Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in your lungs. During an asthma episode, the airways become inflamed, narrow, and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment.

Types of Asthma

• Allergic Asthma: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
• Non-allergic Asthma: Triggered by factors like stress, exercise, or weather changes
• Exercise-induced Asthma: Symptoms occur during or after physical activity
• Occupational Asthma: Caused by workplace irritants
• Childhood Asthma: Develops in children, may improve with age

Common Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning
• Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems
• Rapid breathing
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue during physical activity

Common Triggers

Environmental Triggers

• Airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander)
• Air pollutants and irritants
• Cold air or weather changes
• Strong odors or fumes

Physical and Emotional Triggers

• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Strong emotions and stress
• Respiratory infections
• Certain medications (aspirin, beta-blockers)

General Management Approaches

Daily Management

• Avoid Triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to personal triggers
• Take Controller Medications: Use daily medications as prescribed
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of symptoms and peak flow readings
• Create an Asthma Action Plan: Work with healthcare provider

Medication Types

• Quick-relief Medications: For immediate symptom relief (rescue inhalers)
• Long-term Control Medications: For daily prevention and control
• Combination Medications: Both controller and reliever in one inhaler

Inhaler Technique

• Proper inhaler use is crucial for medication effectiveness
• Ask healthcare provider to demonstrate correct technique
• Use spacer devices when recommended
• Clean inhalers regularly

When to Seek Medical Attention

Emergency Care Needed:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Unable to speak in full sentences
• Lips or fingernails turning blue
• Peak flow reading in red zone (if using peak flow meter)
• Rescue inhaler not providing relief
• Extreme anxiety due to breathing difficulty

Schedule an Appointment:

• Symptoms worsening or becoming more frequent
• Need to use rescue inhaler more than twice a week
• Waking up at night due to asthma symptoms
• Symptoms interfering with daily activities
• Side effects from asthma medications

Lifestyle Management

Home Environment

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
• Maintain low humidity (30-50%)
• Regular cleaning to reduce dust mites
• Remove or minimize carpeting
• Keep pets out of bedrooms
• Use allergen-proof bedding covers

Exercise and Asthma

• Regular exercise is beneficial for people with asthma
• Warm up before exercise and cool down afterward
• Consider pre-exercise medication if recommended
• Choose activities less likely to trigger symptoms
• Exercise indoors during high pollen days

Nutrition and Hydration

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• Stay well-hydrated
• Consider omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds)
• Avoid foods that trigger symptoms

Monitoring Your Asthma

Peak Flow Monitoring

• Measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs
• Helps detect changes before symptoms worsen
• Use consistently at the same time each day

Symptom Tracking

• Keep a diary of symptoms and triggers
• Note medication use and effectiveness
• Track sleep quality and daily activities

Creating an Asthma Action Plan

Work with your healthcare provider to create a written plan that includes:

• Daily management strategies
• How to handle worsening symptoms
• When to seek emergency care
• Emergency contact information
• Current medications and dosages

Long-term Outlook

With proper management, people with asthma can:

• Live active, normal lives
• Participate in sports and exercise
• Prevent serious complications
• Reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms
• Maintain good lung function