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SOME COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ASTHMA
1. WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, which affects more than 15 million people in the United States. About 403,400 Virginians have asthma, and miss work or school because of their asthma. Common symptoms include episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing or whistling noises while breathing, cough, mucus production or chest tightness. The two important components of the disease are inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Inflammation or swelling of the airways may be precipitated by exposure to various triggers such as dust, pollen, smoke, exercise and infections. Bronchoconstriction refers to the actual narrowing of the bronchial tubes that happens when the muscles around them constrict.
2. WHO GETS ASTHMA?
People can develop asthma at all different ages. Just because you did not have it as a child, it does not mean you can't develop it as an adult. Also, just because you have asthma as a child, it doesn't necessarily mean it will be a big problem as you grow older. The overall incidence of asthma does seem to be increasing both in the United States and worldwide.
3. WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA?
No one really knows exactly what causes asthma. In many cases it seems to run in families. Exposure to certain viruses or allergens may also play a role. Individual asthma attacks may be triggered by colds, exercise, tobacco smoke, air pollution, strong fumes, stress, or exposure to various allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, pollen and animal dander.
4. CAN ASTHMA BE CURED OR TREATED?
For the majority of people asthma cannot actually be cured (yet!); however, the disease, its symptoms, and the effect it has on people's lives can usually be controlled, allowing asthmatics to lead normal lives. For example, several well-known Olympic and professional athletes suffer from asthma. The treatment of asthma involves both controlling your environment and taking medications. New asthma medicines are being developed every year, but for the most part they fit in two major categories. Most people are familiar with the first category, the quick relief or rescue medicines. These are also called short-acting bronchodilators and act to relax the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes. Albuterol, Proventil®, Ventolin® and Maxair® are some examples. The second category, the anti-inflammatory drugs, helps control the swelling and inflammation within the bronchial tubes and is very important in the long-term control or management of asthma. Included in this group are inhaled forms of corticosteroids (these are different from steroid or prednisone tablets) such as Azmacort®, Vanceril®, Aerobid®, Flovent® or Pulmicort® and various leukotriene blocking drugs such as Accolate® or Singulair®. In addition to all these medications, decreasing exposure to potential triggers and treating associated diseases like chronic rhinitis or sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) can greatly improve the control of asthma. Keeping in regular contact with your health care provider is important too !!
5. WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE HELP WITH MY QUESTIONS ABOUT ASTHMA?
Organizations like the American Lung Association often have educational material and support groups. Depending on the severity of your disease, your asthma may be managed by a primary care doctor, an allergist or a pulmonologist. In some instances, special clinics just to deal with asthma have been established. There is such a clinic here at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University.
6. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLINIC?
The Asthma Clinic at the Medical College of Virginia currently treats only asthmatic adults who have limited resources (such as Medicare/Medicaid, no insurance, or self-pay). Our physicians, nurse practitioner, clinic nurse and staff work in partnership with patients to assist them in achieving better management of their asthma. Through education, focused clinical care and self-management plans, we provide patients with the tools they need to obtain control of their symptoms and lead normal lives.
The Asthma Clinic also serves as a learning site for medical and nursing professionals.
For additional information contact:
Patricia Cafaro
Nurse Practitioner/Asthma Case Manager
(804) 828-4968 or e-mail pcafaro@mcvh-vcu.edu
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