Basic Facts
Triggers
Treatments
Other Questions
100
What is asthma?
It is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow
100

What is the difference between inflammatory triggers and symptom triggers?

Inflammatory triggers can cause inflammation of the lungs' airways, which causes the airways linings to create more mucus than usual and swell. Symptom triggers generally DO NOT cause inflammation, but they can cause airways to constrict, which prevents oxygen from being able to flow through to the lungs.

100
What are key actions to stopping asthma attack before they start?
Prevention and long-term controls
100
How often are long-term asthma control medications taken?
They are generally taken daily
200
What are some symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
200

What are some examples of inflammatory triggers?

Dust mites, animals (dander), cockroaches, molds, pollens, viral infections, certain air pollutants, etc.

200
What is the correct treatment if someone suffers a sudden asthma flare-up?
A quick-relief / rescue inhaler
200
What is an asthma action plan?
It is a plan a patient crates with their doctor, which outlines when to take certain medications, or when to increase or decrease the dose of your medications based on a patients symtoms.
300
What biological system does asthma affect? (Hint: The lungs are part of the __________)
Respiratory system (or ventilatory system)
300

What are some examples of symptom triggers?

Smoke, exercise, Cold air, chemical fumes and other strong-smelling substances (perfumes, colognes), and certain food additives.

300
The right medications for you depend on what factors?
Age, symptoms, triggers, and what seems to work best to keep your asthma under control.
300
Is asthma a serious disorder? Can people die from it?
Asthma is a serious disorder. There are 4,000 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care.
400
Statistically... how often does a human have an asthma attack in the United States of America?
Every 2.88 seconds
400
Do all asthmatics have the same triggers.
No, triggers are personal. My triggers can be different from yours.
400
What is a spacer? What does it do?
A spacer is a long tube that slows the delivery of medication from inhalers. Spacers can make it easier for medication to reach the lungs, which also means less medication gets deposited in the mouth and throat, where it can lead to irritation and mild infections
400

How should you exercise if you have asthma?

  • Warm up slowly before exercise

  • Use inhaler before activity if needed

  • Take breaks when necessary

  • Choose activities that work for you

500
Is it possible for someone to "grow out" of asthma?
No, asthma is a chronic disorder
500
What are some things you can do to make your home more asthmatic friendly? (What can you do to remove triggers from your house?)
Pick up your clothes and toys every day Close the closet door/close drawers Do not put things under your bed Pick just one stuffed animal to sleep with Put a plastic cover on your mattress and pillow Take out rugs Take out heavy curtains Use plain window shades Vacuum regularly Do not smoke Dust regularly etc. etc. etc.
500

What is a nebulizer? What does it do? Does it take longer to use than an inhaler?

A nebulizer is an electric or battery powered machine that turns liquid asthma medications into a fine mist that's inhaled into the lungs. The user breathers in the mist through a mouthpiece or face-mask. This process takes about 5-10 minutes, however, it is considered to be more effective than a conventional inhaler.

500

How do you use an inhaler properly?

  • Shake the inhaler

  • Breathe out completely

  • Put inhaler in mouth and close lips around it

  • Breathe in slowly while pressing down

  • Hold breath for 10 seconds

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