AsthmaCenter.us
WHAT IS ASTHMA? People with asthma have inflammation and swelling in their airways. Airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of lungs. The airways of asthmatic patients are super-sensitive and react to certain things such as cigarette smoke, pollen, cold air or things that they could be allergic to. When the airways react, they become narrower, which causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing – especially at night and in the early morning. Sometimes people with asthma have lots of phlegm (mucus) in their airways and sound congested. The basic cause of asthma is not yet known. However, we know that it runs in the family, it is a chronic condition, and people with asthma have symptoms asthma once in a while. Asthma is not contagious. Severe asthma attacks can be dangerous and people may die. Mild asthma attacks also can damage your lungs if you have them frequently. When people have asthma attacks, they have a hard time blowing air out of their lungs. Some kids outgrow asthma and others don't. Among those who outgrow asthma, a few will start having asthma symptoms again after many months or many years. With good care, asthma can be controlled, but not cured. TO PREVENT ASTHMA ATTACKS · Avoid things that bring on your asthma symptoms (asthma triggers). · Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Long-term control asthma medication should be taken every day to prevent asthma symptoms. · Visit your doctor regularly to make sure your asthma is under control and to have your medicine adjusted accordingly. SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA Coughing Wheezing Tightness in the chest Shortness of breath Not all people with asthma wheeze. Coughing may be the only symptoms of asthma for some people. When you feel these signs, you should immediately take quick-relief medicine (albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Maxair or Xopenex) to clear these symptoms. SIGNS OF A SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK Sweating heavily Raised shoulders Blue lips and/or fingernails Unable to talk or walk Breathing using neck muscles Retraction of chest (chest caving in) When you are having these symptoms, first take quick-relief medicine (albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, or Maxair), and then call for help immediately and see a doctor. SEVERITY OF ASTHMA Asthma severity changes from time to time. It is important to see your doctor regularly to adjust medication – you should take less medicine while you are doing well, but more medicine during your worse season. You should have a regular exam and breathing test in order to have an accurate assessment of the severity of your asthma. Pediatric Allergy and
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