Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can cause repeated episodes of cough, wheezing and breathing difficulty. Asthma can be triggered by allergens, infection, exercise, cold air and other factors. About 15 million adults and children have asthma. It is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, affecting more than 6 million children.

During an asthma attack, the air passages become swollen and narrow and produce a thick mucous. At the same time, the muscles around the airways become tight. The tightening of the muscles, called bronchospasm, causes the airways to become even narrower.

Each person’s symptoms are different, but everyone must pay attention to the early warning signs of asthma to recognize that an asthma episode may be developing. These signs may include breathing changes or coughing, feeling tired, having less energy for exercise and having lower peak flow meter numbers. A peak flow meter is an easy-to-use plastic device that measures how well air moves out of your lungs.

Common signs and symptoms of an acute asthma episode include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing (although it may be absent)
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Increased breathing rate

Severe asthma symptoms require immediate attention and can be a life-threatening emergency. Signs of severe symptoms include:

• Severe cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or wheezing
• Difficulty speaking in full sentences
• Hard and fast breathing
• Nasal flaring
• Chest and neck muscles pulling in when breathing
• Lips or fingernails turning gray or blue

• Regular check-ups with your doctor are very important, even if you have been symptom free.
• Take all your prescribed asthma medications. There are two types of asthma medicines:
  • Long-term control medications – These are taken daily on a long-term basis. They maintain control of persistent asthma by lessening the chronic inflammatory aspect of asthma.
  • Quick-relief medications – These are short-acting beta agonists (SABAs). They relax airway muscles to provide quick relief.
• Children should follow a written asthma action plan written by you and your child’s doctor. It should list what medications to give your child to keep his or her asthma under control. It should also list what to do when your child’s asthma worsens, including what medications to give and when to contact your child’s doctor or go to the emergency room.
• Monitor your child’s asthma with a peak flow meter. Peak flow monitoring is considered for children around 6 years and older with moderate or severe persistent asthma, a history of severe episodes or perceived airflow obstruction and worsening asthma. This easy-to-use plastic device measures how well air moves out of your child’s lungs. The peak flow number and your symptoms are used as a guide to help manage your child’s asthma.
• Identify your triggers for asthma. Everyone’s asthma triggers are different. An allergist can help you pinpoint them. Once you know your triggers, you can better avoid them to help control your asthma.