Full Text
What is Asthma? Asthma is a condition that affects the smaller airways (bronchioles) of the lungs. From time to time the air- ways constrict (narrow) in people who have asthma. This causes the typical The extent of the narrowing, and how long each episode lasts, can vary greatly. Asthma can start at any age, but it most commonly starts in childhood. At least 1 in 10 children, and 1 in 20 adults, have asthma. Asthma runs in some fami- lies, but many people with asthma have no other fam- ily members affected. Asthma is caused by inflam- mation in the airways. It is not known why the inflam- mation occurs. The inflam- mation irritates the muscles around the airways, and causes them to squeeze (constrict). This causes nar- rowing of the airways. It is then more difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. This leads to wheez- ing and breathlessness. The inflammation also causes the lining of the airways to make extra mucus which causes cough and further obstruction to airflow. The diagram on page two aims to illustrate how an episode of asthma develops. Asthma triggers can include: Allergens, such as: Dogs, or other animals Pollen from trees, grass and weeds Dust or mold Colds or flu Irritants, such as: Strong odors from perfumes, paints, sprays, or other items Smoke from cigarettes or from burning wood, paper, or other items Environmental factors: Weather changes or very cold air Air pollution Exercise Aspirin or other medicines Preventive Measures Asthma Asthma Managing Your Disease Part of managing asthma is knowing the of an asthma attack: of an asthma attack include: Shortness of breath Tightness in chest Coughing Wheezing Faster breathing Drop in peak flow rate An important step in man- aging asthma is to reduce exposures to your asthma triggers. You may not be affected by all of the trig- gers listed here but by work- ing with your doctor may be able to help you deter- mine which triggers affect your asthma. Things that can be done to prevent asthma at- tacks: Working with your doctor to learn more about your asthma; If needed, taking medica- tions as directed by your physician; Watching for signs that your asthma is getting worse and talking to your doctor about any changes; and Attempting to minimize exposure to known trig- gers of your asthma. Treatments Inhalers Most people with asthma are treated with inhalers. Inhalers deliver a small dose of drug directly to the airways. The dose is enough to treat the airways. However, the amount of drug that gets into the rest of your body is small so side-effects are unlikely, or minor. There are various inhaler devices made by different companies. Different ones suit differ- ent people. A doctor or nurse will advise on the different types. Tablets to open up the airways Most people do not need tablets as inhalers usu- ally work well. However, in some cases a tablet (or in liquid form for children) is prescribed in addi- tion to inhalers if are not fully eased by inhalers alone. Some young children use liquid medication instead of inhalers. Steroid tablets A short course of steroid tablets (such as predniso- lone) is sometimes needed to ease a severe or prolonged attack of asthma. Steroid tablets are good at reducing the inflammation in the airways. For example, a severe attack may occur if you have a cold or chest infection. Reference: American Lung Association and Healthcentral.com ---PAGE BREAK---