Asthma

ASTHMA What is ASTHMA? Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and remodeling (restructuring) of the airways, leading to symptoms that include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness. Who develops asthma? Asthma is a common disease affecting 25 million people in the United States. People of all races and all ages can be affected. An asthma diagnosis is five times more likely to be made before the age of 20, although older individuals can also develop it. People of all races and all ages can be affected. 25 million people in the United States or 1 in every 12 people What are the symptoms of asthma? The most common asthma symptoms range from mild to severe and include the following: • Wheezing o Coughing (with or without phlegm) O Shortness of breath • Chest tightness What causes asthma? The precise cause of asthma has not been determined, but it is believed that both environmental and genetic factors are involved. Asthma tends to run in families. Environmental factors including exposure to allergens (e.g., dust mites and mold spores), air pollution, and tobacco smoke have been identified. Mold spores In addition, lifestyle factors, including obesity, frequent antibiotic use, and growing up in an urban environment are important. Dust mite What triggers symptoms? The most common triggers for asthma symptoms include the following: • Weather extremes, such as heat, cold, humidity, or abrupt changes in conditions • Exercise (especially in dry, cold air) • Strong fumes, such as tobacco smoke, car exhaust, paint, perfumes, and cleaning sprays Allergens, such as dust, furry pets, mold, trees, grass, and cockroaches • Infections of the upper respiratory system or sinuses Strong emotions, such as those involving crying or laughter • Certain foods and beverages, such as nuts, red wine, and salad bars using sulfite as a preservative • Certain medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and beta blockers used for high blood OUPRO pressure, migraine headaches, and glaucoma • Certain occupations, such as those involving workplace exposures to laboratory animals, flour, and latex Can other conditions worsen symptoms? Inflammation of nasal Several conditions may exacerbate passages asthma, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, sinusitis, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), high blood pressure, and diabetes. Nasal allergies involve inflammation of the nasal passages; this, in turn, can increase inflammation of the lower airways and thus worsen asthma. How does exercise affect asthma? Exercise-induced symptoms occur in up to 80 percent of individuals with asthma. They generally start when the patient stops exercising and usually peak 10-15 minutes later. There are techniques to reduce exercise-induced asthma symptoms, which include "warming up" before exercise and "cooling down" after. Several medications can also be taken prior to exercise to lessen asthma symptoms. Individuals with asthma should not avoid exercise because it may have beneficial effects. It's a good idea to discuss the role of regular exercise in asthma with a physician. Patients over 40 years old, or who have other health conditions or are overweight, should consult with a doctor before starting an exercise program. Patients should also alert a physician if they experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath during exercise because such symptoms may indicate heart disease rather than asthma. Treatments for asthma Traditional treatments for asthma include rescue medications (such as short-acting beta agonists), which relax the muscles lining the airway, thereby opening the airway and relieving symptoms. They also include long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, which are taken regularly to control, suppress, and temporarily reverse inflammation. Diet can also play a role in managing asthma. Vitamins, especially ones with antioxidant properties such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A), could be of benefit. Vitamin D deficiency VITAMIN VITAMIN VITAMIN VITAMIN has also been linked to worsening asthma. In addition, obesity has been clearly established as a risk factor for asthma, and weight loss has been strongly associated with improved symptoms. Non-traditional treatments for asthma are currently being investigated for their effectiveness in alleviating asthma symptoms, and include herbal therapies, hypnosis, and acupuncture. Mount Sinai © 2014 The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York You are free to copy, distribute and transmit this content, but you must attribute the work to the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. Visit: mountsinai.org/asthma for more information.