MANAGING YOUR
ASTHMA
Bronchi Lungs and breathing tubes (bronchi,
bronchioles) and sacs (alveoli)
Bronchioles
Alveoli Lungs
Bronchi
In asthma, the breathing tubes become clogged.
Extrinsic (allergic)
reactions may include
pollen, dust, and dander.
Intrinsic asthma may be
caused by infections and
physical exertion.
Symptoms include wheezing,
shortness of breath, chest tightness,
cough, and fast heartbeat.
Automated pulmonary (lung) testing
Testing performed before
and after breathing in a
short-acting drug that
dilates bronchi
Printout of results
Copyright  2012 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a lung disease in which normal airflow into and out
of lungs is impaired. Smoke, exercise, cold air, infection, mold,
dust, and mites, for example, make lung airway cells produce
more mucus. The mucus becomes thicker and more sticky, and
breathing tubes (airways) clog up and become very small.
Wheezing and shortness of breath result.
Early-onset asthma (extrinsic, or allergic, asthma) has both
genetic and environmental causes. Late-onset asthma
(intrinsic asthma) in adults older than 35 can be triggered
by infections and exercise.
What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?
• Wheezing (a whistling sound as breath is exhaled)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Cough
Emotional stress may also cause an asthma attack and result
in a visit to the emergency room and use of oxygen and drugs.
How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed by reviewing symptoms; doing a physical
checkup; and testing lung function, blood, and skin sensitivity.
Lung (pulmonary) function tests can tell if breathing is normal
and how sensitive airways are. These tests use a peak flow meter
to measure air breathed in and out.
How Is Asthma Treated?
Asthma can be mild irregular (intermittent—i.e., symptoms
less than two times per week). Or it can be mild long-lasting
(persistent—symptoms more than two times per week but less
than once daily), moderate persistent (daily symptoms), or
severe persistent (constant symptoms). The doctor will base the
treatment on asthma’s severity.
Drugs, often given by an inhaler, may control asthma. Some
work almost immediately and are used during an asthma
attack. Others help stop future attacks. Some medications
to reduce inflammation, known as leukotriene receptor
antagonists (such as Singulair®), can also be given in pill form.
Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor 909
MANAGING YOUR ASTHMA

Treatment involves using drugs How Is Asthma Treated? (con’t)

given by inhalers and pills.
The three types of common treatments are symptomatic,
long-term, and immune therapy. For symptomatic treatment,
short-acting drugs in inhalers are used as needed, usually by
patients with mild intermittent asthma. Long-acting drugs in
inhalers are used every 12 hours.
Long-term treatment involves corticosteroids given in
inhalers to reduce lung swelling and redness (inflammation).
They are for mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma.
Immune therapy, often called allergy shots, is for patients
who have asthma caused by uncontrolled allergies.
Asthma is treatable, and most flare-ups and deaths caused
by asthma can be prevented.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Asthma:

✔ DO always carry your inhaler with you.
Peak flow records may be used ✔ DO visit your doctor regularly.
to start and monitor therapy. ✔ DO use the peak flow meter to measure the amount of air
you take in when you breathe. Keep records of the amounts
and bring them to your doctor appointments.
✔ DO get a yearly flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine.
✔ DO continue normal activities as tolerated.
✔ DO exercise regularly, but make sure your asthma is
Monitor your asthma at home controlled before starting new exercises.
and visit your doctor regularly. ✔ DO reduce the dust mites in your house, e.g., by getting
rid of carpets and using special (HEPA) filters.
✔ DO talk to your doctor about how pets may affect
Asthma diary asthma.
✔ DO tell your doctor if your medicines do not control
Stop smoking.
your asthma or have side effects, if your peak flow readings
always go down, or if you feel more tired.

X DON’T take aspirin and other over-the-counter medi-

cines unless your doctor approves them.
X DON’T come into contact with asthma triggers such as
cold air or smoke.
X DON’T do excessive exercise, especially in cold weather.
Use your inhaler.

FROM THE DESK OF

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact the following sources:
NOTES
• American Lung Association
Tel: (800) LUNG-USA
Website: http://www.lungusa.org
• National Lung Health Education Program
Tel: (303) 839-6755
Website: http://www.nlhep.org

910 Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor Copyright  2012 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.