AsthmaAsthma

Luana Cardoso

What is Asthma? Chronic disease of the airways that may

causeWheezingBreathlessnessChest tightnessNighttime or early morning coughing

What is Asthma?

Source: “What You and Your Family Can Do About Asthma” by the Global Initiative For Asthma Created and funded by NIH/NHLBI, 1995

Normal Asthma

Asthma involves inflammation of the airways

Current asthma prevalence

It is higher among.

children than adults.

Asthma morbidity and mortality is higher among.

African Americans than North Americans.

Source: MMWR 2007;56(No. SS-8):1-54

Risk Factors for Developing Asthma

Genetic characteristics Occupational

exposures Environmental

exposures

Treatment

Treatment recommendations based on: Severity Control Responsiveness

Source: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.pdf

Diagnosing Asthma: Medical History

Symptoms Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness

Diagnosing Asthma:Spirometry

Test lung function when diagnosing asthma

Medications to Treat Asthma

Medications come in several forms.

Long-term control Quick relief

Medications to Treat Asthma:Long-Term Control

Used to reduce inflammation, relax airway muscles, and improve symptoms and lung function

Medications to Treat Asthma: Quick-Relief

Medications to Treat Asthma: How to Use a Spray Inhaler

The technique to use Spray Inhaler.

Source: “What You and Your Family Can Do About Asthma” by the Global Initiative for Asthma Created and funded by NIH/NHLBI

Medications to Treat Asthma:Nebulizer

Machine produces a mist of the medication

Inhalation

Resources

American Lung Association

http://www.lungusa.org

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/naepp/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/asthma

Thank you