Asthma and Allergy Awareness

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease where the airways react to triggers such as allergens and irritants. With exposure to triggers, these changes occur:

• The airways become swollen and inflamed.
• The muscles around the airways tighten.
• More mucus is made. This leads to mucus plugs.

Who is at risk for asthma?

It is most common in children/teens ages 5 to 17 and people living in cities. Other factors include:

• Personal or family history of asthma or allergies
• Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
• Children with a family history of asthma
• Children who have allergies or atopic dermatitis
• Children exposed to secondhand and tobacco smoke

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
• Coughing
• Breathing becomes harder and may hurt
• Talking and sleeping may be harder with severe symptoms of these changes make the airways narrow, making it hard for a person to breathe in and out.

What causes asthma?

While experts do not know the exact cause of asthma, they believe it is partly inherited. The environment, infections, and chemicals released by the body also play a role. Staying away from triggers is key in managing asthma. Triggers may be allergens, irritants, other health problems, exercise, medicines, and strong emotions.

Allergies

• Dust is the most common year-round allergen and is caused by tiny dust mites. Dust mites are found in mattresses, carpets, and fabric-covered (upholstered) furniture such as sofas and chairs. They live best in warm, humid conditions. Put dust mite covers on your mattress, box spring, and pillows.
• Pollens: You may be allergic to pollen. If so, during pollen season keep all car and house windows closed and use air conditioning instead. If you are outside, shower, wash your hair, and change clothes when you go inside.
• Pets that have fur or feathers often cause allergies. If you have pets, try not to touch them. If you do pet or handle them, wash your hands afterward. Keep pets off your bed and out of your bedroom. Have someone brush and bathe your pet often.
• Grunting, moaning, or sighing when exhaling are sounds made when a baby is trying to keep air in their lungs to build up oxygen levels.
• Mold and mildew: These can trigger asthma. When outside, stay away from damp, shady areas. Use exhaust fans when cooking or bathing. Keep indoor humidity below 45%. And drain and clean your dehumidifier often.

Exercise

Exercise is a common asthma trigger. But you don't need to limit sports or exercise unless a healthcare provider advises it. Swimming, golf, and karate are good choices if you have asthma. Always warm up before exercise and cool down after. Ask your provider about using your quick-relief medicine before starting exercise.

Irritants

• If you smoke, quit.
• Stay away from smoke.
• Don’t use wood stoves or kerosene heaters.
• Also stay away from strong perfumes, cleaning products, fresh paint, and other things with strong odors.

Medicines

Some medicines can make asthma symptoms worse. These medicines include aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and beta-blockers. Talk with your provider about your asthma history and medicine use.

Other health problems

These include:

• Respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) and heartburn
• Being overweight
• Sleep apnea
• Depression