Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes episodes of wheezing,
coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest often referred
to as asthma attacks. Anyone can get asthma, but people who have
relatives with asthma are more likely to have it. It is estimated that
over 15 million Americans suffer from asthma. During an asthma attack
tubes that carry air into the lungs narrow, swell, and clog with excess
mucous, making it hard to breathe. Asthma attacks can last from minutes
to days and can be mild or severe enough to be life threatening.
Asthma attacks usually are "triggered" by an irritant to
the lungs. A person can be sensitive to one or more triggers. The most
common triggers are respiratory infections, exercise, stress, aspirin,
weather changes, dust, tobacco smoke, pollen, mold, animal hair or
dander, and food allergies. To control attacks, triggers need to be
identified and avoided. Since asthma cannot be cured it is important to
visit your doctor to discuss a personal treatment plan. Inhalants or
other medications that open air passages and calm symptoms will often be
prescribed. A device to monitor lung function at home may also be used.
Following the doctor’s treatment plan and using drugs as prescribed
can help control and prevent asthma symptoms.
If a severe asthma attack occurs and medications do not work, go to
the emergency room immediately. People have died of asthma by not
seeking emergency help fast enough. In addition to a treatment plan, eat
healthy, limit stress, and try to identify and remove allergens that may
cause attacks. For more information about asthma contact the Genesee
County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.
