Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lungs. Our goal is to help you understand the nature of asthma by helping you recognize the conditions which contribute to airways inflammation, and have a plan of action to keep this disorder under good control.   

 The main signs and symptoms of asthma are: COUGH, WHEEZE, CHEST TIGHTNESS, and SHORTNESS OF BREATH.

 What happens during an attack?

The muscles surrounding the airways spasm and tighten, called Bronchospasm. The airway lining becomes Inflamed and Swollen, and excess Mucus is formed.

THE ASTHMA ACTION PLAN

Is designed specifically for you.

Focuses on prevention, utilizing PEAK FLOW readings and/or assessment of asthma symptoms.  
Helps guide decisions about caring for your asthma from day to day.

  EX: Each morning and evening, check your peak flow to see what Zone you are in.

Then look at your Action Plan and use the medicines prescribed for that zone.

If you are not in the Green Zone, you should use a Reliever medicine first:

BRONCHODILATORS: relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. Quick-acting inhaled bronchodilators work within minutes. Ex: Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Proair), Xopenex, Maxair, Atrovent, Foradil*, Serevent*.

 *Long acting bronchodilators such as Serevent and Foradil are not intended for use as Relievers. These medications are to be used for maintenance therapy to prevent symptoms.
Peak flows should be re-checked to see if you are better after the medicine. Continue following the zone that makes you better for at least 24-48 hours, then try “tapering” off of your Reliever medicine. Usually one treatment per day from the Reliever can be stopped, while taking other medicines the way they are prescribed in that zone. When comfortable on 4 treatments per day, then you can move up a zone. Call the office if you need help following the Plan.

For more information regarding peak flow meter use:

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatispeakflowmeter.stm

How do we focus on Prevention?

Remember that Asthma is an inflammatory disorder, so treating the underlying problem is our best means of defense. Your Doctor will choose the best Long-term Control medicine to fight inflammation.
INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS: reduce and prevent asthma symptoms by reducing airway inflammation. Ex: Flovent, Pulmicort, Advair (Combination Medication:Serevent + Flovent) **Rinse mouth after use.

LEUKOTRIENE MODIFIERS: reduce leukotriene products, which are involved in the allergic response. Ex: Singulair, Accolate, Zyflo

OTHER ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES: blocks early and late reaction to allergen, helpful prior to exposure of known trigger. May take weeks to work properly. Ex: Intal (Cromolyn sodium), Tilade

 

For more information:

 

For more information on childhood and adult asthma visit: 

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/childhoodasthma.asp
                                         or
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/adultasthma.asp

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