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Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. Asthma *attacks* happen when airway passages become inflamed, and produce excessive amounts of mucus. This inflammation, along with excess mucus, constricts normal breathing.

There are two different types of asthma: allergic (extrinsic) and non-allergic (intrinsic).

Extrinsic, or allergic asthma, is the most common (90% of all cases) and usually develops in childhood. Most children with asthma also have documented allergies. Often there is a family history of allergies. Many times other allergic conditions exist as well, such as nasal allergies or eczema.

For many individuals allergic asthma goes into remission in early adulthood. Unfortunately, in 75% of all cases, asthma reappears later in life.

Intrinsic asthma represents only about 10% of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 and is not normally associated with allergies. Women are more susceptible to this disorder, which often follows a respiratory tract infection. This type of condition can be difficult to treat, and symptoms are often year-round.

What Causes Asthma?

The causes of asthma can be slightly different for everyone. Often episodes are triggered by exposure to an allergen. Other triggers could be extreme changes in air temperature, moist air, exercise or exertion, a viral illness, or emotional stress.

There are two ways of looking at allergic asthma. On one hand, having severe allergies may lead to asthma. On the other hand, having a condition of chronically inflamed bronchial tubes may be what causes an individual to become sensitive to allergens.

In either case, the two conditions react with one another in a heightened state of sensitivity. When exposed to certain triggers, the airways become reactive or "twitchy", which is called "Bronchial Hyperreactivity" (BHR). Asthmatics and allergic individuals (even those without asthma symptoms) have a greater degree of bronchial hyperreactivity than non-asthmatic and non-allergic people.

Public attention to the problem is rapidly increasing. Currently up to one in four urban children suffers from some form of asthma, ranging from extremely mild to severe.

Treatment Options for Asthma

What medications are used in the treatment of asthma?

Historically, one of the first medications used for asthma was adrenaline (epinephrine). Adrenaline causes rapid opening of the airways (bronchodilation). It is still used in emergency situations for severe asthmatic reactions. However, adrenaline is no longer used in non-emergency situations, since it can have strong side effects such as; rapid heart rate, headache, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and a sense of panic.

Newer asthma medications have fewer side effects. They work by relaxing bronchospasm, this type is known as *bronchodilators*. Another type of medications are know as *corticosteroids* which work by reducing inflammation.

In the treatment of asthma, inhaled medications are more common than tablet or liquid medicines. Since inhaled medications act directly on the airway surface and airway muscles where the asthma problems initiate, more of the medication can get to where it is needed most. Absorption of inhaled medications into the rest of the body is minimal. Therefore, there are fewer adverse side effects when compared to oral medications. Your allergy doctor or physician can help you determine which medications are most appropriate for you condition.

In addition to bronchodilator medications, avoiding allergens whenever possible can be very helpful. However, for many patients there is no practical way avoid the allergens, or perhaps their symptoms are not well-controlled by medications, or they may experience unpleasant side effects from their medications. For these patients, allergy shots should be strongly considered. Your allergy doctor or physician can help you determine if allergy shots are a good option for or your family. In general, allergy shots are a beneficial treatment option for children allergic to house dust mites, pollens and animal dander.

Common Myths or Misconceptions About Asthma

The following questions may help you determine whether you have any misconceptions about Asthma. (Answers are given below).

1. T or F You are more likely to develop asthma if one of your parents has it.

2. T or F Asthma is something that most people "grow out of."

3. T or F Asthma is not serious and nobody dies from it.

4. T or F Asthma is mostly "in your head."

5. T or F Asthma is contagious.

6. T or F Moving to a different location can cure asthma.

7. T or F People with asthma should avoid exercising.

8. T or F Asthma does not require professional medical treatment.

9. T or F Medications used to treat asthma can be addictive.

10. T or F Someone with asthma can intentionally fake an *attack* in order to get attention.

Here are the answers:

1. T * There is a 6% chance of having asthma if neither parent has the condition; a 30% chance if one parent has it; and a 70% chance if both parents have it.

2. F * While some people (about 25%) do see drastic improvements in their symptoms as they grow older. The symptoms can reoccur at any time during adulthood.

3. F - There is no cure for asthma, but the disease can be well-controlled in most patients. The condition should be taken very seriously, however. Uncontrolled asthma can result in emergency hospitalization and possible death if not properly treated.

4. F - Asthma is a physical condition. However, stress and other emotional triggers can cause flare-ups.

5. F - Asthma is not contagious, and there is no way to *catch* it.

6. F * Moving to a new environment can temporarily improve asthma symptoms, but it will not cure asthma. Typically, after a few years in the new location, most people become sensitized to the new environment. The asthma symptoms return with the same or possibly even greater intensity than before.

7. F * Swimming for example, is an optimal exercise for those with asthma. On the other hand, exercising in dry, cold air may be a trigger for asthma for some individuals.

8. F - Asthma should be monitored by your medical professional, which includes an asthma management.

9. F - Asthma medications are not habit-forming.

10. F * Asthma attacks cannot be purposely induced, nor can the symptoms of an attack be faked. If an asthmatic is having trouble breathing, do not ever assume that they could stop the symptoms if they wanted to.