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:
What Happens
During an Episode of Asthma?
Asthma affects the airways in your lungs.
During an episode of asthma:
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
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...
Maintenance
Peak
Flow Meter
A Peak Flow meter is a device that measures how well air moves out of your lungs. Each persons asthma is different, and your best peak flow may be higher or lower than the average usual number for someone of your height, weight, and sex. This means that it is important for you to find your won personal best peak flow number. Your medicine plan needs to be based on YOUR personal best peak flow number. To find your personal best, take peak flow readings:
Green Zone: | (usually 80% to 100% of your personal best number) signals good control. Take your medicines as usual and participate in usual activities. |
Yellow Zone: | (usually 50% to less than 80% of your personal best number) signals caution. You must take a short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist right away. Also, your asthma may not be under good day-to-day control. Ask your doctor if you need to change or increase your daily medicines. |
Red Zone: | (usually below 50% of your personal best number) signals a medical alert. You must take a short-acting inhaled beta2-agonist right away. Call your doctor or emergency room and ask what to do, or go directly to the hospital emergency room. |
Medication
Administration
Medications for asthma can be administered either by inhaled or oral routes. The major advantage of delivering drugs directly into the lungs via inhalation are that higher concentrations can be delivered more effectively to the airways and that side effects are avoided or minimized.
Metered-Dose Inhaler Techniques
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
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.
Nebulizer
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
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.
Latest
Research
Risk
Factors for Acute Exacerbations of Symptoms
Asthma
Prevalence, Diagnosis, Management, and Mortality
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