by Madhu Berman, M.D.
Asthma is a disease affecting the bronchi (tubes carrying air to the air sacs in the lungs) due to many different causes, of varying severity, and occurring in any age group. Statistics have shown that in recent years the incidence and severity of asthma has worsened in spite of better medications being available.

Can we do something about this? YES WE CAN. Education is the key!

IDENTIFYING TRIGGERS FOR ASTHMA.
Allergens - dust mites, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, foods.
Irritants - perfumes, cigarette smoke, smog, cleaning solutions.
Physical agents - exercise cold air, cold liquids, dry wind.
Infections - colds, flu, sinusitis.
Stress - physical or emotional.

WHO IS SPECIALLY AT RISK TO GET ASTHMA?
Children born to parents with asthma.
Persons who smoke or are exposed to second hand smoke.
People living in cities with lot of smog.

HOW CAN I DECREASE MY RISK FOR ASTHMA?
Stop smoking and stop others from smoking inside your house.
Do not have pets or plants indoors.
Decrease carpeting and upholstered furniture in the house.
Decrease use of indoor and outdoor pollutants.
Clean air ducts and filters regularly.
Do not do outdoor activities when the pollen counts are high or it is smoggy.

KNOWING ABOUT ASTHMA MEDICINES AND WHAT THEY DO.
There are two types of asthma medicines.
Anti-inflammatory medicines prevent asthma attacks.
Bronchodilators are used mostly as rescue medicines during an attack.
Not all people with asthma need both groups of medicines.

MONITORING YOUR ASTHMA AT HOME
Peak flow meter helps you to monitor your asthma at home.

TREATING ASTHMA ATTACKS AT HOME
Use a peak flow meter to determine what is your best peak flow. Your doctor can tell you what additional medicines to add when your peak flow number goes down. If the peak flow continues to decrease plan to go to emergency room or to your doctor's office.

WHEN AND WHY DO YOU NEED A SPECIALIST?
If you are getting frequent asthma attacks, which are interfering with your work and lifestyle, then you need to see an asthma specialist. They are usually allergists or pulmonologists who can start you on effective asthma medicines. An allergist can also help to determine the triggers, techniques to avoid them and methods to be desensitized to the various triggers.