Asthma is a disease that affects the airways in the lungs, causing inflammation. During an asthma attack, on the inside of the airways, the lining becomes swollen and produces mucous, and on the outside of the airways, the muscles tighten. This causes the airways to become very narrow, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.
Asthma can begin in childhood or adulthood. Asthma is a chronic condition that can be treated but not cured. People with asthma have airways that are very sensitive and overreact to a few or many things that are commonly found in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. These things are called triggers. Common triggers for asthma include: cigarette smoke, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mice, mold and mildew, pollen from trees, grasses and weeds, strong odors from perfumes or chemicals, upper respiratory infections (the common cold), cold air, and weather changes. Some people also find that exercise can be a trigger.
Asthma care includes prevention as well as treatment of an acute asthma attack. Together with your health care provider, you need to learn what your specific triggers are, and then learn ways to avoid or reduce contact with these triggers. You need to learn to recognize early warning signs of an asthma attack and follow a plan to control the symptoms before they worsen. You need to know when a doctor's help is needed and get help right away. Your provider can give you a written asthma action plan. You need to know about the medications prescribed to control and treat your asthma.
Asthma medications are divided into 2 main groups--controller and reliever. The controllers work to prevent asthma, by preventing or reducing the inflammation in the airways. These medications help to keep the airways less sensitive. If you are prescribed a controller medication, you need to take this every day, even when you feel well and have no symptoms. The relievers work to treat an asthma attack, and are used when you first start to have symptoms of an asthma attack. Make sure you understand your medicines and know their side effects. Ask your doctor and pharmacist about the safety of other types of medicine you might be taking, as even some over the counter medicines might not be safe for a person with asthma.
Take the mystery out of asthma by learning as much about it as you can. Work together with your health care provider to develop and adjust your individualized treatment plan. Eat well, get enough rest and stay calm when your symptoms arise. Do take action and get help when you need it. Asthma need not control you--you can take control!