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Asthma

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About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic reversible inflammatory disorder of the airways affecting about 6% of the U.S population. People of all ages and races may develop asthma. Symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time. Asthma can be life-threatening if not well controlled, but with proper care people can lead full, active lives.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Asthma is characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a cough, especially at night or early in the morning. These symptoms are caused by an over-reactive airway whereby inflammation, increased mucous production and narrowing of the airways occur, preventing air from easily moving in and out of the lungs.

The diagnosis of asthma is made by evaluation of symptoms, history, physical examination, and lung function tests (spirometry and peak flow meter readings). Once the diagnosis is made, prompt treatment is recommended to gain quick control of the disease and prevent long-term adverse changes to the lungs.

Prevention

These "triggers" may worsen your asthma symptoms:

Symptoms Triggers
Respiratory infections Food additives and preservatives (i.e. sulfite)
Indoor/outdoor environmental allergens (i.e. molds, house dust mites, animal dander, cockroach, allergen, pollens) Weather changes. Certain medications (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers)
Irritants (i.e. smoke, air pollutants, strong odors) Exercise, when exercise induces symptoms. Irritants (i.e. smoke, air pollutants, strong odors)

It is important for you and your clinician to identify your asthma triggers and to work together to develop a plan to minimize your exposure and maintain optimal lung function.

Management and Education

New asthma treatment guidelines, published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been developed by a panel with expertise in asthma management. Regular clinician visits with the same provider are important. Spirometry testing provides information about small and large airways and demonstrates abnormal lung function as well as response to treatment. Peak flow meter measurements are to monitor variations in large airway capacity. Additional studies may be recommended in order to identify environmentqal exposures so that controls may be initiated.

Education about the disease shoud take place at every medical visit. Ask questions! Take responsibility for knowing as much about your asthma as possible and participate in your care by seeing your clinician regularly. Monitor your asthma status at home, follow your medication management plan, and do what you can to control environmental causes.

Medications

A wide variety of medications are available for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medications provide prompt relief of airflow obstruction and constriction of the airway. Long-term control medications are used daily to counteract inflammation and to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma. Frequently, both types of medication are given in inhaled form to best reach the affected areas and minimize side effects. The severity and persistence of your symptoms determine which medications will be prescribed. Your clinician will work out a medication management plan suited to your individual needs.

Related Services at the Tang Center

For Students:

  • Advice Nurse: (510) 643-7197
  • Appointments: (510) 642-2000
  • Self Care Resource Center: (510) 642-7202, See NIH Asthma Expert Panel Report and the American Lung Association

For Faculty and Staff:

Please refer questions to your health plan or primary care provider.

Additional Online Resources

Related Topics

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.

Last reviewed: August 2005

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