Asthma
For Adults, Children and Parents
The more asthma patients know about asthma the better they will be able to cope with preventing and treating an asthma attack. We encourage you and your family to read this information. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them of your doctor, nurse and other health care professionals responsible for your care.
What is asthma?
When the airways through which you breathe (see picture) become narrow, it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. Narrowing of the airways, or air tubes, can be caused by:
inflammation and swelling
muscles tightening in the walls of the airways
too much mucus (phlegm) production
General asthma symptoms may include:
cough
shortness of breath
tightness in the chest
wheezing
Recognize a very bad asthma attack-symptoms may include:
leaning forward with pulled up shoulders
struggling to breath
blue/gray lips or finger nails
can only say a few words between breaths
Things to do in case of an attack include:
Stay Calm.
Take your medications and follow the instructions your doctor has given you for an asthma attack.
If you still don't feel well call your doctor right away.
Asthma attacks-Causes and prevention:
Asthma attacks can be triggered (caused) by allergens, irritants, pollution, pollen, infections and other factors. They are explained below with information about how to help protect against and how to control these asthma triggers.
Allergens: Breathing in dust and especially dust which contains mites (very small insects present in dust) can be very irritating to children and adults with asthma.
What to do:
Your home needs to be dusted and vacuumed at least every week. Try to do this task when the person with the asthma is not at home. Change the vacuum bag often.
Use nylon or other synthetic carpets and rugs. Bare floors are easier to keep dust-free.
Draperies and curtains tend to collect dust; roll-up shades are a good substitute.
Use synthetic comforters, blankets, pillows and mattress pads. They produce less dust than wool and feathers.
Cover mattresses and pillows with zipped covers.
Use washable, foam rubber stuffed toys. Keep toys off the floor and wash them often to keep them dust free.
Mold and mildew grow in damp areas. Check air conditioner for mold growth and change the filter often. Wash mold off bathroom tiles and from other damp areas.
Pets-Hair from dogs or cats, and bird feathers are not good for anyone with asthma and other allergies. Avoid pets or keep them outdoors.
Air purifiers may be helpful.
Indoor irritants
Do not smoke! Stay away from tobacco smoke. Insist smokers put out their cigarettes when near you.
Avoid perfumes, hair spray, nail polish, house paint fumes and strong smelling house cleaning products.
Avoid plants and never put any in the bedroom. They may cause an allergic reaction.
Beware of pollen and outdoor pollution. You may want to avoid woods, fields and parks where there are trees and grass during certain parts of the year when pollen concentration is high. Try and listen to the pollen forecasts on the radio or TV. If on some days, it is very high, you may want to consider indoor activities. Depending on which pollens affect you, avoid bringing certain plants and flowers indoors.
Weather-protect yourself from abrupt changes such as cold, dry air, heat or humidity. Use an air conditioner. In cold weather, cover up your mouth loosely with a scarf.
Infections-get prompt medical attention if you have a cold, flu or bronchitis.
Exercise can be an asthma trigger but can usually be prevented by taking medication beforehand. Asthma patients should be able to participate in most activities. If your asthma is limiting your ability to exercise, see your doctor for advice.
Your asthma treatment plan:
This is different for each person. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and review your symptoms. Lung function tests may be done to measure how much air you can breathe out quickly. If possible, your doctor will try to pin down some of your asthma triggers (causes) so that a chronic, preventive and an acute treatment plan can be developed to help control your asthma.
Your medications may include:
Bronchodilators help relax the muscles in the airway walls and help open air tubes. They are used as needed and on an emergency basis.
While they can be taken in liquid or pill form, they can also be inhaled. The inhaling method is preferred because it works faster and has less side effects. They may include Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin, Maxaire among others.
Anti-inflammatory medications reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways and mucus production. Used on a daily basis, they help reduce chronic asthma symptoms and make acute attacks easier to control. These medications include Intal/Cromolyn and/or inhaled steroids such as Azmacort, Beclovent, Vanceril, Aerobid among others.
Your doctor may place you on a daily, preventive asthma medication plan. These medicines must be taken every day to be effective in preventing asthma attacks.
Remember
Always follow instructions carefully and be sure to tell your doctor if you take any other medicines.
Ask your doctor and nurse what side effects to watch for when you take medications.
Read the label on your prescription bottle to find out how many ref ills you have left. Be sure to ask for a new prescription before your last refill runs out!
Monitoring asthma with a peak flow meter:
people with asthma.Note: To help record your peak flow readings, use a monthly calendar.
Instructions-How to use a peak flow meter:
1 . The arrow must be at the bottom of the meter.
2. Stand up and take a deep breath
3. Put the meter into your mouth and blow out as fast and hard as you can
4. Write down the number where the arrow stops.
5. Repeat instructions 1 - 4 three times. Write down the highest of all three times.
6. Your doctor will tell you what your best flow meter number should be.
This is called the green, safe zone. A reading below this number will be called the yellow, not so safe zone. An even lower number will be the red and dangerous zone.
Predicting an asthma attack:
Taking a morning and evening reading every day before asthma treatments is especially helpful for people with asthma. It can predict when asthma problems are just beginning and preventive steps, such as the proper medications can be taken. Use the asthma control plan provided by your doctor to see what to do when you are in the green zone, yellow or red zone.
Before your appointment with your doctor:
Always bring the calendar or list with your peak flow readings. Also bring all the medications you take and the spacer(s) you use at each visit. Remember, your doctor must have this information to be able to develop your treatment plan (unless this is an emergency visit).
Asthma Resources:
can provide information, educational programs and other services. For further information call (800) 586-4872.[Reprented from Montefiore Medical Center, Patient/Health Education Department - www.montefiore.org ]