Asthma: A Common But Serious Condition

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing breathing difficulty. It affects nearly 20 million Americans. However, education and proper management of this chronic disease can ensure that those affected lead active and healthy lifestyles.

The Facts

There are two types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic asthma.

  • Allergic (extrinsic) asthma: Characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation, and always associated with an allergy; symptoms triggered by allergic reaction. Inhaling allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollens, mold, etc. could induce reaction. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or worse (if untreated).
  • Non-allergic (intrinsic) asthma: Characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation but not associated with allergies; same symptoms as allergic asthma. Triggered by factors such as stress, anxiety, cold air, and hyperventilation.

In both cases, the disease is the result of chronically inflammatory airways, and reactions cause secondary symptoms: the bronchi, airway branches leading to the lungs, become sensitive to all kinds of asthma triggers, and the lungs have difficulty moving air in and out. The result is an asthma attack, which can be at least partially reversed with medication.

Triggers: The Cause

Each person born with the chronic disease of asthma has individual “causes” for their asthma attacks, known as triggers. People with asthma have inflamed airways that are extra sensitive to these triggers that do not bother other people. The most common include:

  • Allergens: dust mites, pollens, mold, etc.
  • Air irritants: smoke from cigarettes, fires, grills; aerosol sprays, paint, or gasoline
  • Respiratory infections: colds, the flu, sinus infections, etc.
  • Exercise (and other aerobic activities) that increase heart rate and breathing
  • Weather: dry wind, cold air, sudden changes in the environment, etc.
  • Expressing strong emotions: fear, excitement, etc.

Treatment

Medication for asthma and asthma attacks comes in two forms: long-term controllers and quick relievers. Both work to prevent or reverse airway inflammation to help breathing.

Quick-relief medications are used to control immediate symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. They come in pill or mist form, and should be carried regularly in case of attack.

Long-term controllers do not provide relief right away, but rather work to decrease frequency and severity of attacks. If attacks occur more than twice a week, it is recommended that long-term medication be administered.

If you are an asthmatic, consult your doctor to see which medication(s) are best for you.

Quick Facts on Asthma

  • Occurs in 7-10% of pediatric population
  • Accounts for 25% of school absenteeism
  • Affects twice as many boys than girls in childhood; ratio is 1:1 among adults
  • General trend of increased number of asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations among industrialized countries

* from the American Lung Association

What You Can Do: Asthma Action Plans

The best way to start managing asthma is to control the surrounding environment. Rid homes and cars of individual triggering factors. Also, developing an asthma action plan can help you be active and attack-free on a daily basis. The four parts of an effective management plan include:

  • Identifying and minimizing contact with asthma triggers: Keep record of where you are and what you are doing when asthma attack occurs to identify triggering factors.
  • Understanding and taking necessary medication(s): Make sure you carry you inhaler with you at all times, and make certain that you know how to use the device properly.
  • Monitoring asthma and recognizing signs of worsening: Because airways narrow slowly, you might not feel chest tightness until they are badly obstructed. Taking medicine at the earliest sign of attack prevents worsening.
  • Knowing what to do when asthma is worsening: Make sure you have emergency contact and physician phone numbers in case of bad asthma attack.

    By following these steps, you can manage and even help prevent asthmatic episodes.

    For more information on asthma, including prevention and medications, please visit the following sites:

    Devon Health Services Inc., the Northeast’s most extensive Preferred Provider Organization and National Healthcare Cost Management Company, recognizes that although asthma is a common disease, it is still a serious condition that requires constant attention. Devon Health offers its members access to numerous qualified and skilled healthcare providers that can provide effective treatment to help those affected by asthma.