About this topic
Heart failure happens when the heart has trouble pumping the right amount of blood through the body. When the pump is not working well, blood can back up into the lungs or cause swelling in the legs or other parts of the body. ‚
Heart failure is a long-term problem which may get worse over time. Doctors work hard to treat heart failure in order to keep it from getting worse. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Encourage your child to get lots of rest. Have your child sleep when feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Ask the doctor if you need to weigh your child each day. This may help your doctor learn if your child is building up too much fluid.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Do not give your child any prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or herbals without asking the doctor. ‚
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure. These are ACE inhibitors.
- Block some chemicals in the body to improve a weak heart. These are beta blockers.
- Help the heart beat stronger and better
- Get rid of extra salt and water in the body. These are diuretics.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your childs activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. Ask when your child may go back to school or daycare. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Ask your doctor what kind of diet is best for your child. The doctor may tell you to limit the salt and fat in your childs diet. You may have to limit how much fluid your child drinks.
- Some children need to take in extra calories to help them gain weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Problems with breathing, like fast breathing or feeling short of breath, wheezing, or a cough that wont go away
- Trouble finishing a feeding or takes longer to eat
- More swelling of feet, hands, or around the eyes
- No energy, feeling tired or weak
- Blue color around the eyes or mouth
- Your child is not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has more swelling of the feet, hands, or around the eyes.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child is breathing fast or taking longer to eat.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/TheImpactofCongenitalHeartDefects/:%2520Heart-Failure-in-Children-and-Adolescents_UCM_311919_Article.jsp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