Asthma Attack!

What is asthma? How can YOU prevent

and attack?

After Reading This…After reading this, you should be able to:

Identify what asthma is and how to identify itWhat triggers (causes) an asthma attackMedications used to prevent and stop and asthma attack. Maintenance vs Rescue inhalers.

What is ASTHMA?Asthma is a lung problem, making the airways narrow (constrict), and hard to breath. It can cause a whistling noise when you breathe (wheezing), make

your chest feel tight, and feel like you are short of breath. This can be very scary if you don’t know what to do.

Things that Upset Your Lungs (Triggers)

Allergies to dust, plants and flowers (pollen), pet hair (dander) and mold.Irritants such as cigarettes, pollution, and chemicals.Physical activityUpper airway infections

Medicines to HelpPrevention: To prevent an asthma attack, use your everyday inhaler! This is your maintenance inhaler! Use this every single day! Example: BeclomethasoneDuring an Attack: Use your rescue inhaler! This is to be used when you feel the tightness in your chest and whistling (wheezing) when you breathe! Example: Albuterol

Quick TipsMake a list of your triggers and carry it with you. Give copies of the list to important people such as family, friends, teachers, coworkers.Color code your inhalers. Try labeling or coloring the rescue inhaler RED. This will make it easy to identify in the event of an attack.Always keep your rescue inhaler nearby! Be sure your important people know where to find it!

Check Yourself!Can you explain to your friend…

What asthma is?What asthma triggers are?What the difference is between maintenance and rescue inhalers?

ReferenceExplore Asthma. (2014, August 4). Retrieved February 28, 2015, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma