Improving Life, One Breath at a Time®

WHAT IS ASTHMA?

1. It is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease which can be due to genetics, environmental, and/or occupational.

2. Most common trigger of asthma episode is due to allergens.

3. It is a chronic lung disease that affects millions in the United States. According to The Burden of Asthma in West Virginia report, approximately 174,835 adults in WV indicated that they had at some point been diagnosed with asthma.
     

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ASTHMA EPISODE?

• Air passages in the lungs becoming progressively narrower;

•  The lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen, which can lead mucus plugging and/or air trapping;

• Breathing becomes harder and may hurt;

• There may be coughing;

•  There may be a wheezing or whistling sound; and

• If left untreated will ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death.

COMMON ASTHMA TRIGGERS

There are a number of allergens and irritants that can cause an asthmatic to experience an episode. Many people with asthma react to environmental allergens like dust mites, molds and pet dander.

Dust Mites    

Dust Mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes and stuffed toys.  To help avoid an asthma episode:

• Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water (>130 degrees F).

•   Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them in hot water and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds.

• Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zipped covers.

•  Keep room humidity < 50% if possible

Pets                 

Your pet’s urine, saliva and skin flakes can all be asthma triggers.  To help avoid an asthma episode:

• Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets.

• Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas of those with asthma at all times, and keep the door closed.

• Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets and stuffed toys.  Vacuum and clean often.

Molds            

Molds grow in damp places. To help avoid an asthma episode:

 Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet with mold, may need to be replaced.

•  Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.

•  Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator and dehumidifier clean and dry.

•  Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher.

• Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30 to 50 percent relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers, which are available at local hardware stores.

Pests               

Droppings or decaying body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.  To help avoid an asthma episode, take these measures to keep them out of your home:

•  Do not leave food or garbage out.

•  Store food in airtight containers.

• Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.

• Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches) or traps first before using sprays containing pesticide.

IRRITANTS

Secondhand Smoke 

Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from a cigarette, pipe or cigar, as well as the smoke exhaled by a smoker.

•  Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allows others to do so, either.

Perfume, hairsprays, paints and cleaning products

Products that have strong odors  – including perfumes, hairsprays and cleaning products – can set off an asthma episode.

• Don’t use perfume or heavily scented products.

• house.

• Store paints and other chemicals in the garage. Make sure containers are properly sealed. When painting, make sure the room is well ventilated.

Exercise

Some people have an asthma attack during or after they exercise.

•  Talk to your doctor about medicines available to prevent an attack during exercise. With proper medications, asthmatics can live healthy, active lives.

•  Choose an exercise that is less likely to trigger your asthma, like swimming, walking or leisure biking.

Cold Air               

Cold air can also trigger an asthma attack.

•  Avoid going out on extremely cold days.

• Wear a scarf around your mouth when you go outside.

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

• REMEMBER: The more information a person with asthma has, the better their asthma can be controlled.

• The four parts of managing asthma are:

o        Identify and minimize contact with asthma triggers.

o        Understand and take medications as prescribed.

o        Monitor asthma to recognize signs when it is getting worse.

o        Know what to do when asthma gets worse.

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