Athens Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine

ASTHMA

Asthma is a condition that can make it hard to breathe. Asthma does not always cause symptoms. But when symptoms occur, they can be scary. Asthma attacks happen when the airways in the lungs become narrow and inflamed. Asthma can run in families.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Wheezing or noisy breathing
Coughing
A tight feeling in the chest
Shortness of breath

Symptoms can happen each day, each week, or less often. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Although it is rare, an episode of asthma can sometimes even lead to death.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma is treated with different types of medicines. The medicines can be inhalers, liquids, or pills. Your doctor will prescribe medicine based on how often you have symptoms and how serious your symptoms are. Asthma medicines work in one of two ways:

Quick-relief medicines stop symptoms quickly — in 5 to 15 minutes. Almost everyone with asthma has a quick-relief inhaler that they carry with them. People use these medicines whenever they have asthma symptoms. Most people need these medicines 1 or 2 times a week—or less often. But when asthma symptoms get worse, more doses may be needed. Some people can feel shaky after taking these medicines.
Long-term controller medicines control asthma and prevent future symptoms. People with frequent asthma symptoms take these one or two times each day.

It is very important that you take all the medicines the doctor prescribes, exactly how you are supposed to take them. You might have to take medicines a few times a day. You might not feel a medicine working, but that does not mean it is not helping you.

Asthma that is not treated with the right medicines can damage the lungs. Plus, not taking your medicines correctly can cause symptoms to get worse and even require a trip to the hospital.

What is an asthma action plan?

An asthma action plan is a list of instructions that tell you:
Which medicines to use each day at home
Which medicines to take if your symptoms get worse
When to get help or call 9-1-1

If you have frequent or severe asthma symptoms, your doctor might suggest that you have an asthma action plan. If so, you and your doctor will work together to make one. As part of your action plan, you may need to use something called a “peak flow meter.” Breathing into this device will show how your lungs are working. Your doctor will show you the right way to use your inhaler and peak flow meter.

What are some triggers of asthma?

Dust
Mold
Animals, such as dogs and cats
Pollen and plants
Cigarette smoke
Getting sick with a cold or flu
Exercise
Stress

If you need asthma medicine every day, you should see your doctor every 6 months or more often.

Can asthma symptoms be prevented?

Yes. You can help prevent your asthma symptoms. You can stay away from things that cause your symptoms or make them worse. Doctors call these “triggers.” If you know what your triggers are, avoid them as much as possible.

If you can’t avoid certain triggers, talk with your doctor about what you can do. For example, exercise can be good for people with asthma. But you may need to take an extra dose of your quick-relief inhaler medicine before you exercise.

What if I want to get pregnant?

If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about how to control your asthma. Keeping your asthma well-controlled is important for the health of your baby. Most asthma medicines are safe to take if you are pregnant