Breathe Easy: Effective Asthma Management

Millions of Americans have asthma.

Take it seriously

In asthma, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs become inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways overly sensitive to substances that are irritating or that cause an allergic reaction (triggers). The airways tighten, spasm, swell, become narrower and produce thick mucus when exposed to triggers - substances and conditions that are safe for most people but dangerous to asthmatics.

Possible triggers include:

• Allergens, such as dust, mold, pollen,cockroaches and pet dander

• Irritants, such as cigarette smoke and polluted air

• Respiratory infections

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

• Some medications such as aspirin in susceptible individuals

• Cold air

• Exercise

• Stress or intense emotion

These facts about the disease can help you understand why asthma requires treatment:

• Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

• It's potentially life threatening. A "mild" condition can become worse.

• It's always with you. "Quiet" periods can be suddenly interrupted by acute, "noisy" episodes.

• You don't outgrow it. Symptoms can reoccur later in life.

Take control

Early diagnosis is one key to effective asthma management. This helps you prevent or minimize damage to airways and lungs that accumulates over time.

Once the disease is diagnosed, it's important you take control of it. Proper treatment includes seeing your health care provider regularly, developing an asthma action plan with your health care provide, taking recommended medications, monitoring your condition using a peak flow meter, and preventing or minimizing exposure to your asthma triggers in the environment.

Asthma medications work in two ways:

• Rescue, or quick relief, medications are   short-acting bronchodilators, that open up airways during asthma attacks. These medications work within minutes.

• Controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene inhibitors, are taken every day and help prevent asthma attacks by controlling inflammation of the bronchial passages. Long-acting bronchodilators do not control inflammation, and do not help relieve an acute asthma attack. They are usually taken daily and work to help keep airways open. The full benefits of these medications become evident within a few weeks. If you stop taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will likely become worse.