What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic condition that makes the lungs'
airways swell and inflame. The muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs tighten, causing the airways to become
sensitive and restricted. Thicker mucus is produced which contributes to the narrowing of the airways in the lungs as
well.
Symptoms of asthma may include:
Coughing, especially at night
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest
Impaired breathing (short, quick or noisy)
The frequency and intensity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. When these symptoms are
exacerbated, it is called an asthma attack or asthma episode.
What Triggers Asthma?
Trigger
Examples
Allergens
Mold, pollen, animal dander, dust-mites and cockroaches.
Irritants
Tobacco smoke, scented products (e.g. perfumes).
Pollution, especially the particulate matter (PM)
that's found in smoke, smog and diesel exhaust fumes.
Pollution can be extremely hazardous to the lungs,
especially when the PM is 2.5mm in diameter or smaller.
Intense Feelings
Intense feelings like stress, laughter or crying
might trigger asthma because they can restrict airflow
and impair normal breathing patterns.
How Do I Know If I Have Asthma? If
you suspect you (or someone in your care) has asthma,
you should visit a clinician to get an accurate diagnosis.
The clinician will do a number of tests to determine
if you have asthma and to also make sure you are not
mistaking asthma for something else.
You may be diagnosed with asthma if:
You have frequent periods of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
You get "chest colds" that take 10 or more days to recover
How Can I Manage My Asthma? If you are diagnosed with asthma,
you can do a lot to manage and control your symptoms.
There are two basic types of medications used to control asthma: short-term medications that
provide quick relief during attacks and long-term medications that control asthma in general. For more
information on medications, see the
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
You can also manage your asthma by avoiding your triggers.
Avoid allergens and irritants like smoke and pets
if you know they make your asthma worse.
Maintain a clean living environment, with minimal
dust and mold. Ask your roommate(s) to help, if applicable.
Monitor environmental changes and air quality in
your area on a regular basis.
Use EnviroFlash: www.airnow.gov,
a free online service to get air quality updates
for your location (including Ann Arbor)
via email.
Beware of alcohol-medication interactions; drinking
alcohol (for example wine) and taking medications
(such as aspirin) can trigger asthma.
Be prepared for an attack. Have medications, medical
contacts and emergency information readily available.
