FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs. Swelling occurs in the airways. They become narrowed or blocked, causing coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and other symptoms. In some instances, asthma attacks can be very serious and can lead to death.

Are there different types of asthma?

There are two types of asthma, allergic (extrinsic) and non-allergic (intrinsic).

Allergic asthma is the most common form. It is triggered by inhaling allergens such as dust mites, pollen, strong fumes, cigarette smoke, animal dander or secretions, mold, etc.

Non-allergic asthma can be triggered by factors such as viruses, stress, anxiety, exercise, hyperventilation, cold air, dry air, and smoke or other irritants.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms for both allergic and non-allergic asthma are basically the same and can include: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, tightness in the chest, difficulty talking, and feeling of panic or anxiety.

The severity of symptoms, such as an increase in labored breathing, can develop rapidly, decreasing the amount of oxygen in your blood, and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. A bluish tint to the lips or fingernails can be the first indication of a decreased oxygen level and the development of this life-threatening situation.

Are there any breathing exercises that can help during an asthma attack?

Pursed-lip breathing, which involves closing the lips tightly and blowing air out past them the way you would when blowing out a candle. This action helps keep the airways open when you exhale by keeping the pressure in them a little higher.

Why is it difficult for me to exhale during asthma attack?

This happens because when the airways are swollen and narrowed they close earlier when you exhale, in turn, trapping air in your lungs that would normally be exhaled.

I have been told that exercising can cause an asthma attack. Should I stop exercising?

Check with your physician. If your asthma is well controlled with appropriate treatment, your exercise does not need to be avoided or limited. However, in some instances, vigorous exercise can cause difficulties because it increases your body's demand for oxygen, increases your breathing rate, and can cause an asthma attack.

What do allergy shots do for people with asthma?

Allergy shots are only beneficial to people with allergic asthma, which is considered an autoimmune disease. If your asthma attacks are triggered by such things as dust mites, mold, pollen, or other allergens that are almost impossible to avoid, allery shots can be beneficial because they help your immune system build tolerance to allergens over a period of time.

Is there anything I can do to help improve my asthma?

The best thing you can do is to identify and mimimize triggers that cause your asthma attacks. Sometimes, just removing a trigger from your environment, such as an animal, can elminate an attack or reduce the amount of medication you need to take.

With the help of your physician, you can prepare a management plan based on your symptoms, triggers, etc., so you know what to do when an attack occurs, and make adjustments as necessary.