BREATHING EASY WITH ASTHMA
by Evelyn Oden, MD
Medical Director
Children's Medical Services, Public Health DivisionChances are that you know someone with asthma, or you have asthma. An estimated 15 million Americans have asthma, including 118,000 New Mexicans.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and is the cause for the most school absences and missed workdays for parents. Poorly controlled asthma in adults and children nationwide is expensive, costing an estimated $14 billion in health care alone. Improperly treated asthma can cause unnecessary limitation on exertion in daily tasks, recreation and social activities. Deaths do occur from asthma. Each year about thirty-nine New Mexicans die of the disease. THE BAD NEWS
Adults and children can be healthy and live active lives. Asthma management has advanced significantly. Asthma medications in use now are inhaled, have fewer side effects and often, only need to be taken twice daily. THE VERY GOOD NEWS
Persons with asthma can check for oncoming episodes by blowing into a peak flow meter, a hand held device for measuring the degree of opening or constriction of the airways (expressed as peak flow rate). By monitoring a person's peak flow rate, an oncoming asthma episode can be detected and treated early, at home, before symptoms increase and require urgent care. School and work absences can be minimized with proper asthma education and management. Peak flow meters are available for home use with a prescription from a physician.
Most children and adults who diagnosed with asthma experience the following symptoms: tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, changes in mood. Signs of asthma include dry cough, increased rate of breathing, and wheezing. Asthma may be difficult to diagnose in infants and young children and the term "reactive airway disease" is commonly used. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA
Asthma triggers are substances or events that cause asthma symptoms. Triggers may include exercise, cold air, cigarette smoke, respiratory infections, pollens, dust, mold, animal dander , perfumes, cleaning agents and fumes, yelling, laughing and crying. ASTHMA TRIGGERS
1. The proper diagnosis of asthma is the first step to optimum control. If you, your child or someone you know have the signs and symptoms of asthma, get a medical evaluation. Let the doctor know that you are concerned about the possibility of having asthma. ACHIEVING THE BEST CONTROL
2. Take asthma medications as prescribed by the physician.
3. Learn about asthma, know the medications, how they work and their side effects.
4. Avoid asthma triggers and reduce indoor allergens and air pollution by the following suggestions:
a) No Smoking. If you have asthma stop smoking! If you smoke and have a child or someone living with you who has asthma stop smoking or never smoke in the house or car .Obtain additional information from: American Lung Associationb) Keep No Warm-blooded Pets Indoors. This includes cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, pet mice, guinea pigs, etc. If you must have dogs and cats, the fewer the better (at most one) . Keep pets out of the bedroom, bathe them weekly, allow no pets on the furniture, and vacuum frequently with a vacuum cleaner that has a high filter filtration system. Fish make excellent pets for someone with moderate to severe asthma.
c) Reduce Dust Mite Exposure. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed off dust and live in carpets, stuffed animals, mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture and heating ducts. They are a potent asthma allergen. To reduce allergic exposure from dust mites Place allergen-resistant covers over mattresses and pillows.
Blankets and sheets should be washed weekly in hot waster, at least 130 F. If possible, avoid wall to wall carpet in the bedroom of the person with asthma.
Limit the number of stuffed toys your child sleeps with if s/he has asthma. If possible, wash them weekly in hot water as described above. If that's too harsh, try freezing them for 24 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Vacuum carpets once or twice a week using HEPA filter or double-layer or micro filter bag (available at Home Depot, Sears and hardware stores) . If you have asthma, wear a mask while vacuum or have someone else clean.
d) Use Unscented Cleaning Agents and Personal Hygiene Products. Avoid using perfume and scented lotions or products.
e) Do Not Use a Wood Burning Stove as Primary Heat Source. Adults and children with moderate to severe asthma will react to the smoke and the scent of the fireplace or wood burning stove..
f) Lower Pollen Exposure by Keeping Windows Closed in the summertime and Using Air Conditioning or a Swamp Cooler for Keeping Cool. Air conditioners and swamp coolers must be properly cleaned and maintained per manufacturer's instructions to prevent contamination by mold, which would make the asthma symptoms worse.
National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
Living with asthma can mean easy breathing, but it also means knowing about asthma, treating it properly and avoiding those things that bring it on.
Evelyn M. Oden, MD is the Medical Director
Children's Medical Services, Public Health Division of the New Mexico Department of Health.
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