Montana Asthma Home Visiting Program

The Montana Asthma Home Visiting Program (MAP) is a multi-component, home-based intervention for asthma. MAP services are provided to children and adults living in Cascade County and the surrounding area and diagnosed with asthma. Our Public Health Nurse/Asthma Educator will work one-on-one with you or your child and family to:

  • Improve asthma control and asthma-related quality of life.
  • Increase knowledge of how to manage asthma symptoms, including prescribed medication management.
  • Complete an environmental assessment to help reduce and/or eliminate identified asthma triggers.

All individuals enrolled in the program receive an asthma/allergy mattress and pillow cover to help reduce nighttime symptoms, and eligible participants will receive an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Participation also gets you 6 free home nurse visits over the course of a year, education to help understand and reduce triggers, training on using an inhaler, review of long-term control medications and rescue medications, and coordination with your healthcare provider to create an asthma action plan and adjust asthma medications as necessary.

All services and products are free of charge, regardless of income or insurance.

Click below to enroll in the Montana Asthma Home Visiting Program!

DPP Self-Referral Form Opens in new window

Eligibility

Individuals living in Cascade County and the surrounding region (regardless of income or insurance) diagnosed with asthma or unscheduled medical office or Emergency Department visit due to asthma symptoms, or an Asthma Control Test score of less than 20 in the last year. Other individuals not meeting those conditions may still be eligible with a referral from their healthcare provider.

What Is Asthma

Asthma causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed, which in turn make them very sensitive. Along with inflammation, the cells in the airways produce extra-thick mucus, and the muscles around these airways tighten. Together, these events cause the airways to become narrowed and result in symptoms such as wheezing, feeling short of breath, coughing, or chest tightness. Narrowed airways cause less airflow through the lungs and therefore less oxygen to your whole body.

There may be extended periods of time that your child is feeling well, but it is important for your child to maintain asthma therapies as prescribed and also monitor for asthma triggers.

Controlling Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common childhood illnesses. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 7.1 million children have asthma. This means that possibly 1 in 10 children in Cascade County have asthma! It is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism and can cause physical, emotional, and financial burdens if not well controlled. Knowing what asthma is, how it effects the body, and ways to help control it are key to a child's optimum health.

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Effective ways to help make sure your child's asthma is managed well include:

  • Keeping track of what may be triggering your child's asthma to pinpoint ways to reduce or eliminate exposure to those triggers.
  • Following up regularly with your child's health care provider to find medication and therapies that work well to help control symptoms and also develop an asthma action plan-a set of instructions that help you and your child better manage asthma at home.
  • Educating yourself about asthma and its management to help understand how it may be affecting your child.

Asthma Triggers

Triggers are anything that cause an allergic reaction and asthma symptoms. Triggers may include anything that your child may be allergic to, irritants, irritants, or physical situations. It is important to remember that not every child with asthma has the same triggers.

Allergens

  • Cockroaches
  • Dust mites
  • Furry or feathered friends
  • Mold
  • Pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds

Irritants

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Cleaning products
  • Coal
  • Gas
  • Paints
  • Strong odors from perfumes
  • Wood smoke

Physical Conditions

  • Change in weather
  • Illness
  • Physical activity
  • Strong emotions