Asthma

1. Asthma By Sandy Abrigo

2. What is Asthma Airway become smaller or narrower due to: • Underlying inflammation or swelling • Increased mucus production • Contraction of muscles around the airways or bronchospasm. http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/asthma/Asthma.html

3. Affects the body Asthma affects the body by limiting the flow of air into the lungs. This happens when certain substances trigger an asthma attack cholinergic receptors in the airways respond by tightening the muscles.

4. Asthma Symptoms Symptoms may include: • Coughing • Wheezing • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Excessive fatigue People with asthma get symptoms because the airways get smaller and the increased mucus production is forming.

5. Diagnostics The doctor makes an asthma diagnosis after: • Taking a complete history • Performing a physical exam • Having the student perform breathing tests

6. Medications There is no cure for asthma but there’re some medications that are used to treat, prevent and control asthma. There are two main asthma medications: • Anti- inflammatories- this prevents attacks and work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways. • Inhaled corticosteroids- to reduce airway inflammation and mucus production. This leads to better asthma control with fewer symptoms.

7. Dietary • When exercising make sure he/she has taken asthma medicine • Warm-up and cool down periods • Hydrate before, during and after exercise • Check pollen and air quality • Be extra careful with cold weather