What is asthma?

• Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects 22 million people in the USA, 6 million of whom are children.
• With asthma, the airways are inflamed and hypersensitive to allergens and irritants.
• During an asthma attack, airway muscles tighten, the tissue becomes inflamed, and mucous is produced; this all results in narrow airways.
• Asthma attacks may be treatable with quick-relief inhalers, depending on the severity of the attack.

Who is at greatest risk of asthma?

• Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke, viral infections, and certain allergens early in life.
• African Americans are more likely to be hospitalized and to die from an asthma attack, versus Caucasians.
• Those with a family history of asthma or allergies.
• Children living in an environment with many allergens and irritants.

What causes asthma attacks?

• Allergens
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Cockroaches
• Pollen
• Mold

Irritants

• Cigarette smoke, air pollution
• Strong odors
• Aerosols
• Scented products
• Cold air
• Changes in weather
• Strong emotional responses
• Stress

Exercise
Vacuum cleaning
Viral infections
Medicine: aspirin and beta-blockers
Sulfites
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

What are the sign/symptoms of an asthma attack?
Many times, an asthma attack comes on suddenly, therefore, known triggers should be avoided. 

• Coughing or wheezing
• Tightness of the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Faster or noisy breathing

What are some common treatments for asthma?

• Assessment and Monitoring
• Education
• Control of Environmental Factors
• Pharmacologic Therapy

How do I prevent and asthma attack?

• Follow your action plan to manage your asthma
• Take your medications as prescribed, even if no symptoms are present
• Avoid known allergens and irritants that trigger asthma attacks.
• Lower stress levels and depression
• Follow proper asthma management

What are some of the things that I can do to help prevent an asthma attack?

• Avoid the use of cleaning products that have strong or caustic odors.
• Use hypoallergenic pillows, with a  dust mite proof cover.
• Wash bed linens weekly, in hot water.
• Use an impermeable mattress cover.
• Remove all dust buildup and maintain a strict dust free environment.
• Have hard surface flooring instead of carpet.
• Regularly mop your floors, wipe window ledges and wash all surfaces with water and detergent.
• Use a vacuum equipped with a  HEPA filter, 1-2 times each week.
• Do not use perfumes, colognes, or room fresheners.
• Avoid cooking foods with strong odors when the house cannot be aired out.
• Check your child’s school to see if any triggers are present in their classrooms.
• Do not house any pets or allow your animals to come into contact with pet dander.
• Follow your daily action plan and use your peak flow meter.
• Reduce the humidity of the home to below 60%