Attacking Asthma (pg. 2)

Respiratory System

Air Sac

What causes Asthma?

Lots of different things can act as a trigger, or cause an asthma attack. Some known triggers are:

Allergies

Infections such as colds, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Exercise.

Changes in weather, such as temperature (from mild to cold) and humidity (moisture in the air.)

Smoke (let's face it, smoke's a killer for everyone!)

What Can You Do About Asthma?

So odds are that you either have asthma or know someone who does. Now what? Well that depends on how bad or how severe the attacks are. There are a number of different treatments available for asthma suffers. Some take pills, while others drink a liquid medication, but most use an inhalor. Inhalors are usually used first because the device pumps the medicine directly into the lungs where it can be absorbed quickly. The most common medications are bronchodilators and anti-inflammitory agents.

Bronchodilators

These medicines are given to relax the muscles around the airways.

Anti-inflammitories

Anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroids and corticosteroids, are used to reduce swelling and irritation (and the resulting mucus) in the airways.

When you see someone having an attack, the best thing you can do is help them get their inhalor, then get an adult. If the attack is severe or their breathing doesn't seem to return to normal after they have used their inhalor, call 911.

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