Asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways. The airways are the
tubes that carry air into the lungs. These airways divide into smaller
and smaller tubes like the branches of a tree as they go deeper into the
lungs. These very small airways are wrapped in muscle.
Asthma affects the airways in two major ways:
The airways become swollen and clogged with mucus (called
inflammation)
Muscles go into spasm and tighten around the airways (called bronchoconstriction)
Both of these changes make it hard to move air in and out of the lungs.
With proper treatment, the inflammation can be controlled and the spasms
can be prevented.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms can include one or more of these:
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Coughing
Trouble breathing or speaking
Symptoms may be only at night (between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.) making it
hard to sleep.
Asthma can be treated by controlling or avoiding asthma triggers (see
above section) and through the proper use of medications. In some cases,
allergy shots may be helpful.
Asthma medications are divided into two groups:
Controller medications are taken every day to control asthma. They
work by decreasing airway swelling and inflammation.
Reliever medications are used for quick relief of symptoms or to
prevent symptoms before exercise or exertion. These medications give
relief within 5 to 15 minutes.
Most asthma medicines are taken through an inhaler called a metered dose
inhaler or MDI. Some medicines are taken by mouth or from a nebulizer.
How can you help control your asthma?
In the above section, you read some tips for reducing your asthma
triggers at home. In addition, you can monitor and help manage your
asthma in two ways. Ask your doctor if you should:
Use a peak flow meter. This is a device that tells you how well air
is moving in and out of your lungs. By taking regular peak flow
readings, you will learn your own “personal best” number. A drop in your
peak flow number alerts you to begin treatment for an asthma flare-up.
Use an asthma action plan. Many people with asthma have a
personalized set of written instructions that tells them how to adjust
their medications at home and when to call the doctor. These actions are
taken based on warning signs, symptoms, and peak flow readings.
Asthma episodes rarely happen without warning signs. These signs are
different for everyone. Knowing your warning signs can help you avoid a
serious asthma episode. Common warning signs include:
If you have any of these signs, call your doctor or get medical help
right away:
You are still wheezing, coughing, or short of breath, even after
you've given your medicine time to work. Most inhaled bronchodilator
medicines work within 5 to 10 minutes. Talk with your doctor about
the time it takes your medicine to work.
You have a hard time breathing. Signs of this are:
Chest and neck are pulled or sucked in with each breath
Hunching or lifting of shoulders
Struggling to breathe
Rapid breathing
Nostrils are flared
You have trouble walking or talking (not able to complete a
full sentence).
Your peak flow rate gets lower, or does not improve after
treatment with bronchodilators, or drops to 50% or less of your
personal best.
Discuss this peak flow level with your doctor.
Your lips or fingernails are gray or blue. If this happens, call 911
or have someone drive you to the emergency room right away (do not drive
yourself).
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
In the past two weeks, have you had a cough, wheezing, or shortness of
breath?