Asthma
Source American Academy of Family Physicians
Asthma is a disease of the lungs. The airways of people with asthma are extra sensitive to things that they are allergic to and to other irritating things in the air. Asthma symptoms start when allergens or other irritants cause the lining of the airways to swell and narrow. The muscles around the airways can then spasm, causing the airways to narrow even more. When the lining of the airways is inflamed, it also produces more mucus. The mucus clogs the airways and further blocks the flow of air.
Things that may trigger an asthma attack:
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Air Pollution |
Pets |
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Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin) |
Pollen |
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Changes in Temperature |
Sinus Infections |
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Cigarette Smoke |
Some Foods |
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Dust |
Spray-on deodorants |
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Exercise |
Strong Emotions |
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Heartburn |
Sulfite (food preservative in red wine, beer, salad bars, dehydrated soups and other foods) |
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Mold |
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Perfume |
Viruses |
How to use a metered-dose inhaler
1. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
2. Shake the canister.
3. Tilt your head back and breath out.
4. Put the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from your mouth, or if you’re using a spacer, put the end of it in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
5. Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you slowly breathe in for 3 to 5 seconds.
Note: If you use dry powder capsules, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and inhale rapidly.
Listed below are links to information about asthma.
This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
National Center for Environmental Health Asthma
USEPA Asthma and Indoor Environments
Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
American Association for Respiratory Care
