Over 20 million people have been diagnosed with asthma in the United States, almost half of them are children. Most people with asthma also suffer from allergies. Seasonal allergies are most prevalent between March and December. Allergies can trigger asthma attacks.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways associated with shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest and coughing. Asthma occurs because of an excessive response to stimuli known as triggers which causes obstruction of the airways. Asthma is described as intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic asthma occurs when there are no external allergens triggering the attack, extrinsic asthma occurs when allergies trigger an attack. Family history and smoking can also increase the risk of asthma.

Asthma symptoms are usually triggered by something that irritates the lungs. Common triggers include respiratory infections and colds, cigarette smoke, allergies, indoor and outdoor air pollutants such as smoke and exhaust gases, vigorous exercise, exposure to cold air, and excitement or stress. Signs of an asthma attack include anxiety or panic, cough, paleness, sweating, difficult and rapid breathing, coughing so much it leads to vomiting, hunched over body posture due to an inability stand or sit straight or relax, restless sleep, a notch above the Adam’s apple that sinks in during inhalation, and spaces between the ribs that sink in during breathing. Warning signs include cough with no other symptoms of a cold, frequent clearing of the throat, irregular, noisy or difficult breathing, and wheezing.

These symptoms are caused by the two major changes that occur during an asthma attack. First, inflammation causes the lining of the airways to swell and produce excessive mucous which reduces the size of the airways. Second, smooth muscle around the airways constricts or tightens further reducing the size of the airway.

Controlling asthma involves identifying and avoiding triggers. Maintaining an asthma diary can help identify triggers. Use of a peak flow meter helps warn of reduced air flow which can warn of worsening lung condition before other symptoms appear. Medications used are aimed at reducing inflammation and keeping airways open. Corticosteroid inhalers reduce mucous production and inflammation. Bronchodilators relax smooth muscle to keep airways open. Oral medications are also used in more severe cases. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and leukotriene inhibitors reduce chemical mediators involved in the sequence of events leading to an asthma attack.

Knowledge is important to control asthma. Know your triggers and avoid them if at all possible. Know your airflow by using a peak flow meter daily. Know your treatment plan so you can start your medications before you begin to have symptoms and you can increase your therapy to avoid a severe attack. Know when to seek medical help.

Talk to your doctor and pharmacist, together the three of you can work out a plan to help control your asthma.

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