Symptoms, Causes and Triggers

Asthma may cause any one or more of the following:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Hard to breath

Asthma is caused by one or more of the following which results in narrowing of the breathing tubes of the lung:

• Spasm (constriction) of the muscles around the bronchial (breathing) tubes
• Inflammation (swelling) of the bronchial tubes
• Increased mucous in the bronchial tubes

Asthma may be triggered by one or more of the following:

• Allergens – Animals, dust, pollens, molds, foods
• Irritants – smoke, cleaners, perfumes, organic fumes
• Other – exercise, cold air, stress, heartburn, respiratory infections

How is Asthma Diagnosed and Treated?

Asthma is best diagnosed by your doctor with a combination of your medical history , family medical history, physical exam and lung function tests (spirometry).

While there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of ways to control asthma symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe asthma medications to meet your needs. You should work closely with your doctor and report on the effectiveness of the medicine and any side effects you may experience. You should also try to discover what triggers an asthma attack. Together, you and your doctor can develop a medication plan and treatment plan tailored for you.

Two kinds of medications are prescribed to treat your asthma- bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Short acting bronchodilators (SABA’s) act quickly to relax the muscles that tighten around airways. There are also long-acting bronchodilators (LABA’s) that help prevent episodes of asthma. This type of bronchodilator should not be taken for treatment of sudden symptoms.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers take longer to work than bronchodilators. They are used to prevent and reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways. Allergy shots can decrease the severity of allergic triggers of your asthma. There is also a new biotech medication (Xolair) for patients with severe asthma.

What Causes Asthma?

• Asthma is often hereditary, so genes play a role in developing asthma.
• Patients with asthma may be supersensitive to various substances that are normally harmless. Some common triggers may include allergens such as pollens, animal dander, dust mites and sometime foods or food additives. Irritants such as smoke, fumes, and strong odors can also cause problems. Other triggers can be changes in the weather or temperature, as well as certain drugs.
• Nighttime asthma can be related to a number of factors including allergens in the bedroom, delayed reactions to outdoor allergens, heartburn, and even twenty four hour changes in some of your body’s hormones
• Exercise-induced asthma involves asthma symptoms that occur during or immediately following activity.

Taking an Active Role in Your Therapy. What Can You Do?

• Managing your asthma correctly is the most important effort you can make to ensure that you lead a normal and healthy life. This involves a close partnership with your doctor. Together you can develop a personalized treatment plan to help control your symptoms.
• Eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest are important. Know your asthma triggers and ways to avoid them.
• Watch for warning signs of an episode so that you can begin treatment with the proper dose of prescribed medicine. Stay calm when symptoms do arise and ask for help from family, friends, or your doctor when you need it.
• If your medication does not seem to alleviate an asthma attack, then seek medical care immediately. Be sure those around you are aware of your condition and know how to assist you when urgent help is needed. Keep emergency information and important phone numbers handy.
• Preventing episodes of asthma becomes easier when you know your triggers. Make some practical changes in your environment by removing as many irritants as you can. Asthma is a controllable disease that should not prevent you from enjoying a healthy and active life. See your doctor regularly and use your medications properly. Remember that you’re in control.

For a consultation or appointment, call us at (303) 234-1067.

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© 2012 Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, 1746 Cole Blvd., Building 21, Suite 320, Lakewood, CO 80401

Last updated February 22, 2012