PATIENT INFORMATION ON ASTHMA

ASTHMA

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is asthma? Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic inflammation and reactions to triggers narrow the airways in the lungs. Asthma can become life-threatening if it is not managed.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

What may trigger an asthma attack?

• A cold, the flu, or a sinus infection
• Exercise
• Weather changes, especially cold, dry air
• Smoking or secondhand smoke
• Fumes from chemicals, dust, air pollution, or other small particles in the air
• Pets, pollen, dust mites, or cockroaches

How is asthma diagnosed? Your caregiver will ask how often you have symptoms and what makes them worse. Tell him if you have trouble sleeping, exercising, or doing other activities due to shortness of breath. He will ask about your allergies and past colds, and if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. Tell your caregiver about medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. You may need the following tests:

• Lung function tests are done to show caregivers how well your lungs are working.
• A chest x-ray will check for other lung problems.

How is asthma treated?

• Medicines decrease inflammation, open airways, and make it easier to breathe. Medicines may be inhaled, taken as a pill, or injected. Short-term medicines relieve your symptoms quickly. Long-term medicines are used to prevent future attacks. You may also need medicine to help control your allergies.
• Allergy testing may find allergies that trigger an asthma attack. You may need allergy shots or medicine to control allergies that make your asthma worse.

How can I manage my symptoms and prevent future attacks?

• Follow your Asthma Action Plan (AAP). This is a written plan that you and your caregiver create. It explains which medicine you need and when to change doses if necessary. It also explains how you can monitor symptoms and use a peak flow meter. The meter measures how well your lungs are working.
• Manage other health conditions, such as allergies, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.
• Identify and avoid triggers. These may include pets, dust mites, mold, and cockroaches.
• Do not smoke and avoid others who smoke. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask your caregiver if you need help quitting.
• Ask about a flu vaccine. The flu can make your asthma worse. You may need a yearly flu shot.