Living Healthy -- Common Medical Q&As - Living Well with Asthma

Allergies and asthma are among America's most common and expensive health problems.  More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergies, and more than 10 million people have asthma, which is a public health issue needing more education and increased public awareness.  The good news is that asthma suffererers of all ages can lead normal lives by preventing asthma attacks and using their medications appropriately.  Zuhayr Hemady, MD, as asthma and allergy specialist affiliated with Caritas Carney Hospital, answers questions about asthma.

Q. What can cause an asthma attack?

A. Allergies, medications including aspirin, excersise, infections, environmental pollution and changes in the weather, such as a  change in temperature, can all trigger an asthma attack.

Q. How is asthma treated today?

A. The most important element of treatment is to avoid exposure to a known trigger such as those listed above.  Asthma therapy has two components: medication that provides relief by opening the airways and anti-inflammatory agents that help prevent asthma attacks.  Asthma therapy comes in the form of inhalers, solutions and pills. Because inhalers provide immediate action with few side effects, they are often the preferred choice.

Q. What is the correct way to use an inhaler?

A. First of all, ask your physician or another health care professional to demonstrate the proper use of your inhaler, which should be used daily for maximum protection. Inhalers function best when they are used correctly and stored properly:

• keep them in a zip-lock plastic bag to avoid contamination.
• take slow, deep inhalations, allowing one to three minutes between each puff.
• if you anticipate a situation that may cause wheezing, use your rescue bronchodilator inhaler (usually albuterol) at least 20 minutes beforehand.
• when traveling, carry your inhaler with you.  Never pack it with your luggage because the contents could freeze if placed in the luggage compartment of a plane.  Also, never keep your inhaler it the glove compartment of your car.

Q. Are steroid inhalers bad for one's health?

A. No. They are completely different from the type of steroids used to build muscles.  Besides, steroid inhalers allow only 2-3% absorption into the body. Steroid inhalers have become the main prevention agent because they are so effective at reducing inflammation.

Q. Is air pollution contributing to the increase in asthma cases?

A. There is increasing evidence that it is. The two main pollutants associated with increased inflammation and a greater number of asthma attacks are ozone and fine particulates - particles in the air that can affect breathing. Children are especially susceptible to ozone, which can be a problem on a lovely day when sunlight and increased motor vehicle traffic combine to form ozone. Elderly individuals are also vulnerable to fine particulates in the air, such as the exhaust produced by diesel engines.

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