as of September 6, 2010
Asthma Corner
OVERVIEW
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and can lead to wheezing sounds.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms vary, but may include:
-Wheezing
• Usually begins suddenly
• Comes in episodes
• May be worse at night or in early morning
• Gets worse with cold air, exercise, and heartburn (reflux)
• May go away on its own
• Is relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways)]
-Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
-Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
-Intercostal retractions (pulling of the skin between the ribs when breathing)
Emergency symptoms may include:
-Extreme difficulty breathing
-Bluish color to the lips and face
-Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
-Rapid pulse
-Sweating
-Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
CARE/TREATMENT
Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants and controlling symptoms and airway inflammation through medication.
There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma:
Long-term control medications are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not for treatment during an attack. Types include:
-Inhaled steroids prevent inflammation
-Leukotriene inhibitors
-Anti-IgE therapy, a medicine given by injection to patients with more severe asthma
-Long-acting bronchodilators help open airways
Quick relief, or rescue, medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack. These include:
-Short-acting bronchodilators (inhalers)
-Corticosteroids given by mouth or into a vein
PREVENTION
Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants. If someone with asthma is sensitive to dust mites, exposure can be reduced by encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, removing carpets from bedrooms, and by vacuuming regularly. Exposure to dust mites and mold can be reduced by lowering indoor humidity.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Asthma
Doctor Mom: Asthma Signs and Symptoms
How many times have people told you to take a deep breath? It's something most of us take for granted. Did you know asthma among kids is growing at epidemic proportions? Nine million children in the US have been diagnosed with asthma at some point...
Resources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
In the News: Asthma
Ask Questions, Save Lives; Risk Assessment Of Children's Respiratory Systems Identifies Potential Anesthetic Complications
Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3Jnf
It is fairly easy to avoid surgical complications in children related to anesthesia administration by asking a few simple questions before arriving at the operating table...
California Whooping Cough Rate 7 Times Higher Than Last Year
Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3Jnb
Latest reports, up to the end of August place the number of reported whooping cough (pertussis) cases in the state of California at 3,311, a seven-fold increase over the same period in 2009 when the figure reached 501 cases, says the California Department of Public Health. Health authorities estimate a state rate of 9.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants...