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Asthma Hawke’s Bay Newsletter
April / Āpereira 2014
Bronchiolitis – What is it?
For those who work or live with children, winter is not only
the season for hot drinks snuggled up in front of the fire, but
also for bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a viral chest infection
that affects children under two years of age, predominantly
in the first year of life. It occurs all year round, but much
more often from late autumn until spring. Most adults who
catch the same viruses will have only a cold, although it can
cause exacerbations of COPD in older people.
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from AHB
Bronchiolitis - Signs
03
04
Nebuliser Use & Care
05
Smokefree
Asthma Achievers
COPD Support
Training and Info
06
06
08
08
Generally bronchiolitis starts with a runny nose for two or three days, which may
be associated with a fever and grizzly behaviour. Babies then develop a moist
irritating cough, rattly breathing, and sometimes wheeze. They may be
breathing fast, or have “sucking in” between or under their ribs. Some babies
are too cranky or short of breath to feed well. Symptoms tend to get worse for
two or three days, and then better slowly – it can take a week or two to come
right.
There is no specific medical treatment. Bronchiolitis is caused by viruses, so
antibiotics make no difference. Asthma medications such as puffers and
steroids (prednisolone) don’t work. So what can you do? Offer smaller feeds
more often, so that a full tummy doesn’t push up on the lungs, and make sure
baby is in a warm, dry, smoke-free environment – the lungs will be extremely
sensitive to smoke which can make the cough and breathing worse. Some
babies need to be admitted to hospital for support of their breathing, so you
should see your doctor if your baby is taking less than half of their usual feeds,
o
has a high temperature (over 38.5 C), or is really struggling to breathe – the
sound they make is much less important than how they look.
And of course if baby is pale or blue, and not responding normally, that’s
an emergency – call 111 right away.
Having bronchiolitis as a baby doesn’t mean you will be asthmatic later in
childhood, but it does leave the lungs temporarily more sensitive, so you may
get bronchiolitis again with the next cold. The best prevention is good oldfashioned soap and water – careful handwashing, staying away from people
who are unwell if possible, and warm, clean, dry, smokefree homes.
Dr Sarah Currie
HBDHB Pediatrician
Bronchiolitis Signs
See Page 4
Although it is a mild illness some pepi / babies develop the
more severe Bronchiolitis that requires hospitalisation.
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WEB: www.asthmahb.co.nz
Normal Hours
Office Hours
8.30 – 3.00 pm
Monday to Friday
Nurse Hours
8.30 – 5.00pm
Monday to Friday
Ph: 835 0018
Cell: 022 6942872
Please Note:
 Conditions that increase the risk are:
 Chronic heart or lung disease
 A weakened immune system due to illness or medication or
 Pepi born prematurely
Courtesy of Tu Kotahi Maori Asthma Trust
Occasionally it is not
possible for the office to
be staffed.
If you are making a special
trip please phone first.
Nau Mai, Welcome to Breathe With Ease….
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Hello again and welcome to our Autumn edition of Breath with
Ease….firstly a few reminders for the pending arrival of the cooler
weather ahead.
If you haven’t seen your GP/Practice Nurse, Asthma Hawke’s Bay or Iwi Health Provider for a
review of your asthma/COPD within the last 12 months, I encourage to do so. Having a
review will help you attain or maintain good control of your asthma/COPD, develop a
Management Plan which will help prevent or minimise future exacerbations (attacks).
Staff:
Jo Smiley, RN, BN
Clinical Nurse Manager /
Respiratory Nurse Educator
Chris Davidson, RN, BN
Respiratory Nurse Educator
Julie Shaw, RN
Respiratory Nurse Educator
Toni Hewett
Administrator
Don’t let the Flu Knock You – get immunised….If you haven’t had a recall from your GP
Practice yet, it is flu vaccine time so be proactive and book a date sooner rather than later for
your flu jab. Immunisation is the best defence against protecting you from the Influenza Virus.
Remembering it is free for >65year old & for anyone <65 with a one of the approved medical
conditions (this includes children) and pregnant women.
Is your home insulated? During the colder times of the year dampness, draughts and a lack
of insulation make our homes more difficult to heat. The World Health Organisation
recommends that houses are heated to a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius to provide a
healthy and comfortable environment. Indoor temperatures below 16 degrees increase the
risk of respiratory disease. For further information please discuss with your Health Provider
contacts and funding options that are available.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Board of Trustees member,
Mr Glenn Knight who will be formally approved at our next AGM. Glenn comes with passion
and drive with skills in business and IT. We look forward to his long associated and input
with Asthma Hawke’s Bay.
Jo Smiley
Clinical Manager
Funding Assistance received
from HBDHB
Over the past nine months Asthma
Hawke’s Bay has been successful in
receiving funding from a number of
sources that has enabled us to purchase
our mobile nursing vehicles.
Special thanks to those organisations
who have supported us in this
endeavour:
Greenmeadows Rotary Club
(See Left - David Tattersall,
President with Sue Ward, AHB
Trustee)
Eastern & Central Community Trust
The Kingdom Foundation
Lion Foundation
We could not have done this without the
support of the community – thank you.
Special Thanks…
Bronchiolitis Signs
Likely Signs & Symptoms:
To Prevent the Spread of Infection:
 Similar to a common cold:runny nose
mild cough
sneezing
stuffiness
may have a temperature

