Health
Topics > Asthma
Contributed
by Steve Long, Respiratory Therapist & Asthma Educator
Penrose-St. Francis Health Learning Center
An
estimated 15 million Americans have asthma, the chronic lung condition
that causes wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and other breathing
problems. Asthma can be treated, but public health officials are
concerned because incidence continues to climb.
Asthma cases have more than doubled since 1980, according to the
Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No one understands
exactly why, but it may be due to better detection and an increased
awareness of asthma symptoms.
When the condition is not diagnosed or not properly treated, it
can be deadly. In the U.S. the mortality rate has risen over the
past 15 years or so, especially in African-Americans and approximately
5,000 asthma-related deaths still occur each year in this country.
.
Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)*
Exercise-Induced Asthma is a temporary narrowing of the airways,
or bronchospasm (which is induced by exercise). Exercise is a common
trigger for asthma. Research shows that about 80% of people with
asthma have symptoms triggered by exercise. EIA can affect anybody
with asthma: children, adults and athletes alike.
Symptoms of EIA include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and
difficulty in breathing. These symptoms can occur any time during
physical activity and up to 10 minutes after activity is completed.
EIA symptoms seem to be related to heat and water loss that occurs
during physical activity. As breathing increases during workouts,
each breath replaces hot, moist air normally found in the lungs
with cooler, drier air. This change triggers chest tightness and
spasms in the lungs of people with asthma.
Management
If you have asthma, your physician will help you develop a management
plan. This plan should include:
•
Education: Asthma is a disease that can be controlled,
by understanding how the disease affects your airways, early recognition
of symptoms, identifying the “triggers” or nature
of the symptoms and the use of medications to control these symptoms.
With this knowledge you and your physician will be able to work
out a “management plan” designed especially for you.
• Environmental Factors: Inhaled allergens
such as dust, pollens, animals, air pollutants and cold, dry air
are known “triggers” and can aggravate EIA. You might
find exercise more difficult in this type of environment. Environmental
control should always be initiated along with taking the correct
medications. If exposure to “triggers” are avoided,
less medication is required.
• Medications: The successful approach
to asthma management is dependent on the use of anti-inflammatory
medications on a daily basis, with a bronchodilator being used
for immediate and occasional relief of symptoms.
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