Asthma is chronic airway inflammation characterized by recurrent episodes of coughing, chest tightness, breathlessness, and wheezing resulting from obstructed and narrowed air passages. Asthma symptoms can be intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent.

When acute asthma occurs, the air passages in the lungs tighten. The thin, inner linings of the air passage tubes become swollen and inflamed. Mucous produced in these tubes increases and thickens, making it harder to breathe. During an acute episode of asthma, the chest feels tight and it may be difficult to speak. Often it is easier to inhale than to exhale. Coughing or a high-pitched whistling sound (called wheezing) may be heard when breathing.

Acute asthma symptoms may be triggered by:

• irritants (such as cigarette or wood smoke, chemicals, perfumes, or household cleaners)
• climate (such as changes in humidity or temperature extremes)
• strenuous exercise
• viral respiratory infections
• allergens (such things as airborne pollens, molds, animal dander, some foods, or medications)
• reflux disease (stomach acid backing up into the esophagus)

Medications for asthma can be given by inhalation, orally, or by injection into soft tissue, muscle, or directly into a vein. The advantage of inhaled medication is that high concentrations of medication are delivered directly into the airways and systemic side effects are avoided or minimized.

Medications used for asthma management depend on the severity of symptoms. Maintenance medications are used daily on a long-term basis to control asthma. Intervention medications act to relieve constriction of airway and the associated symptoms of cough, wheezing, or chest tightness.

The selection of medications within these two groups of medications is made based on the pattern of symptoms. The goal is to manage asthma with the least possible medication.

If you have asthma, become a participant in the management of your asthma. Learn more about the disease, avoid known asthma triggers, and follow your treatment plan. People with asthma can lead a comfortable, healthy, and active life.

Last Reviewed 2006

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File RESP4931.rf2 VRS# 4931 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

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