If you’re driving around Fontana and happen to spot a recreational vehicle adorned with colorful pictures of children, you’ve probably seen the Breathmobile.  The Breathmobile is a custom-built pediatric asthma and allergy clinic that will travel to four Fontana elementary schools, providing ongoing asthma and allergy care to students.  

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses among U.S. children, according to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) at the National Institutes of Health.  The NAEPP cites asthma as one of the leading causes of children's hospital visits and school absences.

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and San Bernardino County in association with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America are implementing a new approach to pediatric asthma management by establishing this program that will provide care via an "asthma clinic on wheels."   The Breathmobile will provide coordinated case identification, structured mobile office visits, diagnostic testing, physical exam, pharmacological therapy and patient/family education in asthma management.

The Breathmobile will be traveling to Canyon Crest, Oleander, Palmetto, and Tokay Elementary Schools, visiting each of the sites every six to eight weeks.  Students with signs or symptoms of asthma will be referred by a school nurse and once onboard they will be are given a comprehensive evaluation, testing and treatment.  The Breathmobile Team, consisting of Dr. David Bailey, Karen O'Cull (Registered Respiratory Therapist and coordinator of the Breathmobile program) and Al Gonzales (Licensed Vocational Nurse), plan to meet with 60-80 students at each of the schools.

Breathmobiles are currently operating in Los Angeles and Orange Counties and have proven to be very successful in overcoming the complex social and economic barriers that can prevent successful chronic disease management in children in lower socio-economic areas.  In fact, 75% of the children participating in these programs have their asthma symptoms under control by the third visit, regardless of the severity of their illness.  Providing care at a familiar, convenient site has greatly improved patient participation and compliance with follow-up care. 

The Fontana Unified School District is very excited to be a part of the new Breathmobile program.  There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with medications and by avoiding exposure to asthma triggers.  With the right preventive treatment, children with asthma can lead normal lives, attend school, play sports and sleep without symptoms.

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