Asthma CAN be controlled.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the linings of the airways become inflamed and muscle spasms restrict the flow of air to the lungs. Asthma is a common condition affecting more than 34.1 million people in the United States.

Asthma symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Wheeze
• Difficulty Breathing
• Chest tightness

The symptoms of asthma are frequently experienced at night, but an asthma episode can occur at any time. Asthma episodes can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks in which breathing stops completely.

Risk Factors for asthma:

When a patient is diagnosed with asthma often the first question is “Why do I have asthma? Or “Why does my child have asthma.” Here are some common risk factors for asthma:

• Family history of asthma and allergies
• Frequent respiratory infections in childhood
• Exposure to tobacco smoke before birth, in childhood and as an adult
• Low birth weight
• Living in a large urban area
  

How do I know if I have asthma?

A physician will use many factors to determine if a person has asthma. These may include:

• Medical History
• Physical exam
• Laboratory testing. Spirometry- These are called lung function tests. They are easy and painless, requiring you simply to breathe into an instrument. This will measure the lungs volume and the rate in which air is taken in and out of the lungs

Asthma triggers

An asthma trigger are things that cause an asthma attack.

• Allergens- dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold
• Irritants- tobacco smoke, strong odors, pollution
• Infections- common cold, flu
• Exercise
  

Steps to minimize symptoms:

Although there is no known cure for asthma, there are steps you can take to minimize the severity and frequency of symptoms. These steps include:

• Limiting exposure to asthma triggers.
• Identifying early warning signals.
• Using effective management tools to monitor lung function.
• Taking prescribed asthma medications consistently and correctly.
• Working closely with your physicians and health care providers.
• Using a personalized, written action plan to manage episodes.

Asthma treatment goals:

• Symptom free
• Exercise without symptoms
• Sleep without symptoms
• Use of emergency medications less than 2 times a week
• Prevent attacks
• Decrease Emergency Room visits
• Follow individual asthma action plan