Living with Asthma

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a chronic disease that makes it difficult to breathe and affects the entire respiratory system. At its worst, asthma can be fatal, so it is very important to have an asthma management plan in effect. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with proper asthma treatment and people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

Symptoms of Asthma

If a person has asthma, known as an asthmatic, their airways are extra sensitive and their asthma can be triggered by a variety of factors. When asthmatics are exposed to these factors, their extra-sensitive airways can become swollen and red and get inflamed inside and begin to fill up with mucus. The swelling and mucus make their airways narrower, so it is harder for the air to pass through and get into the lungs. The airways then can go into spasm which means the muscles around your airways then squeeze together tight making it very difficult to breathe in any air, leading an asthma attack. This is why asthma is considered a lung disease, as it affects the lungs in a variety of ways. Some people with childhood asthma grow out of it by their teen years, although some will not, and will have to continue asthma treatment for the rest of their lives. Triggers that set off asthma are smoke, pollution, allergies of any kind, smoke, dust, cold air, and exercise. Causes of asthma can be classified into a few different areas such as family history, air pollution indoors and outdoors, second-hand smoke, and even occupational exposure.

Asthma Medication and Inhaler

An asthma attack is not a joking matter and should be taken very seriously and attended to immediately with the asthma medication prescribed. Some people have "rescue" inhalers around the house, office, or car. These inhalers are used in the case of an immediate asthma attack and when inhaled, even if a small amount, open the airways so one can start to breathe again. There are many safe, effective asthma medicines that can help control asthma. People that suffer from asthma symptoms need a prescription from the doctor to get these medicines and will probably have to attend regular asthma control visits to keep track of your breathing. You will also need special advice on when and how to use each kind of asthma medicine because each inhaler or medication dosage amount varies on how your breathing is at the time. A doctor can also help an individual create a personalized action plan, so that this lung disease is treated in the best way possible. Asthma prevention is not completely guaranteed, but people can reduce the risks of symptoms by taking these healthy steps to insure healthy breathing as well as a healthy living environment. For asthma sufferers, it is best to reduce exposure to the environmental asthma triggers such as animal dander, pollens, and second-hand smoke of any kind. It is also good to keep your home cooled if you live in a dry, hot area and mild/medium if you live in a cold area. Dry heat can make an asthmatic feel suffocated, while extreme cold air can knock the breath out of an asthmatic, making them wheezy and weak. If you are going to perform house or yard work it is smart to wear a mask of some sort to protect yourself from the dust, allergies, and weeds. Wood flooring and good ventilation are also good steps to asthma management and safety.