Asthma is a disease that makes the airways in your lungs inflamed. When this happens, your airways become narrow. You may have symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing. But inflammation can also be present even when you feel fine. If the airways become so narrow that you have trouble breathing, it's called an asthma flare-up (or asthma attack). Flare-ups can occur at almost any time, even when you're asleep.

Asthma is a serious and chronic condition. Once you have asthma, you will always have it, even if you do not experience the symptoms for a long period of time. Symptoms can flare up at any time if you do not stick to a treatment plan. (Your health care professional can help you design a personal treatment plan to control your asthma). Acting ahead of time and following the instructions of your health care professional can help you prevent asthma symptoms, reduce the potential for serious lung damage, and allow you to get the most out of life.

What are asthma triggers?

Asthma triggers are irritants in the environment that can cause asthma symptoms or attacks. There are many different kinds of triggers that can aggravate your asthma. Everyone's triggers may be different. Learn what yours are. Note them and talk to your health care professional about them. This can help both of you to work together to create a more effective asthma treatment plan. Here are a few examples of the most common triggers:

• Cigarette smoke/Fireplace smoke
• Strong Odors (household cleaners)
• Dust mites
• Vehicle exhaust
• Pets (furry one especially)
• Smog
• Cockroaches
• Cold air
• Indoor molds
• Hot/Humid air
• Pollen/Outdoor mold
• Illness (colds, flu, sinus infections)
• Activity/Exercise
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Emotions (crying, laughing)

Helpful Hints to Control Asthma

1. Develop a treatment plan
2. Avoid your asthma triggers
3. Keep track of your asthma
4. See your doctor regularly

Asthma Myths & Realities

Myth: I should use my rescue inhaler only when I'm having trouble breathing.
Reality: The term "rescue inhaler" incorrectly describes your albuterol inhaler. You should use your albuterol at the first sign of symptoms.

Myth: A cough here, wheeze there; it's not serious.
Reality: All asthma is serious. There is no way to predict when mild symptoms will become life threatening. Untreated asthma may damage your lungs.

Myth: Children outgrow asthma.
Reality: Asthma may get less severe as some people get older, but it doesn't disappear. Symptoms can return at anytime without warning.

Myth: My asthma means I can't live a normal active life.
Reality: Most people should not have to limit their lifestyle or activities because of their asthma. By working with their doctor, taking medicine as prescribed and avoiding asthma triggers, most people can be free of symptoms all or most of the time.

For more information on asthma education:

University Hospital Respiratory Care Department
(210) 358-2798