Asthma facts

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects approximately 15 million people in the United States. Asthma is characterized by the following:

1. Obstruction of airflow. (This occurs when the muscles that surround the airways tighten. This may also be call bronchoconstriction.)
2. Inflammation of the airways
3. Increased sensitivity to a variety of factors in the environment

This may include allergens (Allergens are particles that may elicit an allergic response. This may include dust mites, cat dander, dog dander, mold spores and pollens), infections, pollutants, tobacco smoke.)

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breast and chest tightness. More severe symptoms with include difficulty talking, shallow and rapid breathing, and nasal flaring (Nostrils open and close with breathing). These symptoms may occur without any obvious trigger. More often, an asthma exacerbation may be initiated by a specific trigger. (Upper respiratory infections, exercise, animal dander, pollens, cigarette smoke, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, emotions, weather.)

How do you diagnose asthma?

Asthma may be diagnosed by a variety of methods. First, a comprehensive history and physical exam will be preformed by the physician. Further testing may include spirometry (Spirometry is a simple breathing test which measures the airflow into and out of the lungs. The patient will blow into a tube that is attached to a spirometer. A computer will then calculate airflow rates and volumes. As asthma is an obstructive lung disease, this test can accurately diagnose this disorder.) chest x-ray and allergy testing.

How do I treat asthma?

Asthma treatments are either quick relief medications and maintenance control medications. Quick relief medications, such as bronchodilators (Ex. Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex) are used to treat asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. Maintenance medications are used long-term to control inflammation and decrease asthma symptoms and exacerbations.

How to use a MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)

1. Remove the cap from the inhaler.
2. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
3. Shake the inhaler.
4. Hold the mouthpiece 1½ - 2 inches (2 - 3 finger widths) in front of your mouth.
5. Tilt your head back slightly and open your mouth wide.
6. Gently breathe out.
7. Press the inhaler and at the same time begin a slow, deep breath. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply over 3 - 5 seconds.
8. Hold your breath for up to ten seconds.
9. Resume normal breathing.
10. If an additional inhalation is required, wait one minute, then repeat steps 1 – 9.

How to use a MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler) with a spacer: