|
|
- What
triggers asthma?
- Do
I have allergies?
- It's
difficult to determine if you have allergies without first
being seen by your physician.
You may have allergies if you exhibit asthma symptons
by being around everyday
elements. You may have allergies to pets, pollen,
dust or some other element which
may trigger asthma. If you are concerned about
allergies or asthma, please see your physician.
- What
are some of the warning signs of an asthma attack?
- Chronic
cough, especially at night
- Difficult
or fast breathing
- Chest
tightness or discomfort
- Shortness
of breath more than usual
- Itchy,
water, or glassy eyes
- Tendency
to rub or stroke your throat
- Itchy,
scratchy or sore throat
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Runny
nose
- Dark
circles under your eyes
- Fatigue
- Drop
in your peak flow reading
- What
are reliever medications?
- Reliever
medications provide relief when your symptoms increase or
if your peak flow readings begin to drop.
They are inhaled short-acting beta agonists.
Reliever medications are typically refered to
by these common names: albuterol (Proventil,
Ventolin), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol
(Maxair), and
terbutaline (Breathaire).
- What
do beta agonists do?
- They
relax the muslces around the airways making it easier for
you to breathe.
They often begin working within 5 minutes and
last up to 6 hours.
- How
are they taken?
- By
a metered-dose inhaler or by a nebulizer.
- When
are they used?
- Used
when symptoms have started or prior to exercise to prevent
exercise-induced asthma.
- What
are the possible side effects?
- Minor
side effects of inhaled beta agonists include nervousness
or restlessness,
trembling, dry mouth, or rapid or irregular
heart beat. Side effects usually become less frequent
or severe as the body adapts to the medicine.
- What
are controller medications?
- Controller
medications are used regularly to keep your asthma under control.
They are made up of inhaled anti-inflammatory
agents, oral corticosteroids,
oral anti-leukotrienes, and long-acting
bronchodilators.
|
|
|
|
|
|
