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Asthma is a chronic
illness that makes it
difficult to breathe.
When you experience an
asthma episode, your airways
become swollen and red, the
muscles tighten around your
airway and mucus clogs your
airway. Symptoms of
asthma can include wheezing,
coughing, whistling sounds
while breathing and
shortness of breath.
There are many triggers
that can cause an asthma
episode. These
include:
- Irritants - Strong
smells such as perfumes,
kerosene, cleaning
supplies, wood smoke and
cigarette smoke.
- Weather Changes -
Changes in the weather
from hot to cold or dry
to moist.
- Allergies -
Allergies to foods,
mold, animal dander,
cockroaches, dust mites
or pollens.
- Exercise - Exercise
and outdoor play.
- Stress - Emotions
such as crying and
laughing as well as stress.
There are warning signs
to look for that may
indicate a developing asthma
episode. Here are some
of these early warning
signs:
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Lethargy
- Grumpiness
- Headache
- Coughing
- Weakness or
exhaustion
- Dark circles under
the eyes
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Out of breath
- Sneezing
- Coughing during the
day or night
There are two types of
medications typically used
in asthma treatment.
These are Controllers and
Relievers. Usually
both of these are used to
successfully treat and
manage asthma.
- Controllers - These
keep asthma under
control by preventing
asthmatic symptoms.
These are typically
taken every day.
Some examples of these
are Advair, Singulair,
Intal, Pulmicort and
Flovent.
- Relievers - These
are used to relieve
asthma symptoms quickly.
These are only used when
early warning signs or
asthma symptoms are
being experienced.
Some examples are
Albuterol, Proventil,
Ventolin and Xopenex.
If you have asthma, take
your controller medicine
daily or as directed by your
physician. Avoid
triggers and take reliever
medicine as soon as
you experience early warning
signs or asthma episode
symptoms.
Call your doctor if your
reliever medicine stops
working or if your symptoms
are worse after taking the
reliever. It is also
important to call your
doctor if your reliever
medicine is needed every
four hours.
If you cannot complete a
sentence without gasping for
air, your fingers are blue
or gray or you feel
confused, call 911
immediately.
Remember to bring your
medicine and inhalers with
you at all times, especially
when traveling. Talk
to your doctor about a flu
shot each fall and see your
doctor at least twice a year
to check on your asthma.
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to Environmental Allergies
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