· Keep
pepi / baby away from all childcare facilities
until fully recovered.
· If there are others in the whare / house with colds
or flu try to reduce their contact with pepi.
Breathing may be faster than usual.
· All whanau / family members need to wash their
hands before and after handling pepi.
 Your pepi / baby may sound short of
breath.
· Slightly elevate pepi mattress to help clear
airways.
 Pepi /baby may also have a wheeze.
· The cough will gradually disappear by itself and
does not need any special treatment. Cough
medicines don’t usually work.
 Pepi / baby may continue to cough &
wheeze for days after an attack of
bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is swelling of the

smaller
breathing passages in
the lungs called the
bronchioles (or airway

passages in the lungs). These
become inflamed and swollen
and sticky with mucus

(phlegm). Bronchiolitis mainly
affects pepi and tamariki /
children.

Bronchiolitis Information supplied courtesy of Tu Kotahi Maori Asthma Trust
 Sometimes pepi may
have neck
Freephone
0800or
939 462
abdominal breathing. www.kokiri.org.nz
Nebuliser are not usually recommended to be used at home for babies or children without medical
supervision.
A find
doctor
must to
approve
the use
of all nebulisers issued by Asthma Hawke’s Bay (hired
· Pepi may
it difficult
take normal
feeds.
or purchased).
(Breast /Bottle / Solids)
Partsand
available
from Asthma
Bay:
PepiPricelist
may also
vomit some
of their Hawke’s
milk,
Non
Members
Members
which looks slimy.
Giving Sets:
$14.00
$10.00
$ 3.50 each
$ 3.00 each
 If breathing
and feeding become
more difficult, pepi may look pale,
sweaty and $320.00
tired.
Nebuliser
$295.00
$555.00
$515.00
 Pepi will continue
to have a cough
$442.00
$405.00
and wheeze for days after an attack
$130.00
$110.00
of Bronchiolitis.
$ 30.00
$ 20.00
(pre packaged with mouthpiece)
Tubing, bowls, mask, T-Connect, mouthpieces
Nebuliser filters range from $0.50 - $6.00 each
New Stratos Pro Nebuliser
New Pulmo Aide De Vil Biss
New Hand held ultrasonic AERONEB
Reconditioned / serviced Harris nebuliser
Monthly neb hirage from Asthma Hawke’s Bay
.
Nebuliser Use and Care
A nebuliser should be kept in a dust free and on a firm surface and not on the carpet, as it may suck
up dust from the carpet. This could stop it working or affect its efficiency. A nebuliser needs to be
kept out of direct sunlight and kept covered whenever possible. A nebuliser must be kept and used
in a smokefree environment and out of reach of children.
To prevent possible risk of infection, cleaning of nebuliser parts (see below) is recommended after each use.
Clean After Every Use:

With the power switch in the ‘off’ position, unplug power cord from wall outlet.

