Asthma Treatment Can
Help You Breathe a Little Easier

Asthma is a growing problem in this country, especially among children, and is responsible for about 4,000 deaths each year. More than 23 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, and nearly 9 million of these are children. Many experts speculate the recent increases in asthma rates may be a direct result of 20th century advances that reduced exposure to germs and infections.

Asthma attacks often force people to miss school or work and, in many cases, go to the hospital. Over a year’s time, the missed work and expensive hospital visits add up: costs associated with asthma are estimated around $16.1 billion annually.

What Is Asthma?
"The lung disease is caused by inflamed, or swollen, airways," explains David Amran, M.D., allergist. "Smoke, dust, pollen or specific foods may trigger this inflammation, resulting in smaller airways and subsequent breathing problems. Left untreated, asthma can even lead to death." Common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest

The good news is that while asthma can't be cured, it can be controlled.

Living with Asthma
"Once you have been diagnosed with asthma, you can adjust your lifestyle to control it," explains Dr. Amran. "Discuss your treatment and any changes in your symptoms with your doctor." Asthma shouldn't prevent you from being active, so tell your doctor if you have symptoms when you exercise or work hard. Determine what things make your asthma worse and do your best to avoid them; the triggers can range from tobacco smoke to pet dander to cold air.

Get a flu shot every year to reduce your risk of respiratory complications. Finally, make a point of taking your asthma medication exactly as your doctor has instructed – remember, your asthma has not gone away even if your symptoms have.

According to Dr. Amran, medication is one of the best defenses against an asthma attack. "There are two main types: long-term-control and quick-relief. The long-term-control medicines prevent symptoms and control asthma by reducing the inflammation in your airways. They are taken every day, and it may take time before you feel their full benefit," explains Dr. Amran. "The quick-relief medicines relax and open your airways to relieve your symptoms. You take them only as needed – that is, when you begin to experience the first symptoms of an asthma attack." Depending on the severity of your asthma, your doctor may prescribe one or both kinds
of medication.

Take Control
Support groups and resources abound, and your doctor can also provide you with a wealth of information. The key is to control your asthma before it controls you.