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definition of asthma | |
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causes | |
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symptoms | |
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medications | |
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glossary | |
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expert Q & A | |
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(Also called airway hyperresponsiveness.) The airways of a person with asthma are very sensitive and are more likely to constrict after exposure to irritants or triggers. airway remodeling Changes that occur in the airways of the lung, which may be permanent and may not improve even with treatment. These changes may occur even in patients with mild asthma. albuterol inhaler A fast-acting inhaled medication used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms. It works quickly to open airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. However, it does not treat the underlying airway inflammation or help to provide long-term control of asthma. allergen One type of asthma trigger. Some people with asthma are sensitive to these triggers, which can include pollens, mold, and dust mites. asthma Asthma is a chronic condition with two main components: constriction—the tightening of the muscles around the airways, and inflammation—the swelling and irritation of the airways. Both the constriction and the inflammation cause narrowing of the airways, which may result in asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. asthma action plan A written plan that you develop with your healthcare professional to help manage your asthma. asthma attack Refers to times when symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath become more severe, more frequent, or both. They are also called asthma flare-ups or asthma episodes. bronchodilators Medications that relieve and help prevent constriction of the airways in the lungs. There are two types of bronchodilators: fast-acting bronchodilators are used to help relieve sudden asthma symptoms when they occur; long-acting bronchodilators are used to help prevent airway narrowing (constriction) from occurring in the first place. chronic illness A condition that is long-lasting (e.g., more than 4-6 weeks and in many cases lifelong), which needs to be managed on a long-term basis. Two examples of chronic illnesses are asthma and high blood pressure. constriction (bronchoconstriction) A term that refers to the tightening of muscles around the airways. controller medication for asthma A medication taken for the long-term management of asthma. Also known as maintenance medication. fast-acting inhaler Asthma medication that helps provide immediate relief of sudden asthma symptoms and attacks such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It is also called a rescue or quick-relief medication. You should talk with your healthcare professional if you are using your fast-acting inhaler more than two times each week. It is a sign that your asthma is not as well controlled as it can be. inflammation A term that refers to the swelling and irritation in the airways of your lungs. Airway inflammation may always be there, even when you are not having symptoms. There is increasing evidence that, if left untreated, inflammation can damage the airways and cause long-term loss of lung function. inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) A class of medications used to help treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Because they are inhaled or breathed in, they go directly to the lungs where they are needed and have little effect on other areas of the body. inhaler A device that delivers medication directly to your lungs, where it’s needed. mucus or phlegm Wet, sticky substance you may cough up when your asthma worsens or when you have a cold. nocturnal symptoms Refers to symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, that occur or are worse at night. oral steroid A class of medications generally used to help treat severe asthma attacks. Because these medications travel throughout the bloodstream to the entire body, there is more chance for serious side effects to occur. peak flow meter A portable hand-held device used to measure how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. pollen Dustlike substances that come from plants and can act as a trigger for many people with allergies or asthma. Pollens may peak at certain times of the year. symptoms of asthma The five main signs and symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and mucus production. treatment compliance Following the treatment plan your healthcare processional has outlined for you. This can include plans for medicines, your diet, and even your exercise program. triggers Irritants that can make your asthma worse, such as dust, pollen, and smoke. |
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