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Definition
Asthma occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed
and constricted. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and your airways produce
extra mucus that blocks your airways. Signs and symptoms of asthma range from
minor wheezing to life-threatening asthma attacks.
Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Management includes
avoiding asthma triggers and tracking your symptoms. You may need to regularly
take long-term control medications to prevent flare-ups and short-term "rescue"
medications to control symptoms once they start. Asthma that isn't under control can
cause missed school and work or reduced productivity due to symptoms. Because in
most people asthma changes over time, you'll need to work closely with your doctor
to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.
Symptoms
Asthma signs and symptoms range from minor to severe, and vary from person to
person. You may have mild symptoms such as infrequent wheezing, with occasional
asthma attacks. Between episodes you may feel normal and have no trouble breathing.
Or, you may have signs and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing all the time or
have symptoms primarily at night or only during exercise.
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or
the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably getting worse include:
Work with your doctor to determine when you need to increase your medications or
take other steps to treat symptoms of worsening asthma and get your asthma back
under control. If your asthma keeps getting worse, you may need a trip to the
emergency room. Your doctor can help you learn to recognize emergency signs and
symptoms so you'll know when to get help.
Causes
It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a
combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
Asthma triggers are different from person to person. Exposure to various allergens
and irritants can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma, including:
Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust
mites
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
Cold air
Air pollutants and irritants such as smoke
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs
Strong emotions and stress
Sulfites, preservatives added to some perishable foods
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids
back up into your throat
Menstrual cycle in some women
Allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts or shellfish
Risk factors
Asthma is common, affecting millions of adults and children. A growing number of
people are diagnosed with the condition each year, but it isn't clear why. A number of
factors are thought to increase the chances of developing asthma. These include:
If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughs that last more
than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor.
Treating asthma early, especially in children, may prevent long-term lung
damage and prevent worsening of the condition over time.
To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma,
work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good asthma control not only
helps you feel better on a daily basis, but also can prevent a life-threatening
asthma attack.
If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your
medication doesn't work for you. Asthma changes over time, and you'll need
periodic adjustments to your treatment to manage your symptoms. Don't try to
solve the problem by taking more medication without consulting your doctor.
Overusing asthma medication can cause side effects and may even make your
asthma worse.
In order to rule out other possible conditions, your doctor will do a physical exam and
ask you questions about your signs and symptoms and about any other health
problems. You may also be given lung (pulmonary) function tests to determine how
much air moves in and out as you breathe.
Lung function tests often are done before and after taking a bronchodilator to open
your airways. If your lung function improves with use of a bronchodilator, it's likely
you have asthma.
Asthma
Signs and symptoms
classification
Mild symptoms up to two days a week and up to two nights a
Mild intermittent
month
Symptoms more than twice a week, but no more than once in a
Mild persistent
single day
Moderate persistent Symptoms once a day and more than one night a week
Symptoms throughout the day on most days and frequently at
Severe persistent
night
Complications
Asthma may cause a number of complications, including:
Your HFA inhaler may have a different taste and feel from your older CFC
inhaler.
HFA inhalers have a less forceful spray than the older CFC inhalers. Make
sure you know how to use your inhaler correctly - otherwise, you may not get
the full dose of medication with each spray.
HFA inhalers are more costly than the older, generic albuterol CFC inhalers.
HFA inhalers should be cleaned with water every week.
For example, if your asthma is well controlled, your doctor may prescribe less
medicine. If your asthma is not well controlled or getting worse, your doctor may
increase your medication and recommend more frequent visits.
Prevention
Working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with
your condition and preventing asthma attacks.
Develop a written asthma plan. With your doctor and health care team, write
a detailed plan for taking maintenance medications and managing an acute
attack. Then be sure to follow your plan. Asthma is an ongoing condition that
needs regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can
make you feel more in control of your life in general.
Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and
irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can
trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take
steps to avoid those triggers.
Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an
impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or
symptoms, regularly measure your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.
Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have
a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your
symptoms. When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an
impending attack, take your medication as instructed and immediately stop
any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't
improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.
Don't let up on your medication program. Just because your asthma seems
to be improving, don't change anything without first talking to your doctor. It's
a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your
doctor can double-check that you're using your medications correctly and
taking the right dose.
Stay healthy
Taking care of yourself and treating other conditions linked to asthma will help keep
your asthma under control. A few things you can do include:
Exercise. Having asthma doesn't mean you have to be less active. Treatment
can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity. Regular
exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma
symptoms. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been
inactive, start slowly and try to gradually increase your activity over time.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms,
and it puts you at higher risk of other health problems.
Control heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's
possible that the acid reflux that causes heartburn may damage lung airways
and worsen asthma symptoms. If you have frequent or constant heartburn, talk
to your doctor about treatment options. You may need treatment for GERD
before your asthma symptoms improve.
Identify the things that trigger your symptoms. This can be one of the most
important ways to take control of your life. Also take peak flow measurements
regularly and follow your action plan for using medications and managing
attacks.
Pace yourself. Take breaks between tasks and avoid activities that make your
symptoms worse.
Make a daily to-do list. This may help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Reward yourself for accomplishing simple goals.
Talk to others with your condition. Chat rooms and message boards on the
Internet or support groups in your area can connect you with people facing
similar challenges and let you know you're not alone.
If your child has asthma, be encouraging. Focus attention on the things your
child can do, not on the things he or she can't. Involve teachers, school nurses,
coaches, friends and relatives in helping your child manage asthma.