionately impact urban children with asthma by compounding environmental risk factors.
  • Preschool nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and address these health inequities.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing health inequities is crucial for managing childhood asthma, particularly in urban preschool populations.
  • Early intervention strategies implemented by preschool nurses can significantly impact asthma outcomes.
  • A comprehensive approach considering genetic and modifiable environmental factors, alongside health equity, is essential for pediatric asthma management.

Keywords:
asthma emergenciesbreastfeedinghealth inequitypassive smokingpreschool nurse

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