MD4Lungs.com - Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA

Sneeze & Snooze Clinic

Yatin J. Patel, MD MBA
Barb Chupp-Grove, NP-C
2417 S. Berkshire Drive
Goshen, IN 46526

Phone 574.534.9911 Fax 574.534.6915

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and airways affecting more than 15 million Americans. While it can be treated successfully, it is considered a chronic disease for which there is no cure.

Asthma is characterized by inflammation that occurs when your bronchi come in contact with irritants or "triggers." These triggers cause airways to swell, bronchial muscles to tighten, and excess mucus to build up; as a result, breathing becomes difficult.

Another component of asthma is bronchoconstriction. This occurs when bands of muscles surrounding your bronchial tubes contract, causing your airways to narrow. The result is chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

What is an asthma episode like? During an asthma episode, the lining of the bronchial tubes that make up the airways in your upper lungs becomes inflamed and swollen. The surrounding muscles become tight, narrowing the airways even more; and a thick mucus is produced, making breathing even more difficult. An acute episode is commonly known as an asthma "attack."

Recognizing asthma symptoms: The most common symptoms of asthma are rapid and labored breathing, a whistling or wheezing sound with each breath, coughing, and a tight feeling in your chest.

These symptoms may be started, or "triggered," in many different ways. Many causes and triggers While the exact cause of asthma is not known, it does seem to run in families. People who suffer from asthma find that many different things may bring on an episode-

Allergens: pollen, animal dander, cockroaches, dust, dust mites, and food additives

Other environmental conditions such as strong odors, cigarette smoke or fumes, air pollution, and changes in air temperature

Indoor pollutants such as unvented stoves or heaters, perfumes, cleaning agents, and other chemicals

Stress or strong emotions

Diagnosing and treating asthma:

The usual starting point is a visit to your doctor for a physical exam. This appointment will probably include:

A review of your family's health history

A discussion of your own personal medical history a physical exam, during which your doctor will listen to your breathing & Laboratory tests that measure lung function

Tests for allergies.

Once you and your doctor know what kind of asthma you have, and what your asthma triggers are, you can work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

This plan may include medication, lifestyle changes, and avoidance of triggers.

There are two kinds of medicines that are prescribed to treat asthma:

Maintenance medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs help to prevent and reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways. They are an important part of long-term management of asthma symptoms. Long-acting bronchodilators are also available for the long-term control of daytime symptoms, nocturnal asthma, and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

Quick-relief, or "rescue," medications such as short-acting bronchodilators help provide rapid relief to relax muscles around the airways. Learn how to take control You can take an active role in controlling your asthma symptoms by working with your doctor, taking your medication regularly, and making the lifestyle changes that can reduce your risks.

Follow these guidelines for more successful asthma management:

Eat right, exercise, and get enough rest.

Know your personal asthma triggers and learn how to avoid them.

Watch for warning signs of asthma episodes and take steps promptly.

Stay calm when symptoms occur, and don't hesitate to seek help. Learn when to get help If your medication does not seem to relieve your symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Make sure that your family, friends, and coworkers are aware that you have asthma, and show them how they can assist you if urgent help is needed.

Be sure to keep emergency information and telephone numbers handy.

Make the decision to be in control. Remember that asthma is a controllable disease, and that it need not prevent you from enjoying a healthy, active life.