What happens during an asthma episode? Airways narrow, caused by

A tightening of muscles that surround the airways A swelling of the inner lining An increase in mucus production

What to Do	What Are Asthma Triggers?
Take medication Monitor peak flow Reduce or avoid environmental triggers	Indoor environmental triggers Secondhand smoke, molds, dust mites, cockroaches, pets

Did you know:
Asthma may develop at any time and at any stage of the life cycle. Over 35 percent of asthma sufferers are children. It is the most common chronic disease among children today.

• Six percent of Alabamians have asthma.
• Five million children under the age of 18 have asthma in America.
• Asthma is the cause of more than 10 million lost school days every year.
• Annual medical bills for children with asthma are higher.
• Cost for lost workdays of parents with asthmatic children is near $1 billion.
• The average person spends about 90% of their time indoors
• The EPA reports that indoor air may be even more polluted than outdoor air

Asthma can also be caused by an allergic reaction—only in this case it affects the lungs. Other triggers in the home may be irritants—not actually allergens—but substances that irritate the airways and cause symptoms like an allergic reaction (for example, smoke, odors from household products, air fresheners and perfumes). Other causes of asthma include respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, hormone fluctuations and stress.

Controlling asthma with medications: Today's advances in medicine have provided many medications that can help prevent or control asthma symptoms. You need to work with your doctor and pharmacist to learn about which medications are right for you.

Generally, there are two main types of asthma medications:

• Long-term control medications: These medicines are taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms.
• Quick-relief medications: These are taken to treat episodes that do happen.