|
Asthma is a disease of the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs and is characterized by the tightening of these airways. It is a chronic condition, with symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. Asthma is more common in people under age 40, but it can occur at any age.
The three major features of asthma are:
- Airway obstruction - bands of muscle surrounding the airways tighten up, so air cannot move freely.
- Inflammation - people with asthma have red and swollen bronchial tubes.
- Airway irritability - airways overreact and narrow due to the slightest triggers, such as animal dander or pollen.
Learn more about:
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about a health
condition, contact your doctor.
Back to Health Resource
Center
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, it is important to develop a treatment plan with your physician that can be monitored. Also, ask your doctor about reducing exposure to asthma triggers, and self-monitoring your daily asthma symptoms.
Asthma triggers:
- Upper respiratory infections, such as colds or sinus infections
- Inhaled allergens, such as tree, grass and weed pollens
- Medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen
- Food and food additives
- Strenuous exercise
- Irritants, including tobacco smoke, strong odors from perfumes and air pollution
- Cold air, changes in temperature and humidity
- Strong emotions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Self-monitoring:
- WebMD’s Web site offers an asthma diary and action plan
- The American Lung Association Web site offers information on
monitoring asthma and Peak Flow Meters.
Back to top
Long-term
Asthma has two main components: airway inflammation and acute
bronchioconstriction (constriction of the airways). Preventing the inflammation is the key to preventing asthma attacks, hospitalizations and deaths from asthma.
The most effective medications to control asthma over the long term are anti-inflammatory drugs, but there are others that are often used along with anti-inflammatory drugs to enhance their effect.
Sudden attacks
Certain medicines are used to provide prompt relief from asthma attack symptoms (cough, chest tightness, and wheezing), including the following:
- Short-acting beta-agonists (relieve asthma attacks and prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms)
- Anticholinergics (used in addition to, or as an alternative to, short-acting beta-agonists)
- Systemic corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs used in an emergency to get rapid control of the disease
while initiating other treatments).
Back to top
For more information on asthma, login
to WebMD and visit the Asthma Condition Center.
Other helpful resources include:
Back to top
|
|
