American Lung Association of New Mexico

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is a result of inflammation of the airways. There are more than 169,000 reported cases of asthma in New Mexico alone.

Usually symptoms get started or “triggered” by something that bothers the lungs. These things are called asthma triggers. There are many kinds of asthma triggers. Some examples of asthma triggers are pollens, molds, dust, vigorous exercise, paints and cigarette smoke.

Doctors are not sure how a person gets asthma, but once a person has asthma, their lungs can react to things which then causes an asthma attack. When an asthma episode happens the following changes take place in the lungs:

1. Cells in the air tubes make more mucus. This mucus is thick and sticky and clogs up the tubes.

2. The air tubes swell.

3. The muscles in the air tubes tighten.

These changes cause the air tubes to narrow and make it hard to breathe. Sometimes the asthma attacks can be sudden and severe. In the case of severe asthma attack, the person should take their asthma medication as prescribed and get emergency medical help right away. Waiting too long to seek medical attention is how people can die from asthma. The faster the asthmatic sees the doctor, the faster they will get lifesaving help.

Asthma medications keep the air tubes in the lungs open. There are two basic groups of asthma medications:

1. Bronchodilators: medicines that stop asthma attacks after they’ve begun. Bronchodilators also can prevent expected attacks (such as from exercise). Bronchodilators help relax the muscles in the air tubes, helping the air tubes to open up and make breathing easier.

2. Anti-inflammatories: medicines that help control the airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Anti-inflamatories work to keep the air tubes open all the time so that asthma attacks don’t begin. These medications reduce swelling in the air tubes and decrease mucus production.

Only a doctor can tell a person they have asthma. The doctor will also choose the best medication at the right doses. There are three things a person can do to take control of asthma:

1. See a doctor regularly about asthma—triggers and symptoms can change over time.

2. Take medications even when you feel well—this can keep breathing problems from starting.

3. Get educated about asthma! Find out what triggers it and what you must do to stay healthy. Everyone in the family should know about asthma and what to do if you ever need help.