ASTHMA
UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA
An estimated 1.6 million emergency room visits have asthma as the primary diagnosis.
SYMPTOMS
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing, wheezing or constant throat clearing
• Chest pain or chest tightness
Some days you may experience all asthma symptoms together, while other days you may have no symptoms at all. Severe asthma symptoms are known as an "Asthma Attack"
When you experience asthma symptoms you may feel like you are breathing through a straw. The oxygen level in your blood may decrease causing you to feel light-headed and weak.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What causes asthma?
Genetics:
Asthma can be inherited genetically, but you can still develop asthma without a family history of it.
If you have allergies, you are more likely to develop asthma. This form of asthma is typical in children, but can develop in adults as well. Common allergens like pollen, cockroach droppings, pet dander and dust mites can cause sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. If your lungs are irritated enough, they may also cause an asthma attack.
• hair spray, deodorants, and cleaning products
How is asthma diagnosed?
Asthma can be diagnosed with a breathing test administered by your health care provider. If you think you have asthma let your doctor know.
How is asthma treated?