Asthma

Asthma

DEFINITION
Asthma is a condition that causes sensitivity of the airways
in the lungs. When exposed to certain triggers these airways
narrow, making it hard to breathe.
DESCRIPTION
When a person with asthma comes into contact with something
that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger), the muscles
around the walls of the airways tighten so that the airways become
narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts
to swell. Sometimes sticky mucus or phlegm builds up which can
further narrow the airways.
CAUSES
The exact cause of Asthma is not completely understood. Asthma
is one of a group of allergic conditions, including eczema and
hayfever, which often occur together. A family history of Asthma,
eczema or allergies, increases the risk of person developing
Asthma. Research shows that smoking during pregnancy increases the
child’s risk of developing asthma. Children whose parents smoke are
also more likely to develop the condition.
 
COMMON TRIGGERS
Asthma triggers can vary between people. Common triggers
include;
  • Colds and flu (especially in children)
  • Exercise (this can be managed)
  • Pollens, moulds and grasses
  • Animal fur and dander (skin flakes)
  • Dust mites
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Changes in air temperature and weather
  • Certain drugs e.g aspirin and certain blood pressure
    medications
  • Some chemicals, strong smells and aerosol sprays 
  • Some occupations
  • Some emotions e.g stress
 
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what is triggering your
Asthma. Ask your Doctor for advice.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of asthma include:
  • Coughing, 
  • Wheezing, 
  • Shortness of breath, and 
  • Tightness in the chest.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
In no way is this information intended to replace the advice
of a medical practitioner. Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis
and advice. Although there is no cure for Asthma, there are some
excellent medicines available to help control the symptoms so that
is does not interfere with daily life. Good Asthma management
allows a person to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. 
 
If you or your child experience symptoms that could be due to
Asthma, it is important to get advice from your GP. There is no
simple test for asthma. It is diagnosed by your Doctor after
examination, and taking into account how and when symptoms
occur. 
 
MANAGING ASTHMA
Good Asthma management involves;
  • Taking Asthma medications. See the Asthma Medications and
    Devices topic.
  • Monitoring your Asthma
  • Staying active and healthy
  • Avoiding triggers where possible. See the Asthma Triggers
    topic.
  • Having a written Asthma Action Plan
  • Visiting your Doctor regularly – at least every 6 months when
    well.
 
ASTHMA ACTION PLAN
An Asthma Action Plan can be written with your Doctor or
nurse. It should provide clear information on your Asthma
medicines, how to tell if your symptoms are getting worse, what you
should do if your symptoms do get worse, and what you should do in
the case of an Asthma attack.
 
DIET HINTS
  • Food is not a common trigger for Asthma. Only 2% of adults and
    11% of children with Asthma have an attack because of certain
    foods.
  • People with Asthma should eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet
    that incorporates a wide variety of foods. 
  • Asthma sufferers with known food ‘triggers’ should avoid these
    foods.
  • There is no evidence that dairy foods can trigger or worsen
    Asthma attacks unless patients have specific allergies to dairy
    foods. Dairy foods are an important source of many essential
    nutrients and should not be avoided unless an allergy or
    intolerance has been medically diagnosed.
  • See the Asthma and Food Triggers topic on the Healthpoint for
    further information.
NOTES
Royal Jelly can cause serious health effects in people with
Asthma and other allergic conditions.
Echinacea has been shown to trigger Asthma in some
people.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Asthma Australia topic on the Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice about:
  1. The correct use of Asthma puffers (or inhalers).
  2. The correct use of a puffer and spacer.
  3. The correct use of a peak flow metre and nebulizer.
  4. The difference between preventer/controller and reliever
    puffers.
  5. Identifying and avoiding Asthma triggers.
  6. Any other medications you are taking which could affect your
    Asthma medications. 
  7. If you need help to quit smoking, ask your Pharmacist for
    advice.