Basics
What disease causes swelling in the airway and makes it hard to breath?
Asthma
What sound do people make when breathing out with asthma?
Wheezing
What can increase your chance of asthma if it runs in your family
Genetics
What device helps measure how hard you breathe out?
Peak flow meter
About how many Americans have asthma?
About 25-27 million
What part of the body does asthma affect?
Lungs/airway
Name one symptom of asthma.
Shortness of breathe, coughing, chest tightness.
Name one environmental trigger of asthma
Air pollution, smoke, allergens.
What type of inhaler works fast during an attack?
Rescue inhaler
Asthma is most common in what age group?
Children
What happens to the airways during asthma?
They swell and tighten
What color can lips turn in a severe attack?
Blue
Name one allergy linked to asthma.
Hay fever OR asthma
What test checks how much air you breathe in and out?
Spirometry
About what percent of Americans have asthma
7-8%
Who first described asthma long ago?
Hippocrates
What makes asthma symptoms worse?
Cold air, infections, allergens.
Name one job hazard that can trigger asthma.
Dust, chemical fumes, sawdust
What medicine reduces airway swelling over time?
Controller medication
Where is asthma more common
Urban/polluted areas
Is asthma short term or long term?
Long term!!
What happens if asthma is not treated?
Severe attacks, lung damage or DEATH
What early life factor can increase asthma risk
Respiratory infections
What type of doctors can increase asthma risk?
Pulmonologist
About how many people worldwide have asthma?
About 260 MILLION!!