Asthma Asthma and Reactive Airway Disease
Definition of asthma : Inflammatory disorder of small airways characterized by periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and improvement with bronchodilator Reactive airway disease : A nonspecific term in clinical contexts ranging from asthma to wheezy bronchitis (especially in children < 3 yrs) to viral bronchiolitis or even to pneumonia and COPD
What is Asthma?
►Chronic lung condition ►Reversible reactive airway obstruction ►Tightening of the muscles surrounding the
bronchial passages in the lungs ►Asthma is a variable condition ►Can be developed at any age
Symptoms of Asthma
☻Persistent/recurrent cough ☻Dyspnea ☻(shortness of breath) ☻Wheezing ☻Chest tightness ☻Symptoms and severity of symptoms can
change over time ☻May not have all of the above symptoms
What Causes Asthma Symptoms?
●Bronchoconstriction/ bronchospasm ●Occurs when exposed to a trigger ●Muscles surrounding bronchioles contract
and produce excess mucus ●Airways become red, inflamed (swollen)
and narrow
What Causes Asthma Symptoms?
Treating Asthma
►Asthma can’t be cured ►Managed using medications and trigger avoidance (except for exercise!)
Treatment: Rescue Medication
☺Known as rescue, reliever and quick relief medications
☺ Reverses symptoms fast ☺“ Bronchodilator” ☺ inhaled directly to the lungs ☺ Begins working immediately, peaks at 5-10 minutes
☺ Used for sudden symptoms or to prevent exercise induced flare-ups.
Common Asthma Triggers Extrinsic (Allergic) Triggers
Intrinsic (Non-Allergic) Triggers
Dust mites Mould Certain foods Animal danderPollen
Infections (cold and flu) Cold or humid air Intense emotions (ex.
stress) Medications (ex. aspirin) Hormones Air pollution Fragrances and chemicals Occupational irritants Exercise
ASTHMA
Exercise and Asthma
☺ Exercise can induce asthma symptoms in people who have no other asthma triggers.
☺ Exercise is a trigger for 90% of people with asthma.
☺ Exercise should not be avoided, but worked with! ☺ Preventing exercise induced flare-ups: ☺ Don’t begin to exercise if you are already flaring! ☺ If prescribed take medication 5-15 minutes before exercise
☺ Warm up and cool down gradually for 10-20 minutes
Getting in Control ☺“ Control” may be different for
everybody ☺ Except for exercise, avoid
triggers as much as possible ☺ Take/adjust medications as
prescribed ☺ Find a doctor who will help you
get in control ☺ Stay in contact with your doctor
