What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is considered to be reversible. The bronchial tubes become narrowed or, in severe cases, completely closed, making it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. This disease is characterized by:

• Bronchoconstriction: The muscles that surround the bronchial tubes are involuntary. In asthma, they constrict excessively, which leads to a smaller diameter of the bronchial tubes.
• Inflammation: Inflammation is the hallmark of the disease. When inflammation occurs, the bronchial tubes shed their inner lining (epithelial cells) which leads to swelling and irritable airways. This decreases the diameter of the airways.
• Increased mucus: Excessive amounts of thick mucus are secreted into the bronchial tubes. This is a result of the inflammation inside the airways.
• Airway hyper responsiveness: The inflamed airways become highly sensitive and react to stimuli that have no effect in normal persons. This process correlates with the amount of inflammation present.

An asthma episode (attack) can be described as a worsening of one’s disease. This worsening results in an increase in airway obstruction and inflammation, which cause an increase in symptoms. Symptoms of airway obstruction can include shortness of breath, difficulty in catching one’s breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Some individuals may also feel tired, have lack of energy or get “winded’ easily with activities.

Early Warning Signs

Early warning signs are helpful indicators that asthma is worsening. Each individual has a unique set of early warning signs. It is important to identify what your early warning signs are in order to properly care for your symptoms. For example, a common early warning sign may include experiencing cold symptoms followed by cough and chest tightness resulting in wheezing.

On occasions, when allergies trigger asthma, the first signs may be those of hay fever, such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor will most often make the diagnosis based on medical history. In some cases, objective date is necessary to help make the diagnosis or confirm the diagnosis. Some of these studies include:

• Spirometry
• Chest x-ray
• Methacholine challenge

Peak Flow Monitoring

A peak flow monitor is an instrument that measures the fastest rate of air flow a person can forcibly exhale from their lungs. The instrument gives the patient a measurement of their condition. One can report peak flow readings to follow an Action Plan developed with the physician.

Studies have shown that the peak flow measurement will decrease before asthma symptoms appear-thus giving extra time to prevent an asthma attack.

How to Treat Asthma

• Avoid asthma triggers
• Use your medication as directed by your doctor. For more information about asthma drugs, see asthma medications list.
• Monitor your peak flow periodically
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen