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The chronic lung disease known as Asthma causes
airway linings to become inflamed and swollen. The resulting
muscle spasms and secretions then restrict the flow of air out
of the lungs, making breathing difficult and sometimes frightening.
Asthma is relatively common, and the incidence
of the disease has grown in recent year. An estimated 12 million
Americans – including more than 4 million children – have
asthma.
Symptoms may include difficulty breathing,
a tight feeling in the chest, coughing, and wheezing. Sometimes
a chronic cough is the only symptom, and many cases go undiagnosed.
Symptoms are most frequent at night and in the morning, but an
asthma episode can occur at any time. These may range from only
mild discomfort to life-threatening attacks in which breathing
stops altogether.
The test below can help you determine whether
or not you might have asthma, and a trip to the doctor is in
order.
Fortunately, an allergist can design a plan
using new medications and other treatments to manage the disease
by preventing severe symptoms in most patients and enabling them
to live normal, active lives.
The causes of asthma are not fully understood.
Nevertheless, there are several factors known to trigger an asthma
episode. These include:
Exposure
to Allergens – substances that cause an allergic
reaction in some people, including pollen, dust, mold,
feathers, animal dander, and some foods.
Irritants in the Air – including smoke,
dirt, gases, and/or odors.
Respiratory Infections – such as colds,
bronchitis, sinusitis, flu or other illnesses.
Exercise – although people with asthma
can benefit from an exercise program with pre-treatment and proper
monitoring.
Emotional Stress – tense muscles and
shallow breathing may contribute.
Cold, windy weather – or sudden changes
in the weather.
Work with your doctor to develop an “Asthma
Action Plan.” This plan will help you
learn:
- How to avoid things that make asthma worse
- What medicine to take and when
- How to watch for asthma symptoms, such as waking during the
night, not being able to do normal activities, missing work
or school, using quick-relief medicine more than twice per
week, etc.
- When to get emergency help, such as when you have trouble
walking or talking due to asthma symptoms, or symptoms remain
the same or get worse despite the use of quick-relief medicine.
- When to visit your doctor (at least every six months).
Living with asthma can be frustrating, but
an active, fulfilling, healthy lifestyle is possible with proper
care and treatment.
Take
The Test! Asthma
Life Quality Test
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