What is Asthma?

     -  Chronic lung disease

     -  America’s most costly and common illness
 

Who Gets Asthma?

-    Anyone can get asthma at any time during their lifespan

-    Children of mothers who smoke are 2 times more likely to develop asthma
 

Characterized by:

-    Inflammation of the airways

-    Intermittent spasms of the airways
 

Symptoms of Asthma:

-   Cough

-   Chest tightness

-    Shortness of breath

-    Wheezing
 

Asthma Triggers:

- Allergens – 20% of all Americans have allergies

            Pollen

            Mold

            Animal dander

            Dust mites

            Foods

            Cockroach droppings

-   Irritants

      Air pollutants – tobacco smoke, chemicals in the air, strong odors

      Exposure to dust, wood smoke, chemicals

      Airborne particles – coal dust, chalk, talcum powder

-  Weather changes

-  Viral or sinus infections

-  Exercise

-  Reflux disease (stomach acid backing up into the food pipe)

-  Medications

-  Foods

-  Emotional anxiety
 

Six Goals for the Effective Management of Asthma

-         Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms

-         Maintain near “normal” breathing

-         Maintain normal activity levels, including exercise

-         Prevent recurrent asthma flare-ups

-         Provide optimal medication therapy

-         Meet parents’ and families’ expectations of satisfactory asthma care

Asthma Management

-         There is no cure for asthma but it can be managed

-         Avoid & control when possible asthma triggers and irritants

-         Use a peak flow meter to see how well your lungs can expel air

-         Medication as prescribed by a physician
 

Other Asthma Facts

-   2 million school days are lost each year due to allergies

-   Asthma accounts for 1.8 million emergency room visits per year

-   Asthma accounts for 10 million doctor’s office visits per year

-   Each day approximately 14 Americans die from asthma

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