Asthma—Adult
by
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD Definition TOPAsthma is a chronic disease. It is a change in how the lining of the airways of the lungs work. Asthma makes the airways narrow and makes it hard to breathe. Some people may have mild asthma with rare flare-ups. Others may have a severe, constant asthma.
Causes TOPThe exact causes of asthma are unknown. Genetics do play a role. The airways become very sensitive to triggers in people with asthma. The reaction causes a flare up of symptoms called an asthma attack. It includes swelling of airway and increase in mucus. At the same time, muscles around the airway tighten. These reactions all make it hard to breathe. Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your chance of asthma include:
Symptoms TOPAn asthma attack can cause:
They can range from mild to very severe. Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect asthma based on your symptoms. Some tests may be done to see how well your lungs are working. Lung tests may include:
Your doctor may also do some allergy tests. The test will help determine if allergies are causing symptoms. The test may include skin pricks or blood tests. Treatment TOPThe goal of treatment is to prevent asthma attacks when possible. A second goal is to manage attacks and ease breathing. You and your doctor will create an asthma action plan. This is a plan you will follow to help control your asthma and handle asthma attacks. Tools can also be used at home to test your breathing. Keep in touch with your care team. Your plan made need to change over time. MedicineMedicine to Control AsthmaSome medicine is taken on a regular basis. It may help to stop asthma tacks from starting. They can not treat an existing attack. Medicine may include one or more of the following:
Medicine Used to Treat an Asthma AttackOther medicine can be used to treat an asthma attack. It will help to open the airways and ease breathing. Options include:
ProcedureBronchial thermoplasty may be done for severe asthma. A tool is used to clear out excess muscle around the airway. This will help keep airway more open during an attack. Avoiding Attacks TOPPrevention can be an important part of asthma care. Finding triggers is the first step. Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:
If possible triggers should be avoided. Others like medicine or exercise may only need some adjustments. Work with your care team to make your plan to avoid asthma attacks. Prevention TOPAsthma cannot be prevented. However, you can help prevent some asthma attacks by avoiding triggers. Triggers can vary from person to person but some general guidelines include:
Talk to your doctor about:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology http://www.aaaai.org Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America http://www.aafa.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Allergy Asthma Information Association http://aaia.ca The Lung Association http://www.lung.ca References:
Asthma in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 25, 2018. Accessed September 21, 2018.
Asthma exacerbation in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 26, 2018. Accessed September 21, 2018.
Asthma stepwise management in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated May 25, 2018. Accessed September 21, 2018.
Asthma overview. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed August 28, 2017. Flu and people with asthma. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 25, 2013. Accessed August 28, 2017. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) global strategy for asthma management and prevention. (GINA 2018) National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Nov;120(5 Suppl):S94-138 or at National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) PDF, correction can be found in J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008 Jun;121(6):1330
1/6/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Levenson M. Long-acting beta-agonists and adverse asthma events meta-analysis. Joint Meeting of the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee, Drug Safety and
Risk Management Advisory Committee and Pediatric Advisory Committee. December 10-11, 2008.
2/17/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Bailey EJ, Cates CJ, Kruske S, et al. Culture-specific programs for children and adults from minority groups who have asthma.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2009;(1):CD006580.
7/6/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Thomas M, McKinley RK, Mellor S, et al. Breathing exercises for asthma: a randomised controlled trial.
Thorax.
2009;64(1):55-61.
9/2/2009 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
:
Van der Meer V, Bakker MJ, van den Hout WB, et al. Internet based self-management plus education compared with usual care in asthma: a randomized trial.
Ann Intern Med.
2009;151(2):110-120.
10/8/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Ducharme F, Chroinin M, Greenstone I, et al. Addition of long-acting beta2-agonists to inhaled corticosteroids versus same dose inhaled corticosteroids for chronic asthma in adults and children.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2010;(5):CD005535.
1/4/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: McLean S, Chandler D, Nurmatov U, et al. Telehealthcare for asthma.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2010;(10):CD007717.
11/12/2013 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Freitas DA, Holloway EA, Bruno SS, et al. Breathing exercises for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Oct 1;10:CD001277.
11/2/2015 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...
: Normansell R, Kew KM, et al. Sublingual immunotherapy for asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Aug 28;8:CD011293.
Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 9/21/2018 |
|
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |