Asthma

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Asthma	Asthmatic bronchiole and normal bronchiole	Common asthma triggers	Exercise-induced asthma
Lungs	Metered dose inhaler use - series	Nebulizer use - series	Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole
Peak flow meter	Peak flow meter use - series	Respiratory system	Spacer use - series
Spirometry

The stress caused by illness can often be helped by joining a support group, where members share common experiences and problems. See asthma and allergy - support group.

There is no cure for asthma, though symptoms sometimes decrease over time. With proper self management and medical treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

• Respiratory fatigue
• Side effects of asthma medications
• Pneumothorax
• Death

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your child experience mild asthma symptoms (to discuss treatment options).

Call your health care provider (or go to the emergency room) for moderate shortness of breath (shortness of breath with talking, peak flow 50-80% of personal best), if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or an attack requires more medication than recommended in the prescription.

Go to the emergency room for severe shortness of breath (shortness of breath at rest, peak flow less than 50% of personal best), if drowsiness or confusion develops, or for severe chest pain.

Review Date: 10/30/2006
Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.