Keeping Asthma in Check (Asthma answers and self tests)

What Causes Asthma?

Respiratory viral infections and even the common cold can cause asthma. Heredity can also play a part. However, allergic reactions are the main cause of asthma. The most common allergens include:

• Pollen
  
• Cockroaches
  
• Molds
  
• Household dust mites
  
• Pets
  

Asthma often results from a combination of allergic
and non-allergic reactions. Some of the most
common non-allergic reactions or "triggers" include:

• Air pollutants and irritants
  
• Smoke & second-hand smoke
  
• Cold air
  
• Exercise
  
• Emotional upsets
  

The number of asthma cases has increased
significantly in the past decade. Researchers believe
the following risk factors are largely to blame:

• Increasing populations in large
  urban areas with environmental
  pollutants
  
• High exposure to asthma-causing
  chemicals used in farming and paint,
  electronics and steel manufacturing
  
• Low birth weight and obesity
  

For more information about asthma
or other respiratory conditions, you may find it helpful to contact the following organizations:

American Lung Association
1-800-LUNG-USA

American Academy of Allergies and Immunology
1-800-822-ASMA

Allergy and Asthma Network / Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc.
1-703-385-4403

Taking Control Of Asthma

Asthma doesn't discriminate. It's a chronic lung condition that affects people of any race, age and sex. At a moment's notice, the life-giving air that we take for granted can be taken away. Yet, thanks to scientists' and doctors' unyielding efforts to improve asthma
medications and management techniques, people with asthma are breathing easier.

When Asthma Attacks...

The main passage of your lungs, your bronchial tubes, are inflamed. The muscles of them bronchial walls have tightened, making it difficult for air to move in and out. The result is any one or a combination of the following:

Symptoms:

• Wheezing
  
• Coughing
  
• Excess Mucus
  
• Chest Tightness
  
• Breathlessness
  

Diagnosing Asthma

This self-assessment test is a good start. Don't write
off that nightly cough as "just a cold." And that
gasping for air may not be a result of being "out of
shape." If you're experiencing any of the following,
you could have asthma:

1. Sometimes I have pain or tightening in my

2. Sometimes I feel short of breath and/or have coughing spells.

3. I find myself waking up during the night due to shortness of breath, coughing, or
wheezing.

4. I cough or have trouble breathing while going about my daily activities.

5. When I exercise, I cough and have difficulty breathing.

6. A cold goes right to my chest, and it's hard to breathe.

7. Dust, pollen and pets can make it difficult for me to breathe.

8. Fumes, tobacco smoke, and strong odors make it hard for me to breathe.

This test is by no means a substitute for a full diagnosis of asthma. If you checked any of theabove, contact your doctor and set up an appointment.

Diagnosing Asthma

Diagnosing asthma is no easy task. Symptoms are often similar to other lung conditions and can range from mild to very severe. The good news is that when asthma is correctly diagnosed, it can be treated. The diagnosis of asthma by your doctor may include:

A family medical history evaluation

• Any parent or relatives with asthma or persistent allergies?
• Do you have a history of recurrent and persistent cough?

Physical examination

• Listening to lungs with a stethoscope
• Examination of nasal passages

Lung function tests

• A peak-flow meter measures the rate at which you can expel air

Chest x-ray

• To exclude the possibilities of breathing problems caused by something other than asthma

Allergy prick test

• A skin test that confirms the recurrent and persistent cough?

A trial use of asthma medication

Asthma? Yes, I Have It. (But Is It Under Control?)

If you've already been diagnosed with asthma,
continue to touch base with your doctor to
discuss ways to better manage your condition.
Check any of the following if they apply to you:

1. I use my quick relief inhaler more

2. My quick relief inhaler has lasted for less than three months.

3. I've been to the emergency room or hospital because of my asthma in the last year.

4. My asthma medicine causes adverse side effects.

5. Coughing or wheezing wake me up during the night.

6. I'm short of breath in the morning.

7. I cough or wheeze in the morning.

If you checked any of the above, be sure to discuss
your situation with your doctor. Don't try to treat
asthma yourself and don't settle for feeling
better - you could feel your best with a different
prescription, different dosage or new asthma
management techniques.

Preventing Asthma Attacks

Devise an asthma action plan

• Follow your doctor's advice for taking medications and handling acute attacks.

Monitor your breathing

• Measure your peak air flow regularly
  
• Learn to recognize your own signs of an impending attack
  

Treat attacks early on

• Quick action on your part can lessen the severity of an attack
• Stop whatever may have triggered your attack and take your medication

Asthma Treatment

There are three types of medical treatments
available for asthma:

• Medications that acutely relieve symptoms or prevent flare-ups
• Medications that suppress inflammation
  
• Immunotherapy or allergy desensitization shots
  

The key to managing and treating your asthma is to
work with your doctor as a team to determine the
best course of action. While medication is key to
controlling asthma, there are several things you can
do to prevent attacks:

• Exercise to strengthen your heart and lungs
  
• Use your air conditioner to reduce airborn pollens
  
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity
• Clean your home at least once a week to eliminate dust

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