What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease - one that cannot be cured. When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are very sensitive and can become inflamed and swollen. In addition, certain triggers can cause airway muscles to squeeze; this is called bronchoconstriction. The airways also can produce excess mucus.
Symptoms of asthma episode
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
What Triggers Asthma Episodes?
With asthma, the air passages are over sensitive, increasing the likelihood of an asthma episode. Substances or conditions called triggers cause airways in the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Below is a list of many common asthma triggers:
- Pollen - microscopic particles released from trees, grasses, or weeds
- Dust mites - tiny insects that live in house dust
- Pet dander - skin scales that furry or feathery pets shed
- Indoor molds - spores from molds form in warm, damp, dark places
- Pollution
- Cold Air
- Colds and viruses
- Tobacco smoke
- Exercise
Did You Know?
Asthma is a major health problem in the United States, as declared by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- 22 Million Americans have asthma
- Nearly 1.8 million emergency room visits a year are the result of asthma flare-ups
- Asthma has caused more than 10 million missed work days a year
- The cost of asthma is estimated to be at least $19 billion a year
- Among chronic diseases, asthma is a major cause of missed school days for children 5 to 17 years old
Daily Controller Medicines Can Help
Of course, even with a daily controller medicine, you should always have a rescue inhaler with you to quickly relieve symptoms and help stop episodes.
- A goal of control is not just to relieve asthma symptoms but to prevent them before they start
- People who use their fast-acting inhaler more then 2 days a week may have poorly controlled asthma. According to the guidelines from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, those people may benefit from additional treatment with a controller medicine taken every day
- Daily controller medicines help reduce airway swelling and block triggers to stop asthma symptoms before they start. They come in two forms:
- Inhaled controller medicines (Some may contain steroids)
- Oral controller medicines (Steroid-free options are available)
This information has been provided by Merck & Co., Inc.