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Asthma

Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole
During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.
Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole
During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.

Patient Education Video: What causes wheezing?

Asthma Treatment Quiz

Which of the following is not a goal of asthma treatment?

Answer:

The correct answer is to cure asthma. Unfortunately, there's no way to cure asthma. However, by working closely with your doctor, you can learn to manage it.
The main types of medicine for asthma are:

Answer:

The correct answer is both A and B. The goals of asthma treatment are controlling airway swelling and avoiding what triggers your symptoms.
This device, used with an inhaler, helps get more medicine into the airways.

Answer:

The correct answer is spacer. The spacer connects to the mouthpiece. The inhaled medicine goes into the spacer tube first. Then you take two deep breaths to get the medicine into your lungs. Using a spacer wastes less medicine than spraying the medicine into your mouth.
Sometimes younger children use a nebulizer to take their medicine. What does this machine do?

Answer:

The correct answer is it turns asthma medicine into a mist children can breathe in. This device makes it easy and pleasant to breathe in the medicine. Small children may need to use a mask to help them inhale all the mist. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your child's treatment.
You can stop taking your control medicine when you start to feel better.

Answer:

The correct answer is false. Control drugs must be taken every day to be effective. Take your medicine even when you feel OK. You may need to take these medicines for at least a month before you start to feel better. Your doctor will work with you to find asthma medicines that are right for you.
Why should you use a peak flow meter to check how quickly you can move air out of your lungs?

Answer:

The correct answer is all of the above. Peak flow measurements can help show when you need medicine or other action to treat your asthma. Peak flow values of 50 - 80% of your best results signal a moderate asthma attack, while values below 50% mean a severe attack.
If you use quick-relief drugs twice a week or more to control your asthma symptoms, you should:

Answer:

The correct answer is tell your doctor. If you need to use quick-relief drugs more than twice a week your asthma may not be under control. Your doctor may need to change your dose of daily control drugs.
Getting rid of tobacco smoke at home is the most important thing a family can do to help a child with asthma.

Answer:

The correct answer is true. Don't smoke inside or outside the home. Family members and visitors who smoke outside can carry the smoke inside on their clothes and hair. Helping children avoid asthma triggers is the first step toward helping them feel better.
Exercise can bring on asthma symptoms in some people, but you can still participate in the activities you love. Do this ahead of time:

Answer:

The correct answer is use your quick-relief drugs just before exercising. Swimming is a good sport for people with exercise-induced asthma. The warm, moist air helps keep asthma symptoms away. Football, baseball, and other sports with breaks in the action are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.
Asthma action plans should include:

Answer:

The correct answer is all of the above. An asthma action plan is an important part of treatment for anyone with asthma. If you don't already have one, talk with your doctor about creating a personal asthma action plan.
Which of these asthma symptoms is an emergency?

Answer:

The correct answer is all of the above. Asthma attacks can be dangerous if a person's airways become severely blocked. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911. Treatment might include oxygen, breathing assistance, and medicines given through a vein (IV).
People with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

Answer:

The correct answer is true. Asthma can be scary, but it doesn't have to control you. By getting the right medical treatment, working closely with your doctor, and avoiding your asthma triggers, you can manage your condition and enjoy a full life.

Gallery

Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Spirometry
Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole
During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.
Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole
During an asthma attack smooth muscles located in the bronchioles of the lung constrict and decrease the flow of air in the airways. The amount of air flow can further be decreased by inflammation or excess mucus secretion.
Exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in that it does not produce long-term increase in airway activity. People who only experience asthma when they exercise may be able to control their symptoms with preventive measures such as warm-up and cool-down exercises.
Respiratory system
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Nebulizer use - Series - Part one
Nebulizers are used to treat asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other conditions where inhaled medicines are indicated. Nebulizers deliver a stream of medicated air to the lungs over a period of time.
Lungs
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Last reviewed January 22, 2023 by Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Internal review and update on 02/10/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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Community and Patient Programs: Asthma

Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.

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    Children with serious illnesses can enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically sound environment.

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