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Text Box: What is Asthma? Asthma is a breathing problem that makes it more difficult for you to get air in and out of your lungs. When you breathe in (inhale), fresh air comes in through your nose. It passes down through tubes (called bronchi) to your lungs. When you breathe out (exhale), stale air from your lungs is breathed out through the same tubes. When a person has asthma, the breathing tubes are sensitive. They may react to smoke, pollen, dust, air pollution, allergies, or other triggers. In a person with asthma, the breathing tubes may tighten becoming inflamed and swollen. When the breathing tubes react or when they get inflamed, they become narrow. That makes it harder for you to breathe fresh air in and stale air out.
Your difficulty in breathing may change. Sometimes you will feel fine. Other times you may have breathing problems. Symptoms of Asthma The symptoms of asthma can be confusing, but the most common symptoms are: A wheezing sound when you breathe. Sometimes this happens only when you have a cold. Cough. You may cough up mucus. The cough often comes back and it may last more than a week. Shortness of breath. You may have difficulty breathing only now and then, or you may have problems quite often. It feels as if you can’t get enough air into your lungs. Chest tightness. Your chest may feel tight in cold weather or during exercise. Chest tightness may be one of the first signs that your asthma is getting worse. What can you do? Asthma is a serious disease and can be managed if the patient understands the illness. COMCARE offers asthma education for patients and their families who have asthma. These are taught by Esther Carlson, ARNP-BC, and Angela Bogart, ARNP-BC, who has additional training in asthma. Classes: Introduction to asthma class is taught in a one on one setting and lasts approximately 45 minutes. This class covers the definition of asthma, triggers of asthma, how to use an inhaler, spacer and peak flow meter. An asthma action plan is written up and medications are started if necessary. The second class consists of follow up and review of the information presented in the first class. Also peak flow readings are reviewed and the asthma action plan modified if needed. Allergy management is provided if necessary. Helpful Web Sites: www.lungusa.org (American Lung Association) www.respiratoryinstitute.com (The Respiratory Institute)

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The information on this site is intended for your general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health problems. This site may contain links to other sites that may provide information, products or services relating to healthcare. COMCARE has no control over these sites and does not warrant the accuracy of the information they contain, nor does it endorse any products specified in these sites.

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