Question 1

What is Asthma?

Accepted Answer

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. This inflammation leads to 
narrowing of the airways which makes breathing difficult. Asthma is a common disease affecting approximately 10% of children and 5% of adults.

Question 2

What Causes Asthma?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of asthma is Unknown, but it is believed that there are hereditary and environmental factors involved. There are factors that can cause or “trigger” an asthma attack. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help control asthma and play an important role in its treatment.

Common Triggers:
• Allergens - dust, pollens, molds, animal dander, cockroach particles
• Exercise - vigorous activities like running
• Cold damp air
• Time of day - early morning hours
• Respiratory tract infections – viruses
• Emotions – laughing, crying, stress
• Drugs – especially aspirin and NSAIDS
• Irritants – tobacco, smoke, house- hold cleaners, etc.
• Occupational factors – triggers at work
• Ozone

Question 3

Are Allergies and Asthma Related?

Accepted Answer

Allergies play a significant role for many asthmatics: about 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma have allergies. Allergies are the result of the body’s immune system perceiving a harmless foreign substance (allergen) as dangerous. In asthmatics, allergic reactions can trigger an asthma attack when common allergens, such as pollens, mold spores, dust mites, cockroach particles, and animal dander are inhaled into the lungs
The chemicals that are released in allergic reactions can irritate the airway and cause an asthma attack with wheezing, bronchospasm and excessive mucus production.

Question 4

What is An Asthma Attack?

Accepted Answer

Asthma attacks can vary from mild to severe and can last minutes or days. Once an asthma attack is triggered, the muscles of the airways tighten (bronchospasm), the mucosal lining swells (inflammation) and mucus production increases. Breathing becomes difficult and labored, producing the wheezing sound associated with asthma. While most asthma attacks are mild to moderate, severe attacks can be life-threatening. In a severe attack thick mucus can form plugs in the narrowed airways and completely block the flow of air to the alveoli, preventing gas exchange.

Symptoms of an Asthma Attack:
• Difficulty Breathing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest pain/tightness
• Early morning wakening
• Nighttime coughing

Question 5

How Do I Take Control of My Asthma?

Accepted Answer

• Have a complete physical exam by a physician
• Understand asthma and its treatment
• Develop a written action plan with your physician to manage improvements
or attacks and review the plan regularly
• Follow all of your physician’s instructions including regular follow up visits
• Take prescribed medications according you your plan
• Identify and avoid triggers as much as possible
• Monitor your lung function at home
• Be aware of your symptoms
• If exercise makes your asthma worse, discuss options with your physician

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