Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs, which can restrict
airways, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Less severe cases of asthma can
result in fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Asthma can be brought on by allergies, exercise,
cold temperatures, infections or stress. Asthma is not curable, but can be well managed through
medications and by avoiding harmful environmental factors that may trigger an attack. It is very
important to minimize the inflammation of asthma, since chronic inflammation weakens the lings
and can make them prone to chronic lung disease.
How do I know if it is asthma?
In order to control asthma, you have to recognize it. Asthma symptoms often match those of
routine childhood illnesses, and there is no test to diagnose asthma in children under the age of
five. Children with asthma do not always wheeze or have obvious attacks. Recurrent nighttime or
early morning coughing can be a sign of asthma, as well as rapid or noisy breathing, or frequent
bronchitis or pneumonia. Sometimes the only clue is that a child cannot keep up with friends
during physical exertion. If your child shows signs of asthma, remain watchful even if a doctor
rules out the disease. Seek a second opinion if symptoms continue.
What to do if you suffer from asthma
About 50 percent of adults with asthma exhibit allergic responses. Avoidance of triggers that lead
to asthma attacks is as much a priority as treatment for the disease. Asthmatic and allergen
triggers include:
• tobacco smoke
• air pollution
• dust mites (microscopic animals that live in dust)
• cockroaches and their droppings
• viruses
• mold
• animal dander (small particles from fur, hair feathers or skin
• sulfites (chemicals used in some soft drinks and processed foods
Prevention
To prevent asthma attacks and lower the triggers in your home and environment, important steps
can be taken to make your personal environment allergy-free.
Pets - Keep pets outside if possible or confine them to carpet-free areas outside of your
bedroom. Washing cats and dogs once a week can reduce allergens. There are dry shampoos
available that remove allergens from skin and fur and are easy to administer.
Air filters and vacuum cleaners - Air cleaners, filters for air conditioners, and vacuum cleaners
with HEPA filters can help remove particles and small allergens found indoors. It is best for allergy
and asthma sufferers to avoid carpets if possible.
Bedding and curtains - Using semi-permeable coverings to fully encase mattresses and pillows
is an effective step in reducing dust mite levels in your bedroom. Curtains should be replaced with
shades or blinds ans bedding washes using the highest temperature setting.
Other recommendations - Dampness increases the risk of asthma. Keep humidity levels in your
house below 40 percent. Electric stoves should replace gas stoves, which release nitrogen
dioxide. Cockroaches should be eliminated by professional exterminators.
Outdoor prevention - Camping and hiking trips should not be scheduled during times of high
pollen counts. Asthma sufferers should avoid strenuous activity when ozone levels are highest.
Also, asthma sufferers allergic to mold should avoid barns, hay, raking leaves and mowing grass.
Automobile fumes and fungi in car air conditioners can also be a problem.
Avoid certain drugs - Aspirin and products containing aspirin can cause life-threatening asthma
attacks in susceptible individuals. Use acetaminophen as an alternative to aspirin and aspirin-
related products.
Senate’s Asthma Reporting Law
A new law requiring hospitals to reports the incidence of asthma among emergency room patients
is designed to help health officials better understand and track the disease, and to improve
medical treatment. Researchers hope to get a better idea of when asthma attacks, with the goal of
linking the disease to other environmental factors, such as weather and pollution levels.
You can learn more about asthma by contacting:
∙ The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(800) 822-2762
or visit www.acaai.org
∙ Asthma and Allergy Network/Mothers of Asthmatics
(800) 878-4403
or visit www.aanma.org
∙ National Jewish Centers Lung Line
(800) 222-5864
∙ American Lung Association
www.lungusa.org
|