2. What is Asthma? A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways Can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing An asthma “attack” can last minutes to hours and if not treated properly, can be deadly Asthma is not curable, just treatable Children do not grow out of it, if it seems to be better when they are older, it is just their lungs have developed
3. More on Asthma No cure Can be inherited Can be caused by certain respiratory infections during childhood Can acquire occupational asthma - asthma due to exposure to certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace
5. Signs of Asthma Recurrent episodes of wheezing Coughing or wheezing after exercising Cough, wheeze or chest tightness due to allergens or pollutants Shortness of breath
6. Causes of Asthma Pet hair or Dander Dust Exercise Mold Changes in weather (usually warm to cold) Colds Stress Tobacco smoke
7. Asthma Worldwide According to WHO (World Heath Organization) about 300 million people worldwide have asthma. Of that 300 million, nearly 250,000 people die each year from asthma
8. Asthma in America Currently 17.5 million adults have asthma 7.1 children have asthma Number of deaths 3,447 Minorities in America have a higher risk of having asthma
10. Risk Factors for Fatal Asthma Poor family support – poor to no access to health care, does not know signs or symptoms of asthma Ethnicity and socioeconomic status Previous near fatal attacks Withdrawal from systemic corticosteroids
11. Treatment for Asthma Nebulizer Compressor Systems – medication is inhaled through a breather machine Inhalers Singulair, advair Corticosteroids (injected directly into vein during a sever attack)
