Asthma: Getting Help, Finding Solutions

What is Asthma? Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways Usually reversible Not yet curable Manageable Not contagious What does an asthma episode feel like? Jog in place for 2 minutes. Place a straw in your mouth, and breathe only through the straw by pinching your nose closed. How do you feel? What happens during an asthma episode? Airways narrow, caused by A tightening of the muscles that surround the airways A swelling of the inner lining An increase in mucus production

Asthma Symptoms

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

Asthma Triggers

Indoor environmental triggers

What to Do

• Take medication.
• Monitor peak flow.
• Consult with your physician.
• Reduce or avoid environmental triggers.

Where to Go for Help

Asthma

• Six percent of the Alabama population have asthma.
• Eight million children under the age of 18 have asthma in America.
• Asthma causes more hospital stays than any other childhood disease.
• 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.

With all the problems associated with asthma, there is some good news. Simple things can be done at home to help minimize the disease, and following a management plan will make a difference.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in the telephone directory under your county’s name to find the number, or check the Extension Web site and click on County Offices to find your county.