Asthma is a chronic lung condition that varies greatly from person
to person. Symptoms range from mild to life threatening. Some
people have only occasional or seasonal (Fall / Spring) symptoms.
Others experience symptoms on a daily basis. Many people experience
'asthma attacks' that appear to develop suddenly. These episodes
may be brief or last for several days. It is important to recognize
and treat even mild asthma symptoms to avoid a more serious
episode. The key to controlling your asthma is early recognition
of warning signs. These are signs that warn you your
asthma is getting worse. You must then know how to get your
asthma back in control by using your asthma control plan.
Asthma can be controlled or managed, but not
cured. With proper treatment and self-management, you can control
your symptoms, prevent most acute asthma exacerbations, maintain
your desired activity level and have near-normal lung function.
Your asthma is not adequately controlled until you can perform
all of your daily activities, including exercise, without symptoms.
How common is asthma?
Asthma affects 3-5% of the U.S. population,
approximately 10 million people. About the same number of men
and women have asthma. A slightly higher number of blacks have
asthma than whites. The reported number of cases of asthma is
increasing. Asthma can be a major cause of time lost from school
and work. It is the number one chronic illness responsible for
loss of school time. In 1990, the cost of illness related to
asthma in the U.S. exceeded six billion dollars. About half
of this cost can be saved if individuals work with their physicians
to control their asthma.
The number of reported deaths from asthma has
increased from about 2,600 in 1979 to 4,600 in 1988. This increase
in deaths may be due to inadequate health care, a change in
the severity of asthma or an increase in the number of people
with asthma. The asthma death rate is almost three times greater
among blacks than whites. The majority of deaths are in individuals
older than 50, but deaths caused by asthma are also reported
in children.
How does
the doctor know I have asthma?
Common asthma symptoms include
periodic cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness
of breath. Asthma is sometimes hard to diagnose. To help, your
doctor will rely on a combination of your medical history including
your symptoms, pattern of symptoms, home situation, medical
and family history, a physical exam, laboratory test, chest
x-rays, breathing tests and sometimes allergy testing.
How is asthma treated?
Asthma treatment has improved
over the past few years. The most important treatment is the
development of an Asthma Control Plan. This includes
checking your breathing and the looking for warning signs everyday.
You must learn your asthma triggers, how to avoid them, how
to prevent an asthma episode and control one if it starts. The
control plan will also include taking your medicines everyday,
learn how to use your medicine properly and how to adjust your
medications based on your symptoms and peak flows. By learning
more about asthma and developing an asthma control plan, you
will gain control over your disease. Successful self-management
with only periodic physician or nurse intervention is the ultimate
goal.
Faculty and Staff 
