Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. It causes episodes in which the tissue in a person’s bronchial passage (the airway leading to the lungs) becomes inflamed and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. These episodes are often unpredictable.

During an asthmatic episode (often referred to as an asthma attack), an individual is likely to become short of breath. He or she may begin coughing or “wheezing,” - a term that refers to the sound made when a person struggles to inhale air through a constricted airway. Though an individual may appear to be gasping for air during an attack, he or she is likely having trouble exhaling air from the lungs. This is because asthmatics have a much easier time breathing in than breathing out.

In between episodes, most asthma sufferers feel fine. However, this can change in an instant. Asthmatic episodes can be triggered by emotion (most notably stress), physical exertion or external stimuli like allergens and cold air. Viruses, such as the common cold, can also be triggers.

Asthma can be effectively managed using a range of drugs, including inhaled steroids. Some children are said to eventually grow out of their asthma; however, while they may see the symptoms subside, they are never cured.

Most asthma attacks are relatively mild, but they can be life threatening. If your child appears to be suffering from an acute asthma attack, immediately take him or her to the hospital.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 children suffers from asthma. The disease is especially prominent in urban areas.
  2. Among African Americans, the prevalence of asthma is nearly 40 percent higher.
  3. About half of all people who have asthma have the form called allergic asthma. This means that their attacks are likely to be triggered by allergens, such as pollen or pet dander.
  4. Asthma has drawn the attention of the medical community because it is increasingly prevalent among children. Researchers have hypothesized that this may be due to a decrease in air quality (caused by pollution).
  5. Studies have shown that only one-quarter of all people who should be using anti-inflammatory drugs to control their asthma actually use such drugs.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How can asthma be treated?
  2. Are there any lifestyle changes that I (or my child) can make to decrease the risk of an asthma attack?
  3. Is it safe to be physically active with asthma?

Also Known As: bronchial asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath, labored breathing, bronchospasm, respiratory disease, respiratory disorder, respiratory illness

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