Disassemble mouthpiece/mask and nebuliser bowl from tubing.

Wash all items, except tubing, in dishwashing detergent and hot water. Rinse under hot tap water for 30 seconds to remove
any detergent. Allow to air dry.

Any moisture in the tubing, turn nebuliser on for 20-30 seconds to dry.
Disinfect regularly (depending on use – talk to your Nurse for guidance)

Using a clean container or bowl, soak items in three parts hot water to one part white vinegar for 30 minutes OR use
medical bacterial –germicide disinfectant available through Pharmacies – use as per instructions.

With clean hands, remove items from disinfectant solution, rinse under hot tap water, and air dry on a clean paper towel.
Store in a clean dust free place ie zip-lock bag.

Discard solution after use.
Tubing
Keep the outer surface of the tubing dust-free by wiping regularly. Nebuliser tubing does not have to be washed because only filtered
air passes through it.
Nebuliser
With the power switch off, unplug power cord from wall outlet.
Wipe the outside with a clean damp cloth every few days to keep dust free.
Filter
There is a small filter that requires changing – it is recommended to be changed every 6 months or sooner if filter turns completely
grey in colour. (Ask your Nurse to show you where the filter is)
Maintenance
All maintenance must be performed by a qualified or authorised person/s. It is recommended at least annually – for a Warrant of
Fitness check.
Giving sets – which includes the parts of mouthpiece/mask, nebuliser bowl and tubing would also be recommended to be replaced
3 to 6 monthly depending on use.
World Smoke Free Day
May 31
Protecting our Tamariki.
Most of us know the importance of being
smokefree especially when we have children.
Smoking around not only our tamariki /
children but our whānau/ family in general is
exposing them to toxins from the tobacco
smoke. Our children are more susceptible and
vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
This exposure is linked to:
 middle ear infections (including glue ear)
 lower respiratory conditions (including
croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and
pneumonia)
 the onset of asthma and worsening asthma
symptoms]
 reduced lung growth
 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot
death)
 meningococcal disease.
The leading cause for hospitalisation in Maori
and non-Maori children (0 – 14 yrs) in the
Hawke’s Bay is due to respiratory
conditions/infections. Asthma is ranked 5th in
males aged 0 – 4 yrs requiring hospitalisation
and ENT infections (ear, nose and throat
infections) are ranked 4th in Maori children aged
5 – 14 yrs and 5th in non-Maori children
requiring hospitalisation. The direct and indirect
cost of each of these hospitalisations is huge.
The indirect cost to the families having to take
time off work, cost of prescriptions, fuel costs
to and from hospital and/or medical centre etc.
can be very taxing to the family’s income.
Becoming smokefree could lessen this burden.
Smoking a pack a day costs around
$6,250/year or approximately $120 a week.
Think of the benefits to your whānau in regards
to their health and also to the financial benefits
your whānau will have.
Modio delk
dolpi fljkn.
If you would like some quit advice see your GP,
Practice Nurse, Asthma Hawke’s Bay or
Quitline, www.quit.org.nz .
Compiled by Julie Shaw, Respiratory Nurse
Educator.
Information from Hawke’s Bay DHB Health Needs
Assessment and www.smokefree.org.nz
Our Hawke’s Bay nominees, although not lucky to win
at the Achievers Awards, they are very successful at
managing their condition well, have a positive attitude
and lead a very active life.
Congratulations to those who were nominated from
the Hawke’s Bay area:
Alana Henderson, Central Hawke’s Bay
Geoff Thompson, Central Hawke’s Bay
Judy Steiner, Napier
Gillian Watkin, Hastings
Wesley Akeripa, 11 years old, Haumoana
“Wesley does not let his asthma hold him back from doing
what he enjoys doing. He understands why he has to take
