Some people suffer only mild symptoms while others have such severe attacks the results can be fatal. Asthma cannot be cured. However, asthma symptoms can be relieved with medicines that reduce swelling and relax muscles around the airways. In fact, Trinity's emergency department treats more patients with asthma than any other Advocate hospital. To meet the needs of these patients, Trinity Hospital has introduced a hospital-wide asthma initiative.
Education is the key.
Our goal is to prevent asthma attacks. As people learn to manage their asthma, the number of hospital admissions and ER visits due to this disease should decrease. In the ER, Trinity's staff uses a database that allows nurses to follow up with patients and answer questions. In the ER, patients are treated in a special asthma treatment room in which they view educational videos about asthma. Patients also receive a packet of information and a peak flow meter to measure how well they are breathing.