Asthma is a chronic medical condition that is caused by inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in thirteen people have this chronic disease, which means, a total of 25 million people live with it today.

Not just that, the numbers of diagnoses are continuing to climb. This means, it’s absolutely critical for nurses and patients to learn as much as they can.

How serious is asthma?

This can be better explained by recent statistics: about ten Americans die due to this disease. Isn’t it serious? Well, asthma, which can be controlled by following a proper treatment plan, can kill someone, if left untreated. One study highlighted that one-third of those who have died with asthma only had a mild disease. This means that many of the deaths caused by asthma can be avoided by following proper treatment and care. When it’s treated the right way, those with the disease can be able to live normally and actively.

Who can get asthma?

Literally, anyone can get this disease at any age. In some people, it would start in infancy, while in other people, it would start later in childhood. In some children, it may look like the disease has been outgrown, but, in reality, the disease would never go away.

In some people, asthma can develop during their adulthood as well, which can include seniors. For example, in some people, the symptoms can develop after a bad cold/flu and in some people. it can be seen after a long work-related exposure. Therefore, if anyone suspects that he/she has asthma, it’s advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

The most common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing attacks
• Trouble sleeping
• Persistent cold

However, not everyone will experience the same symptoms.

What are asthma attacks?

An asthma attack is an episode of increased asthma symptoms, which can either be mild or severe, and it can start suddenly or gradually. Any person can experience a severe attack, even if he/she is having mild asthma. Severe attacks need immediate medical attention because, during an attack, the linings of the airways in the person’s lungs would swell, making it narrower.

All of this could block the air flow, making it harder to breathe. Patients should know what exactly happens with their lungs during an attack so that they can better understand the medications that they need to take.

What can cause asthma attacks?

The triggers to an asthma attack can differ from one person to another, and these can include:

• Cooler air
• Dust
• Mites and Molds
• Smoke
• Chemical fumes
• Pollen
• Pet
• Air pollution
• Exercise
• Emotions
• Respiratory infections

For asthma patients, it is highly important to avoid or at least decrease their exposure to these kinds of triggers.

What can be done during an attack?

The best course of action that can be taken by a person with asthma is to have an Asthma Action Plan prepared by the doctor well before getting an attack. This action plan would tell them what needs to be done when asthma symptoms start. Apart from following the plan, patients are advised to stay calm and relaxed when symptoms begin. They should not forget that the more they panic, the worse their breathing will get.

In these situations, it’s totally fine to tell someone that they are having the symptoms and get help if needed. This is better than trying to handle the situation alone and making it even worse. Also, it’s advisable to take some quick-relief medications that are prescribed by the doctor. If these quick-relief medications are not helping in five to ten minutes, patients must call the doctor or 911. In the meantime, patients should keep taking those medications every five to ten minutes as directed, until the ambulance arrives.

An important thing to be noted is that patients should never try to alter their asthma medications unless the doctor asks to do so.