A Visual Guide to Asthma
What Is Asthma?
Asthma
is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause
serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as
asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes
that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly
effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.
Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
Symptoms of an asthma attack include:
* Wheezing
* Coughing that won’t stop
* Shortness of breath
* Tightness in the chest
In severe cases, an untreated asthma attack can be life-threatening.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Some asthma attacks require emergency treatment. Call 911 if:
* You are too breathless to walk or talk.
* Your lips or fingernails look blue.
* Using a rescue inhaler doesn’t help.
These
are signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen. Emergency
treatment can help open the airways and restore oxygen levels.
Asthma Early Warning Signs
Sometimes
asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don’t interrupt your daily
activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma
attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing
(especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and
feeling out of breath.
What Causes an Asthma Attack?
In
people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain
triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the
airways. At the same time, the body may produce extra mucus that clogs
the airways. These changes work together to restrict the flow of air to
the lungs. As too little air gets through, wheezing and breathlessness
occur.
Asthma Triggers: Allergies
Allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include:
* Mold
* Dust mites
* Cockroaches
* Pollen from trees or flowers
* Foods such as peanuts, eggs, fish
If pollen is one of your triggers, you’ll probably notice your asthma symptoms are worse at certain times of year.
Asthma Triggers: Pets
Pet
allergies are another common asthma trigger. The problem is dander –
dead skin cells that collect on clothing, furniture, and walls. When pet
dander is inhaled, it can cause an asthma attack in as little as 15
minutes. People with cat allergies react to a protein in the cat's
saliva, skin, and urine. This protein accumulates in the air or on
surfaces and can trigger asthma attacks in 20 to 30 percent of people
with asthma.
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Outdoor
and indoor air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse. Top irritants
include smog, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and even hairspray. These
are known as non-allergic asthma triggers. They don’t cause an allergic
reaction, but can prompt an asthma attack by irritating the airways.
Asthma Triggers: Exercise
The
health benefits of regular exercise are extensive and well-documented.
But physical activity can also trigger asthma symptoms in many people.
This is sometimes called exercise-induced asthma. Fortunately, this
doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. There are ways to control
asthma so it won’t interfere with the activities you enjoy.
Asthma Triggers: Weather
People
with asthma may notice that symptoms get worse during certain types of
weather. When the temperature drops, the chances of having an asthma
attack may go up. Other triggers include air that is extremely humid or
very dry.
Who Gets Asthma?
Asthma
can appear at any age, but it typically develops during childhood.
Those most at risk include people with allergies or a family history of
asthma. Having a parent with asthma makes children three to six times
more likely to develop the condition. Gender also plays a role. Asthma
is more common in boys during childhood but in women during adulthood.
Occupational Asthma
Certain
types of jobs can raise your risk of developing asthma as an adult.
This includes working in a factory or other environment where you are
routinely exposed to certain chemicals or industrial dusts.
Asthma and Smoking
Several
studies suggest that adults and teenagers who smoke are more likely to
develop asthma. And there is strong evidence to incriminate secondhand
smoke as well. Kids who are around people who smoke have a higher chance
of getting asthma early in life.
Asthma and Obesity
Asthma
is also more common in people who are overweight or obese. In a review
of seven studies, researchers found asthma to be twice as common in
obese adults and 38 percent more common in overweight adults, compared
to people with a healthy BMI.
Asthma Rates on the Rise
Asthma
rates have been rising steadily in the U.S. for decades. Some
researchers suggest this is the result of better hygiene, which has
reduced the number of childhood infections. The theory is that fewer
infections may mean a less well-developed immune system, and an
increased risk of asthma. Other possible explanations are the increased
use of household cleaning sprays, the decreased use of aspirin, and
lower levels of vitamin D.
Diagnosing Asthma
If
you have symptoms of asthma, your doctor will want to check how well
your lungs are working. A lung function test, also called spirometry,
measures how much air you can breathe in and out. The results will help
determine whether you have asthma and how severe the condition is. Your
doctor may also recommend allergy testing to pinpoint some of your
asthma triggers.
Managing Asthma: Avoiding Triggers
The
first step in controlling asthma is to identify and avoid your
triggers. This may mean staying indoors when the smog index is high or
getting special bedding to combat dust mites. The most effective way to
fight allergens in the home is to remove the source, which may include
pets, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Dusting regularly and using a
vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter may also help.
Managing Asthma: Allergy Shots
If
you can’t avoid some of the allergens that cause your asthma attacks,
your doctor may recommend allergy shots. These shots help desensitize
you to particular triggers and may lessen your asthma symptoms. An
allergist can help determine which shots are right for you.
Managing Asthma: Long-Term Medication
It
is virtually impossible for people with asthma to avoid all their
triggers all the time. For this reason, many people need to take daily
medication to prevent asthma attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are the
most common medication for the long-term control of asthma. They work by
reducing inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to
irritants in the air.
Quick Relief for Asthma Attacks
Even
with the use of long-term medication, asthma symptoms sometimes flare
up. When this happens, you’ll need another type of inhaler to provide
quick relief. Short-acting beta2-agonists are the most common choice.
These rescue inhalers quickly relax the tightened muscles around the
airways, restoring the flow of air to the lungs. Most asthma attacks
respond to this medication, eliminating the need for a hospital visit.
Using a Peak Flow Meter
To
determine whether your asthma is under control, your doctor will
probably recommend using a peak flow meter. You blow into the device,
and it measures how well air is moving out of your lungs. Changes in
your peak flow score can help warn you that an asthma attack might occur
soon.
Asthma Action Plan
Most
people with asthma are able to keep the condition under control. The
key is to play an active role in developing a treatment strategy. Sit
down with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan.This plan will
identify your triggers, list your daily medications, and outline what to
do when you have a flare-up. By following the plan (and adjusting it
when needed), you may be able to eliminate most of your asthma symptoms.
Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:22 pm