his medication and is very vigilant in taking it each day and
is very aware of his triggers; taking responsibility and tries
his best to avoid them. He regularly practices the correct
breathing technique he learnt at a breathing workshop run
by Asthma Hawke’s Bay and swims weekly receiving the
Asthma Hawke’s Bay Swimming Subsidy. As soon as he
recovers from an attack he is back exercising, keeping fit
and participating in sports.” From Emma Akeripa
John Knight, Chairperson of Asthma Hawke’s Bay and
Sue Ward, Trustee at the Asthma Foundation
Achievers Awards and 50th Birthday Celebrations held
at Government House, Wellington recently.
Breathe Easy COPD
Support Groups
Training and
Information Available:
Next Monthly Meetings:
Local:
Napier / Hastings
10.30-12.00 noon
Lunch optional
ALL WELCOME
Active Families – Run by Sport Hawke’s
Bay, this programme offers free support,
fun sessions, healthy cooking classes
and more with a focus on 5-14 year old
children and families becoming active
together. Contact Nancy at Sport HB
Ph 845 9333, or your GP.
April 30 – Hastings RSA
Speaker: Cushla Hanham
HBDHB
Continence – for men and
women
May 28 – Napier RSA
Speaker: Sarah Potter, Age
Concern
Recipes for Life
June 25 – Hastings RSA
Speaker: Warren Meldrum,
Civil Defence
Are you Prepared?
Central Hawke’s Bay:
11.00-12.00 at Leopard Hotel
Waipukurau, Lunch optional
Upright and Active - Falls Prevention
Programme - Please call Sport HB 845
9336 Ext 772 Jane Denby
email [email protected]
http://www.sporthb.net.nz/
Age Concern in Hawke’s Bay (Napier,
Hastings, Havelock North and Central
Hawke’s Bay) have a variety of
programmes on offer in each town:
friendship, support, learning new skills,
shopping, Sit & Be Fit, Tai Chi etc
Please call your nearest Age Concern
office for more information.
www.ageconcern.org.nz
For Health Professionals:
Second Tuesday of each
month
GASP Training (Giving Asthma
Support to Patients) delivered by
Asthma Hawke’s Bay and HBDHB
For more information please
call Toni 06 835 0018 or email
here
Please register your interest in the next
course by contacting Jo Smiley at Asthma
Hawke’s Bay Ph 835 0018 or
E-mail [email protected]
Conferences:
NZNO Respiratory Nurses Symposium
Reaching Out – Hospital to Community
11 April 8.30-4.30pm
E-mail:
[email protected]
Asthma Foundation Respiratory
Conference – Breath of Life
October 9&10 2014
www.asthmafoundation.org.nz.
Distance Learning:
Certificate in Asthma and Other
Respiratory Conditions (Maori Community
Health) Level 4 1 year course. Contact
Tu Kotahi Maori Asthma Trust for further
information. Cheryl Davies Phone: 04 939
4629 Email: [email protected]
Asthma Nursing Certificate or
COPD Nursing Certificate Unitec School
of Health Science / Asthma NZ.
Contact Wayne McEnteer
Ph: 09 373 759 9 x 84641
E-mail [email protected]
Asthma Hawke’s Bay
199 Dicken Street, Napier
PO Box 687, Napier 4140
T (06) 835 0018 F (06) 835 0038
E [email protected]
I www.asthmafoundation.org.nz
Office Hours Weekdays 8.30am-3pm
Asthma Hawke’s Bay
Board of Trustees:
John Knight,
Chairperson
Christine Bent
Glenn Knight
John Martis
Sue Ward
Patron:
Dr David Barry, QSO
Medical Advisors:
Dr Robin Armstrong
Dr James Curtis
Dr Sarah Currie
Dr Alan Wright
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this
publication do not necessarily
represent those of the Asthma
Hawke’s Bay, its committee or
advisory panel. The authors,
publishers and editor shall not
be responsible or in any way
liable for the continued
currency of the information
given; or of any errors,
omissions or inaccuracies in
this publication, whether
arising from negligence or
otherwise howsoever in for
any consequences arising
there from.
The inclusion or exclusion of
any product does not mean
that the publisher advocates
or rejects its use either
generally or in any particular
field or fields.
Exercise
Subsidies are
available to
eligible members
of Asthma
Hawke’s Bay.
Some conditions
do apply.
Enquire today!!