ASTHMA

Asthma is chronic airway inflammation characterized by recurrent episodes of coughing, chest tightness, breathlessness, and wheezing resulting from obstructed and narrowed air passages. Asthma attacks can be intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent.

With an asthma attack, the air passages in the lungs tighten. The thin, inner linings of the air passage tubes become swollen and inflamed. Mucous produced in these tubes increases and thickens, making it harder to breathe. During an asthma attack, the chest feels tight and it may be difficult to speak. Often it is easier to inhale than to exhale. Coughing or a high-pitched whistling sound (called wheezing) may be heard when breathing.

An asthma attack may be triggered by:

irritants (such as cigarette or wood smoke, chemicals, perfumes, or household cleaners)
climate (such as changes in humidity or temperature extremes)
strenuous exercise
viral respiratory infections
allergens (such things as airborne pollens, molds, animal dander, some foods, or medications)
reflux disease (stomach acid backing up into the esophagus)

Medications for asthma can be given by inhalation, orally, or by injection into soft tissue, muscle, or directly into a vein. The advantage of inhaled medication is that high concentrations of medication are delivered directly into the airways and systemic side effects are avoided or minimized.

Medications used for asthma management depend on the severity of symptoms. Controller medications are used daily on a long-term basis to maintain and control asthma. Reliever medications act quickly to relieve constriction of airway and the associated symptoms of cough, wheezing, or chest tightness. Reliever medication should not be used more than 3 to 4 times a day.

The selection of medications within these two groups of medications is made based on asthma severity, the patient's response, the availability, and economic considerations. The goal is to manage asthma with the least possible medication.

Breathing may be monitored using a peak flow meter. This device allows individuals to measure their own lung capacity so daily results can be tracked and their healthcare provider notified of any change. Even a small change in breathing capacity may mean a change is needed in a treatment plan. Monitoring these changes can help individuals avoid more serious attacks.

People with asthma should avoid all things that are known to trigger an episode (or attack) of asthma. Increasing the intake of fluids helps thin mucous and make it less sticky and easier to cough up. Rest and proper nutrition are important in the management of asthma. Work with a provider to develop a plan for maintenance as well as for dealing with an acute attack.

If you have asthma, become a participant in the management of your asthma. Learn more about the disease, avoid known asthma triggers, and follow your treatment plan. People with asthma can lead a comfortable, healthy, and active life.

For more information about asthma or other lung diseases, call your local American Lung Association or call (800) LUNG-USA or visit their website at www.lungusa.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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