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Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. Both adults and children can be affected by asthma. Asthma can cause the airways in the lungs to become tight. Asthma can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing. With asthma, airways are sensitive and can become irritated from "triggers". Asthma triggers can be caused by the environment and allergies. Asthma triggers can cause an asthma attack.

Signs and Symptoms

You should know the signs and symptoms of asthma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should speak to your doctor. Symptoms of asthma include

•  Shortness of breath
•  Wheezing sound when breathing out
•  Tight feeling in your chest
•  Coughing
    1.  At night
    2.  Coughing when exercising
•  Signs of allergies (ex. Runny nose, sore throat, headaches)

Who's at Risk?

Asthma becomes more common each year. It is not known why. There are some things that can increase the chances of asthma.

•  A history of asthma in the family
•  Smoke exposure
•  Overweight
•  A low-birth weight as a baby

What causes an asthma attack?

Asthma attacks are caused by triggers. Triggers cause the lining of your airways to become inflamed and start to narrow. The narrowing could cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Asthma attacks can be mild or severe. Not everyone has the same symptoms. Early symptoms of an asthma attack are important to know. With knowing the early symptoms you can stop an asthma attack. Learn to control your asthma and know what to do.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

•  Wheezing when breathing in and out
•  Unable to stop coughing
•  Fast breathing
•  Pressure or pain in the chest
•  Talking difficulties
•  Shortness of breath

Asthma Triggers

Asthma triggers can be different. You should know your triggers and how to control them. Inform your family and friends about your asthma triggers. Talk to your doctor about your asthma triggers.

Triggers can include:

•  Smoke
•  Pets
•  Dust
•  Mold
•  Pollen
•  Pollution
•  Exercise
•  Weather changes
•  Strong emotions including stress
•  Allergic reactions

Medications

Controllers and Quick Relief

Medicines that are used for the treatment of asthma are called

•  Controller medicine
•  Quick-relief medicine
•  Allergy medicine

Your doctor will prescribe medicine based on your symptoms and what works best for you.

Controller medicine: Controller medicine is used for long-term control. Controllers are taken every day. Controllers must be taken even when you have no symptoms.

Quick-Relief medicine (rescue medicine): Quick-relief medicines are used for short term relief during an asthma attack. Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

Understand why you take the medicine and when to take them. If you don't understand, ask your doctor. Ask your doctor about each medicine and write it down.

Personal Log

Log your peak flow results in the morning or evening. Record how often you use your rescue medicine. Check the symptoms that you may have experienced each day. Bring your log to your doctor to help you and your doctor control your asthma.

Asthma Safe Environments

Your home should be asthma friendly. Things that could make your home safer:

		Avoid cigarette smoke
		Wash your sheets regularly
		Keep dust off your furniture
		Bathe your pets regularly
		Keep your home free of mold

Medication Authorization Form

If you have a child that has asthma it is important to inform your child's school. Each school has its own rules and forms in place. If the school does not have an asthma form you could use the Student Asthma Action Card from the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America.

Ask Your Doctor Checklist

It is good to ask your doctor questions when you are first diagnosed. Some
questions you should ask when you are diagnosed:

		What is asthma?
		What are the names of my medicines?
		How do my medicines work?
		How can I keep my asthma under control?
		What can trigger my asthma?
		When do I use my inhaler?
		What is a peak flow meter?
		How often should I see you?

DISCLAIMER: The Information on this site is not intended to take the place of your doctor or other healthcare professionals. It is a resource to help you make the best decisions and get the most from the medical services available to you. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions.