Asthma

Asthma

Medical Author: Alan Szeftel, MD, FCCP
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma
• What is asthma?
• From the past to the present
• The scope of the problem
• Normal bronchial tubes
• How does asthma affect breathing?
• The importance of inflammation
• Which triggers cause an asthma attack?
  • Allergens
  • Irritants
• The many faces of asthma - "Expected"
  • Types: allergic (extrinsic) and nonallergic (intrinsic) asthma
  • Typical symptoms and signs of asthma
  • Acute asthma attack
• What medications are used in the treatment of asthma?
• Asthma At A Glance
• Related Asthma articles:
  Asthma symptoms - on WebMD
  Asthma - on eMedicineHealth

What do each of these individuals have in common: First, an 18-year-old suddenly develops wheezing and shortness of breath when visiting his grandmother who happens to have a cat. Second, a 30-year-old woman has colds that "always go into her chest," causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Lastly, a 60-year-old man develops shortness of breath with only slight exertion even though he has never smoked. The answer is that they all have asthma. These are some of the many faces of asthma.

Most researchers believe that the different patterns of asthma are all related to one condition. But some researchers feel that separate forms of lung conditions exist. There is currently no cure for asthma and no single exact cause has been identified. Therefore, understanding the changes that occur in asthma, how it makes you feel, and how it can behave over time is vital. This knowledge can empower persons with asthma to take an active role in your own health.

Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma

Before we present the typical symptoms of asthma, we should dispel some common myths about this condition. This is best achieved by conducting a short true or false quiz.

1. T or F Asthma is "all in the mind."
2. T or F You will "grow out of it."
3. T or F Asthma can be cured, so it is not serious and nobody dies from it.
4. T or F You are likely to develop asthma if someone in your family has it.
5. T or F You can "catch" asthma from someone else who has it.
6. T or F Moving to a different location, such as the desert, can cure asthma.
7. T or F People with asthma should not exercise.
8. T or F Asthma does not require medical treatment.
9. T or F Medications used to treat asthma are habit-forming.
10. T or F Someone with asthma can provoke episodes anytime they want in order to get attention.

Here are the answers:

1. F - Asthma is not a psychological condition. However, emotional triggers can cause flare-ups.
2. F - You cannot outgrow asthma. In about 50% of children with asthma, the condition may become inactive in the teenage years. The symptoms, however, may reoccur at any time in adulthood.
3. F - There is no cure for asthma, but the disease can be controlled in most patients with good medical care. The condition should be taken seriously, since uncontrolled asthma may result in emergency hospitalization and possible death.
4. T - You have a 6% chance of having asthma if neither parent has the condition; a 30% chance if one parent has it; and a 70% chance if both parents have it.
5. F - Asthma is not contagious.
6. F - A new environment may temporarily improve asthma symptoms, but it will not cure asthma. After a few years in the new location, many people become sensitized to the new environment and the asthma symptoms return with the same or even greater intensity than before.
7. F - Swimming is an optimal exercise for those with asthma. On the other hand, exercising in dry, cold air may be a trigger for asthma in some people.
8. F - Asthma is best controlled by having an asthma management plan designed by your doctor that includes the medications used for quick relief and those used as controllers.
9. F - Asthma medications are not addictive.
10. F - Asthma attacks cannot be faked.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma/article.htm