Asthma is a chronic or life-long inflammatory disorder of the airways of the lungs.  This inflammation causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning.  These episodes are associated with airflow obstruction that is at least to some degree reversible.  The inflammation also causes the airways to become very sensitive, or hyper responsive, to a variety of stimuli.
 
 

What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?

The main symptoms of asthma are:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Cough

What Happens During an Episode of Asthma?

Asthma affects the airways in your lungs.  During an episode of asthma:
 

• The lining of the airways becomes inflamed.
• The airways produce a thick mucus.
• The muscles around the airways tighten and make the airways narrower.

These changes in the airways block the flow of air, making it hard to breathe.
 
 

Is There a Cure for Asthma?

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.  You should expect nothing less!

Your Asthma Can Be Controlled!
 
 

If you have asthma, your airways are very sensitive.  They may react to a variety of factors that may cause your asthma to get worse.  These factors are called triggers.  For successful long-term asthma management, it is essential to identify and reduce exposures to allergens and irritants and to control other factors that have been shown to increase asthma symptoms or cause asthma episodes.  These triggers fall into four categories:  inhalant allergens, occupational exposures, irritants, and other factors.  It's important to find out what your individual triggers are and to learn ways to avoid or control them.

Inhalant Allergens

Animal Allergens	All warm-blooded animals, including small rodents and birds, produce dander, urine, feces, and saliva that can cause allergic reactions.
House-Dust Mite Allergens	House-dust mites are found in areas of high humidity.  Mites live in dust from mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bed covers, clothes, and soft toys.
Cockroach Allergen	Cockroach sensitivity and exposure are common among individuals with asthma who live in inner cities.
Indoor Molds	Indoor molds are particularly prominent in humid environments and homes that have dampness problems.
Outdoor Allergens	Outdoor allergens include tree, grass, and weed pollens and seasonal mold spores.

 

Occupational Exposures

Workplace exposure to sensitizing chemicals or dusts can induce asthma.  It is important to quickly recognize and control workplace exposures to increase the likelihood of completely resolving the asthma symptoms.  If you suspect exposures at work are causing or contributing to your asthma, work closely with your doctor and employee health specialist to diagnose and control the exposure.

Irritants

Tobacco Smoke	Tobacco smoke is an indoor irritant and is a cause of asthma symptoms in children and adults.
Stoves, Appliances, and Fireplaces	Individuals with asthma should avoid exposure to fumes from unvented gas, oil, or kerosene stoves; wood-burning appliances; or fireplaces because they irritate the lungs and can cause asthma symptoms.
Strong Odors and Sprays	Strong odors and sprays irritate the lungs and can cause asthma symptoms.
Air Pollution and Weather	Pollution in inner cities, and windy cold weather can cause asthma symptoms.

Other Factors

• Exercise
• Allergic Rhinitis / Sinusitis
• Infections
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Sulfite Sensitivity
• Hypertension Medication

 

Warning Signs of Asthma Episodes

Most people with asthma have early warning signs that occur days or hours before symptoms appear.  Warning signs are not the same for everyone.  You may have different signs at different times.  By knowing your warning signs and acting on them, you may be able to avoid a serious episode of asthma.  Here are some early warning signs...

• Tired
• Itchy, watery, or glassy eyes
• Itchy, scratchy, or sore throat
• Stroking chin or throat
• Sneezing
• Head stuffed up
• Headache
• Fever
• Restlessness
• Runny nose
• Change in face color
• Dark circles under eyes
• Drop in peak flow reading

• at least twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks.
• when you wake up and between noon and 2:00 pm.
• Before and after you take your short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist for quick relief, if you take this medicine.
• As instructed by your doctor.

Open-Mouth Technique 1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright. 2. Shake the inhaler. 3. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out slowly. 4. Open your mouth and hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away. 5. Press down on the inhaler to release medication as you start to breathe in slowly. 6. Breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds. 7. Hold in the breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs. 8. Repeat each puff as directed.  Waiting 1 minute between puffs may permit the second puff to penetrate your lungs better. 9. Clean the inhaler daily, or as suggested by the manufacturer.

Closed-Mouth Technique 1. Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright. 2. Shake the inhaler. 3. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out slowly. 4. Put the inhaler in your mouth. 5. Press down on the inhaler to release medication as you start to breathe in slowly. 6. Breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds. 7. Hold in the breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs. 8. Repeat each puff as directed.  Waiting 1 minute between puffs may permit the second puff to penetrate your lungs better. 9. Clean the inhaler daily, or as suggested by the manufacturer.

Spacer devices and holding chambers can take away some of the timing difficulties associated with using the inhaler.  Some of these devices have reeds in the far end, like a musical instrument.  If you inhale too quickly, the reed vibrates and you hear a whistle.  Spacer devices are very effective in helping people use the Metered Dose Inhalers and can help decrease potential side effects.

Other inhaler are becoming available in addition to those discussed above.  Different types of inhalers may require different techniques.  Inhaled dry-powder and breath-actuated devices require different inhalation techniques.  It is important to close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and to inhale rapidly.
 
 

A nebulizer is a device used for inhaling medications.  The nebulizer is attached to an air compressor.  The air compressor changes the liquid medication into a fine mist that can easily be inhaled into the airways.  It consists of a cup, a mouthpiece attached to a T-shaped part or mask, and thin, plastic tubing to connect to the compressed air machine.
 
 

Asthma medications are used to prevent and control asthma symptoms, reduce the number and severity of asthma episodes, and open the airways.  There are two primary types of asthma medications:  long-term control medications (to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma) and quick-relief medications ( provide fast relief of bronchoconstriction and its accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing.).   Patients with persistent asthma require both types of medications to control their asthma.

ASTHMA ASSOCIATION WEB SITE:

Allergy/Asthma Information Association

Your Asthma Can Be Controlled!

Asthma Management in Schools: Call To Action

Sapient Health Network Asthma Community Membership

Asthma Education Web Site *Parent Zone*

JAMA Asthma Information Center - Treatment Center

Asthma & Physical Activity In The School

The Virtual Hospital *Managing Asthma & Allergies at School*
"Tips for School Teachers and Staff"
 
 

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