Asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air into the lungs. These airways
divide into smaller and smaller tubes like the branches of a tree as they go deeper into the lungs. These very small airways are
wrapped in muscle.
Asthma affects the airways in two major ways:
The airways become swollen and clogged with mucus (called inflammation)
Muscles go into spasm and tighten around the airways (called bronchoconstriction)
Both of these changes make it hard to move air in and out of the lungs. With proper treatment, the inflammation can be controlled
and the spasms can be prevented.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms can include one or more of these:
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Coughing
Trouble breathing or speaking
Symptoms may be only at night (between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.) making it hard to sleep.
Asthma can be treated by controlling or avoiding asthma triggers (see above section) and through the proper use of medications.
In some cases, allergy shots may be helpful.
Asthma medications are divided into two groups:
Controller medications are taken every day to control asthma. They work by decreasing airway swelling and inflammation.
Reliever medications are used for quick relief of symptoms or to prevent symptoms before exercise or exertion. These
medications give relief within 5 to 15 minutes.
Most asthma medicines are taken through an inhaler called a metered dose inhaler or MDI. Some medicines are taken by mouth or from
a nebulizer.
How can you help control your asthma?
In the above section, you read some tips for reducing your asthma triggers at home. In addition, you can monitor and help manage
your asthma in two ways. Ask your doctor if you should:
Use a peak flow meter. This is a device that tells you how well air is moving in and out of your lungs. By taking regular
peak flow readings, you will learn your own “personal best” number. A drop in your peak flow number alerts you to begin
treatment for an asthma flare-up.
Use an asthma action plan. Many people with asthma have a personalized set of written instructions that tells them how to
adjust their medications at home and when to call the doctor. These actions are taken based on warning signs, symptoms, and
peak flow readings.
Asthma episodes rarely happen without warning signs. These signs are different for everyone. Knowing your warning signs can help
you avoid a serious asthma episode. Common warning signs include:
If you have any of these signs, call your doctor or get medical help right away:
You are still wheezing, coughing, or short of breath, even after you've given your medicine time to work. Most
inhaled bronchodilator medicines work within 5 to 10 minutes. Talk with your doctor about the time it takes your medicine
to work.
You have a hard time breathing. Signs of this are:
Chest and neck are pulled or sucked in with each breath
Hunching or lifting of shoulders
Struggling to breathe
Rapid breathing
Nostrils are flared
You have trouble walking or talking (not able to complete a full sentence).
Your peak flow rate gets lower, or does not improve after treatment with bronchodilators, or drops to 50% or less of
your personal best. Discuss this peak flow level with your doctor.
Your lips or fingernails are gray or blue. If this happens, call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room
right away (do not drive yourself).
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not
intended to replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you believe you have a health problem.
Is your asthma under control?