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What is Asthma?
Asthma may cause a number of complications, including: Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling) Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as Bronchial Asthma, Asthmas
Asthma information from trusted sources:
Asthma - American Lung Association
Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for millions of Americans, both young and old. There is no cure for asthma, but the good news is it ... Read more on
www.lungusa.org
WHO | Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. ... Read more on
www.who.int
Asthma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. Asthma is a disease of the branches of the windpipe (bronchial tubes), which carry air in and out of the lungs. ... Read more on
www.webmd.com
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers." Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. See also: Pediatric asthma Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
CDC H1N1 Flu | 2009 H1N1 and People with Asthma
Jan 21, 2010 ... People with asthma who develop influenza – either seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1 flu - are at increased risk for serious complications and are ... Read more on
www.cdc.gov
Asthma
you can help your child gain control over asthma. That ... “I found it helpful to learn all I could about asthma. It made it easier to talk to my son's ... Read more on
www.epa.gov
Asthma
Asthma is a condition that affects a person's airways, also known as breathing tubes. Find out more in this article for kids. Read more on
kidshealth.org
Asthma, What Is
Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Read more on
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Contents
Causes
It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Coping and support
Asthma can be challenging and stressful. You may sometimes become frustrated, angry or depressed because you need to cut back on your usual activities to avoid environmental triggers. You may also feel hampered or embarrassed by the symptoms of the disease and by complicated management routines. Children in particular may be reluctant to use an inhaler in front of their peers.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Diagnosis
Your GP will normally be able to diagnose asthma by asking you about your symptoms, examining your chest and listening to your breathing.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
Allergy testing may be helpful in identifying allergens in people with persistent asthma. Common allergens include pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
Although many people with asthma rely on medications to relieve symptoms and control inflammation, you can do several things on your own to maintain overall health and lessen the possibility of attacks.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Medical advice
Three key circumstances may lead you to talk to your doctor about asthma: If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughs that last more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early, especially in children, may prevent long-term lung damage and prevent worsening of the condition over time. To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good asthma control not only helps you feel better on a daily basis, but also can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack. If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn't work for...
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www.mayoclinic.com
Outlook (Prognosis)
There is no cure for asthma, although symptoms sometimes improve over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
The complications of asthma can be severe. Some include:Death; Decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities; Lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms; Permanent changes in the function of the lungs; Persistent cough; Trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance (ventilator)
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Prevention
Working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Risk factors
Asthma is common, affecting millions of adults and children. A growing number of people are diagnosed with the condition each year, but it isn't clear why. A number of factors are thought to increase the chances of developing asthma. These include: A family history of asthma; Frequent respiratory infections as a child; Exposure to secondhand smoke; Living in an urban area, especially if there's a lot of air pollution; Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing; Low birth weight; Being overweight
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www.mayoclinic.com
Support Groups
The stress caused by illness can often be helped by joining a support group, where members share common experiences and problems.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Symptoms
Asthma signs and symptoms range from minor to severe, and vary from person to person. You may have mild symptoms such as infrequent wheezing, with occasional asthma attacks. Between episodes you may feel normal and have no trouble breathing. Or, you may have signs and symptoms such as coughing and wheezing all the time or have symptoms primarily at night or only during exercise.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Treatment
Once diagnosis has been confirmed, your treatment will begin with an assessment, possibly at an asthma clinic. The purpose of the assessment is to assess the pattern and severity of your symptoms and the treatment required to manage them. The plan will also investigate any possible asthma triggers. You should then be able to determine the potential impact of asthma on your daily life.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk