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What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that causes swelling in the lungs and prevents them from properly taking in and letting out air. It is sometimes called bronchial asthma or reactive airways disease (RAD). It affects a growing number of children and 3-5% of adults in the US.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The main symptoms are wheezing and shortness of breath. Wheezing usually begins suddenly and may be worse at night or in the early morning. An asthma attack refers to serious symptoms such as extreme difficulty in breathing, a bluish color to the lips and face, severe anxiety, rapid pulse, sweating, and a decreased level of consciousness (severe drowsiness or confusion). Other symptoms that may occur include nasal flaring, chest pain, tightness in the chest, an abnormal breathing pattern, breathing which temporarily stops and coughing up blood.

What happens during an asthma attack?

When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the bronchial "tree" in your lungs become tight, and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the flow of air and creates the wheezing sound. An attack can last anywhere from several minutes to several days and can become dangerous when it severely restricts your breathing.

What causes an asthma attack?

Breathing substances that you are allergic to (allergens) such as pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollen can trigger symptoms. So can respiratory infections, heartburn, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke, and other pollutants. Stress, food, and allergies to some drugs, such as aspirin, are also known to cause asthma attacks.

Who is at risk for developing asthma?

Currently, we do not know why only some people develop asthma. Half of the people with asthma develop symptoms before age 10. Almost all asthma develops before age 30. Many people with asthma have a family history of asthma and/or allergies.

Is asthma a serious disease?

With proper treatment, most people are able to manage their asthma. However, there can be complications, including respiratory fatigue and even death. Complications can also occur because of medication side effects.

Is asthma curable?

Currently, there is no cure for asthma. However, symptoms sometimes get better over time. With proper self-care and medical treatment, most people with asthma can live normal lives.

How is asthma treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation or swelling in the lungs. Most often a metered dose inhaler of a steroid preparation (some common brand names are Vanceril, Beclovent, Aerobid, Azmacort, Flovent, or Pulmicort) will be prescribed. In addition, an inhaler containing a bronchodilator (Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Maxair or Tornalate), commonly known as a rescue inhaler, may be prescribed for use during an asthma attack. Unlike a pill, the inhaler delivers a specific amount of medicine in aerosol form that can be quickly absorbed into the lungs and causes the airways to open. In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed.

What can I do if I have an asthma attack?

Use your rescue inhaler as directed. If you have mild symptoms, make an appointment with your primary healthcare provider. If you experience moderate shortness of breath or symptoms that worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if an attack requires more medication than recommended in the prescription, call your primary health care provider or go to the emergency room. If you have severe symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, drowsiness or confusion, or severe chest pain, seek emergency treatment. It is also useful to monitor lung function with a peak flow meter, a small device that measures the strength of the exhaled breath. Your physician may set up a medication schedule ("asthma action plan") based on daily monitoring of the peak flow meter that will adjust medications for worsening symptoms.

What can I do to prevent an asthma attack?

Asthma symptoms can be greatly reduced by avoiding things that are known to trigger allergies and irritate the lungs. For example, if someone with asthma is sensitive to dust mites, then wrapping mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers, removing carpets from bedroom floors, and vacuuming regularly can help. Often weather can trigger an attack. Exercising in cold weather is not advised. As mentioned above, it is useful to monitor lung function with a peak flow meter, since a decline in values may be the first indication of worsening of asthma. Older adults with asthma should get influenza and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines.

How can I find more information about asthma?

Contact:

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Information telephone number: 1-800-7-ASTHMA (1-800-727-8462)
Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm eastern standard time
1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 402
Washington D.C., 20036
202-466-7643 (phone)
202-466-8940 (fax)
Website: www.aafa.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Phone: (301)592-8573
Fax: (301)592-8563
Website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/naepp/
National Health Information Center
Attention: Web Site
PO Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
Website: http://allergy.mcg.edu/
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Allergist Referral Service: 1-800-842-7777

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