Asthma 101

What are the signs that I might have asthma?

Do you have a regular cough that you just can’t seem to kick? Do you struggle to catch your breath? Is there a whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe? These can all be signs of asthma. Other common symptoms include chest tightness and shortness of breath. The key with asthma is that symptoms come back over and over again. Your allergist can evaluate whether your symptoms are a sign of asthma.

How common is asthma?

Asthma is very common: Asthma symptoms affect an estimated 26 million Americans, including 20 million adults and 6 million children. That’s approximately 1 in 12 people. Asthma ranks among the most common chronic childhood illnesses, accounting for 13.8 million missed school days a year, as well as more than 14 million lost workdays for adults.

What causes asthma?

It’s hard to say for sure what causes asthma, but family genetics are believed to be a key factor. Asthma often runs in families. Environmental factors, such as exposure to secondhand smoke or air pollution, can also play a role.

How do I treat asthma?

Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your asthma so that you can live the life you want. They will work with you to identify what triggers your asthma and then build a plan to help you avoid and manage those triggers. They may also prescribe medication or, in some cases, allergy immunotherapy.

If you have asthma, you should keep your rescue inhaler with you wherever you are – at work, at school or on vacation. Albuterol is a particularly effective, fast-acting treatment to relax the muscles around your airways so you can breathe easier. If your asthma is severe or uncontrolled, your allergist may speak to you about biologics treatment or a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty.

What is SMART therapy? SMART therapy (Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) is an asthma treatment plan that uses the same inhaler for both daily control and quick relief. Here’s how it works:

One inhaler, two uses:

• Daily use: Taken every day to prevent asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and keeping airways open
• Relief use: Also used when asthma symptoms start to act up, like during an asthma attack

Find out more about SMART therapy.

What are common triggers for asthma?

A trigger is something that provokes a response from your body. In the case of asthma, your body sees these triggers as
a threat and releases chemicals to combat them, and these chemicals, in turn, can trigger an asthma attack.

Each person’s trigger may be different, but the most common triggers are exercise, illness, and allergens, such as pollen. Triggers can also come from certain medications, the weather, stress, smoke, and even some foods.

What should I do if I have an asthma attack?

The best way to deal with an asthma attack is to be prepared. Your allergist will help you create an asthma action plan, which may include specific steps to prevent and control an asthma attack.

If an attack occurs, stay calm and take the medications prescribed by your allergist, which are usually administered with an inhaler.

Seek medical treatment if your cough or shortness of breath persists or seems to worsen.

Can asthma be cured?

While there is no cure for asthma, there are several effective treatments. The best way to control asthma is to see an allergist. Studies show that people with asthma who see a knowledgeable professional, such as an allergist, reduce:

• Symptoms
• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Doctor’s office visits
• Days missed from school or work
• Healthcare expenses

Don’t let asthma hold you back! Use the Find an Allergist tool and start taking back control of your life.