ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic disease of the bronchial tubes which doctors call “airways”. It is defined by attacks of asthma that can resolve spontaneously or as the result of treatment. Many asthma symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing) result from narrowing of the airways caused by the tightening of muscles wrapped around them. These muscles are activated because of chemicals released from inflammatory cells lining the airway wall. Although we are not sure why these cells are found in the airway walls of patients with asthma, in many cases it is part of an allergic reaction.

Asthma is quite common. There are more than 12 million Americans with the condition. Most asthma patients are recognized before the age of 15 and it is common for asthma to go into remission between the ages of 11-14. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls, but in adults it is more prevalent in women than in men.

The tendency toward asthma is, in part, inherited and you are more likely to suffer from this condition if your mother has asthma. There are research studies suggesting that exposure to cigarette smoke either while the baby is developing or in the first few years of life can lead to asthma.

Many people have asthma attacks when they are exposed to allergens. This asthma may occur very quickly after exposure – within minutes to an hour – and may appear to go away, only to return 6 to 10 hours later and last for 1-2 days.

If your asthma is caused by allergies, you can reduce the number of your attacks by removing allergens from your home environment. If you smoke cigarettes and have asthma, you may be making your asthma worse.

You should recognize that most asthma can be controlled through use of appropriate medications.

With good medical care and cooperation between you and your physician, severe asthma attacks should be rare. Remember, effective asthma control is a partnership between you and your physician. Control of allergen exposure, pre-treatment of your condition before exercise and appropriate use of medications are some of the keys to asthma control.