Asma y contaminación del aire exterior
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