Asthma

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Asthma

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Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is the most common long-term disease of children, but adults have asthma, too. Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing; these episodes are also known as exacerbations or attacks. The severity of exacerbations can range from mild to life threatening. Both the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms can be reduced by the use of medications and by reducing exposure to the environmental triggers of asthma attacks.

About 20 million Americans have asthma and approximately 300 million people worldwide. Nearly 7 million are children. Many children outgrow asthma in their teen years. Each year, 5,000 people die from asthma. Asthma tends to run in the family.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Asthma.aspx

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Causes of Asthma

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By Yolanda Smith, BPharm

The precise cause of asthma isn’t entirely clear. However, there are a number of environmental and inherited factors that are thought to be involved in causing the condition.

Additionally, there are also triggers for asthma that are known to induce or worsen symptoms of asthma in individuals who are known to suffer from the condition. The triggers for asthma are allergens and can differ for each individual with asthma.

Risk factors

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Causes-of-Asthma.aspx

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Asthma Symptoms

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By Susha Cheriyedath, MSc

The symptoms of asthma may vary in different people and from one time to another. Symptoms also vary in their frequency. In some people, symptoms occur every few months, while others show symptoms every other week or even every day. Asthma symptoms can last for a few minutes to several days.

Common symptoms of asthma include the following:

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Asthma-Symptoms.aspx

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Asthma Diagnosis

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By Susha Cheriyedath, MSc

Diagnosis of asthma generally includes three stages:

    Analysis of medical history
    Physical examination
    Lung function and other tests

Medical History

To start with, the doctor will analyze the patient’s specific symptoms and general health, with an emphasis on past episodes of similar symptoms. Doctors usually ask about exposure to allergens linked to asthma and any other health issues. The answers to these questions will help the doctor decide if the symptoms are caused by asthma or some other condition.

Specific questions will be related to the following:

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Controlling Asthma

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By Susha Cheriyedath, MSc

Asthma is characterized by repeated episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Although there is no known cure for asthma, symptoms of asthma can be brought under control with the help of effective asthma management techniques.

Effective management of asthma involves closely following the asthma treatment plan, adherence to medications as directed by the physician, and avoiding factors that trigger asthma symptoms.

The patient needs to play an active role in asthma management by taking medicines on time as prescribed, monitoring symptoms regularly and discussing them with the doctor, clarifying queries related to prescribed medicines and their side effects, learning how to use inhalers and peak flow meters, and keeping the doctor informed about the changes or progress in your asthma.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Controlling-Asthma.aspx

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Asthma in Adults Fact Sheet

February 2017

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air into and out of your lungs. Certain exposures to asthma triggers can cause asthma flare-ups. Asthma can be a life-threatening disease if not properly managed.

    In 2015, it was estimated that 24.6 million Americans currently have asthma, including 6.2 million children under 18 years old. Of these, 12.1 million Americans (3.1 million children) had an asthma flare-up.1
    Current asthma prevalence in adults ranged from 7.2 percent in Nebraska and New Jersey to 11.8 percent in Kentucky.2
    In 2014, there were 3,651 deaths attributed to asthma—an age-adjusted rate of 1.1 per 100,000. Approximately 62 percent of these deaths occurred in women.3

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/asthma-adults-facts-sheet.html

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Asthma
For Parents of Children with Asthma

Having a child with asthma can be scary. Fortunately, you are not alone. There are many resources and tools to help your child make lifestyle changes and to help your child control their asthma and enjoy a full and active life.
Am I using my medication correctly?

In order to get the most out of your medications and prevent an asthma flare-up, take your medication just as it was prescribed. Some inhalers and nebulizers can be tricky to use. Show your doctor how you are using your medication so you can be sure you are doing it correctly. Use this Medication Scheduler to stay organized.
How do I best manage my asthma?

If you have asthma, you and your healthcare provider should develop a plan that gives specific instructions for early treatment of your asthma symptoms. An Asthma Action Plan is a written, individualized worksheet that shows you the steps to take to prevent your asthma from getting worse. It also provides guidance on when to call your healthcare provider or when to go to the emergency room. Fill out this Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider.

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-asthma/