What is Asthma?
Asthma is a serious chronic lung disease. People with asthma have swollen or inflamed airways which make them sensitive to certain things, called asthma triggers, in their environment such as smoke, dust, and pollen. When the person breathes in a trigger, the airways make more mucus that cause the airways to become more narrow. The muscles around the airways can tighten causing the airways to become even more narrow. The flow of air is reduced making it hard for the person to breathe.
*Picture courtesy of American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
|
Coughing Wheezing Whistling sound when breathing Tightening of Chest
Dust mites Tobacco Smoke Pet Dander Chemicals Pest |
|
|
Asthma can be controlled and most people with asthma can live full, active lives. Asthma that is not controlled can cause missed days from school and work, ER visits, hospital stays, or even death. In order to effectively manage your asthma you should have a clear understanding of your triggers, avoid those triggers, have an asthma action plan (AAP), and use your asthma medications as your medical provider tells you to. Below there are links to helpful fact sheets and resources about asthma medications.
 Types of Asthma Medications: This document shows what different asthma inhalers look like and what they are used for
What Asthma Medications Do: This fact sheet describes what different asthma medications do and the possible side effects
How to use your asthma medication:
If you would like to learn more about asthma, here are other resources:
|
|
**Please note that the information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting with your medical provider.**