Asthma

A chronic condition that restricts the airways of the lungs

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways of the lungs. Various stimuli can trigger swelling in the airways, constricting them and causing difficulty breathing. These triggering events are known as Asthma attacks. Common symptoms of Asthma include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.

Prevalence in Adults

It is estimated that as much as 6% of the adult population in the United States has asthma, with roughly half of suffering a flare up in a given year. These flare ups can lead to loss of productivity, hospital visits, and in some cases, death. Knowing your triggers, treating your symptoms, and most importantly, preventing attacks is crucial to your quality of life with Asthma.

Prevalence in Children

Affecting over six million children, asthma is the most prevalent chronic illness among children. While the mortality rate for children with Asthma is low, it is among the leading causes of school absenteeism, ER visits, and hospitalizations among minors. If your child has asthma, it is important to manage their symptoms, know their sensitivities, and prevent attacks as much as possible.

Know the Signs

Asthma affects many people, knowing the signs to seek treatment can be critical to your quality of life.

Shortness of Breath

Feeling like you cannot move enough air, or feeling like you cannot breathe as deeply as you need to can be a sign of Asthma

Wheezing

For many, an early sign of an attack may be a wheezing or whistling sound while taking a breath. The sound may come from a different area in the chest depending on the place, and severity of the attack.

Coughing

It is common for the swelling in the airways to trigger coughing, this can lead to debilitating coughing fits.

Tightness

While experiencing an attack, you may experience the sensation of tightness in your chest. This can manifest in several ways. For some, it can feel like there are weights or bands on your chest, keeping it from expanding. For others, sharp pain at a certain point may keep you from breathing.

Triggers

Below are some common triggers of Asthma

Allergens

Allergens such as dust mites, mold and mildew can trigger an asthma attack. Learn more about steps you can take to limit your exposure...

Smoke

Sources of smoke, especially tobacco can distress your airways and cause an attack. Limiting your exposure to first and secondhand sources of smoke can significantly reduce your risk of an attack.

Pests

Pests like mice, cockroaches, and ants have been linked to asthmatic attacks. Keeping your environment clear of food debris that can attract them can help alleviate symptoms.

Pets

While we all love our adopted family members, they can be a source of allergens that can cause an asthma attack. However there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Chemical Cleaning Products

While keeping a clean environment is crucial for controlling your symptoms, certain chemicals in cleaning products are known to trigger attacks. Limiting their use can alleviate symptoms.

Pollutants

Air quality is a major contributor to asthmatic symptoms. Subtleties of topography and season can cause spikes in pollutants that trigger symptoms.

Treatments

There are several classes of treatment for asthma. Used in conjunction, they can help you alleviate symptoms.

Acute Treatment

Acute Treatments are used to treat Asthma symptoms as the are occurring. Emergency inhalers fall under this category.

Preventative Medications

This class of medications are used to control and prevent the onset of asthma attacks. Generally these medications are taken daily and can take the form of inhalers, nebulizers, or oral medications.

Over the Counter Treatments

Some therapies used in conjunction with your prescribed medications are effective at controlling symptoms.

Non-pharmacutical Interventions

While you are experiencing an attack, there are steps you can take to help get your symptoms under control, even without pharmacological intervention.