Asthma Resources for Patients

What is asthma?

  • Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and bronchoconstriction in the airways. 
  • This results in coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. 
  • Patients can live a normal life if adequate asthma control is maintained.

What triggers asthma?

  • Respiratory infections 
  • Environmental allergens- dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pet dander 
  • Smoke or sudden temperature changes 
  • Strong emotion- laughter, crying 
  • Intense exercise 

Can asthma be cured?

  • Asthma is a chronic condition. 
  • While it cannot be cured, it can be well controlled with proper treatment and often improves with time.

What happens during an asthma episode?

In an asthma episode:

  • The lining of the airways swells and becomes more inflamed.
  • Mucus clogs the airways.
  • Muscles tighten around the airways.
  • These changes narrow the airways until breathing becomes difficult and stressful, like trying to breathe through a straw stuffed with cotton.

Everyone with asthma needs his or her own Asthma Action Plan. Work with your health care provider to create a plan that works for you. Your goal is to prevent and control your asthma attacks.

 

Create Your Asthma Action Plan