Is
Asthma Contagious?
No, asthma is not a contagious disease. You can’t catch
it from someone.
What
Are the Most Common Causes of Asthma Attacks?
Allergies to things like dust mites or pet dander, irritants
like smoke or breathing cold air, infections like the flu
may cause asthma symptoms. Many people have asthma after exercise
like running or playing hard. Things that bother one person's
airways may not bother another person.
What
is Exercise-Induced Asthma?
Exercise-induced asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in
that it does not produce long-term increase in airway activity.
People who only experience asthma when they exercise may be
able to control their symptoms with preventive measures such
as warm-up and cool-down exercises.
Are
Asthma Drugs Addictive?
No. Mediations used for asthma are not addictive. Be sure
to take your medications as directed and let your health care
provider know if you are having trouble taking your medications.
Do
Asthma Medications Lose Their Effect if They are Taken for
a Long Time?
No. Your doctor may adjust or change your medication if your
asthma symptoms change over time. Or if a new asthma drug
might be right for you.
Are
Inhaled Steroids Dangerous?
The inhaled steroid medicines used to treat asthma are safe
and effective. It is important to take your steroid medicine
exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The steroids used for
asthma are NOT the same drugs as steroids
some athletes take to build muscle.
What
Can I Do if Exercise Causes My Asthma Symptoms?
Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent asthma
caused by exercise. Many people take medication before exercising
to avoid asthma symptoms. You can also learn how to pace yourself
if you seem to be having symptoms. If your asthma is under
control, you should be able to take part in any activity you
choose. Many Olympic athletes have asthma. Many other athletes
professional athletes have asthma.
Again, exercise-induced
asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in that it does not
produce long-term increase in airway activity. People who
only experience asthma when they exercise may be able to control
their symptoms with preventive measures such as warm-up and
cool-down exercises
What
is a Peak Flow Meter?
A peak flow meter is a device you can easily use at home to
check how open your airways are. It can help you keep track
of how well your asthma is controlled. You use it by taking
a deep breath and blowing hard into a plastic piece that goes
in your mouth. Then, write down the resulting number that
appears on the meter. Peak flow meters are most helpful for
people with moderate or severe asthma. Your health care provider
may ask you to use a peak flow meter regularly and keep track
of the numbers.
Do
Children Ever Outgrow
Their Asthma?
Many children who have wheezing do not go on to have asthma
as they get older. Other children continue to have asthma
throughout their childhood. Children with allergies or a family
history of asthma are more likely to continue having asthma
as they get older. Children raised in the home of someone
who smokes tobacco or cigarettes have a higher incidence of
asthma.
For more see: Asthma
Basics and the rest of the links on that page. Your asthma
can be controlled.
