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Frequently Asked Questions about Asthma
How do I know if I have asthma?
What causes an asthma episode?
What are some common asthma triggers?
What are the signs of asthma?
Can asthma episodes be prevented?
Why is asthma increasing?
Does pregnancy have an effect on asthma?
Describe adult onset asthma.
Is there a genetic link component to asthma?
Describe the link between allergies and asthma.
Can a child outgrow asthma?
What is the link between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and asthma?
How do I know if I have asthma?
If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, you may have asthma.
- Cough
- Breathlessness
- Wheeze
- Chest tightness
- Waking at night due to asthma
- Peak flow readings
- Less ability to do usual activities
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What causes an asthma episode?
Asthma episodes are caused by the airways' sensitivity to various triggers in the
environment. Each person reacts differently to these environmental factors that may
trigger asthma, including:
- respiratory infections, colds
- cigarette smoke
- allergic reactions to pollens, mold, animal dander, feathers,
dust mites, scents, food and cockroaches
- exercise
- exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change
- excitement/stress
Asthma can develop quickly and it can range from being a mild discomfort to a
life-threatening attack if breathing stops completely. Asthma problems are often
separated by symptom-free periods.
The American Lung Association has been committed to improving the lives of people
with asthma for decades. As a leader in the asthma education, public policy and research,
we take a comprehensive approach to improving asthma care by working with families,
communities, and a diversity of health care professionals nationwide.
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What are some common asthma triggers?
Some common triggers include:
Allergens:
Irritants:
- Perfumes, paints
- Cold air
- Exercise
- Cold, flu
- Tobacco smoke
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What are the signs of asthma? How can I tell if I have a cold or if I might be developing allergies?
There are a variety of symptoms for asthma and usually a patient has symptoms for up to two
years before a diagnosis can be made. See your doctor if you have wheezing, shortness of breath or a persistent cough.
Adult onset of asthma is not generally linked to allergies. However, for those with asthma, allergies are very
often present also. Allergy reactions can trigger asthma episodes. Other triggers include: infections,
mold, mites, pollens, dust, smoke, chemicals, irritant odors, exercise, and weather variations.
A cold is very limited, usually 7–14 days and produces symptoms that mainly affect the head and nasal area.
Allergies persist either seasonally or for some people, year round.
Dr. Richard Sveum, Allergist, Health System Minnesota
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Can asthma episodes be prevented?
Asthma exacerbations can be controlled and minimized by the use of preventative medications.
Classes of drugs such as inhaled steroids, cromolyn and nedocromil, theophylline and anti-leukotrines can greatly
benefit patients with asthma. Use of these meds in a regimen prescribed by your physician can greatly decrease ER
visits, hospitalizations and loss of days from school or work.
Dr. Gary Berman, Allergist, Allergy & Asthma Specialists
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Why is asthma increasing?
Asthma currently affects approximately 17 million people in the U.S. (more than 6% of the population).
It is particularly common among children, African Americans, and in individuals living in the inner cities.
Numerous studies have noted an increase in the prevalence of asthma from 1970 to 1990.
The reasons for this increase are still unproven. Various reasons have been suggested such as the
changing of the definition of asthma (more attention is being given to the symptoms of asthma, exercise induced
asthma, etc.) Also, greater industrial and indoor air pollution and increased allergen exposure to things like dust mites.
Jay Parker, Osteopath, St. Mary's Duluth Clinic System Medical Center
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Does pregnancy have an effect on asthma?
Yes, in several ways. Bad asthma episodes that cause the mother to be exhausted and causing
oxygen levels to drop can be dangerous to the baby. Airway sensitivity or ease of stimulating an
asthma attack, varies a lot from woman to woman during pregnancy. Some women have more problems with
their asthma, in some it does not seem to matter, and in a lucky few it gets better. Most asthma medications
are safe for mother and baby during pregnancy. However, high doses of oral cortisone or some antibiotics are
a risk to the fetus. The inhaled corticosteroids are theoretically a problem to the developing baby, but
are much safer than high doses of oral steroids or risking severe asthma symptoms.
As soon as you know you are pregnant, check with your asthma doctor about which medicines to take and keep
seeing him or her throughout your pregnancy! Late in pregnancy, the baby and uterus take up most of the
space in the mother's abdomen, and a lot of breathing space. Use your medications to prevent and aggressively
treat your asthma episodes. During delivery, most women have surprisingly little trouble with acute asthma.
Take your inhalers with you to the hospital and tell the nurses and doctor what your meds are and ask about
using them. Try to avoid things you know may bring on an asthma episode and see your doctor regularly,
every couple of weeks late in the pregnancy and more often if your asthma is severe.
Dr. Richard Woellner, Pulmonologist
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Describe adult onset asthma.
It's estimated that about 10% to 20% of Americans older than 35 may have asthma. About 60% of these adults have a
history of childhood asthma. The remaining 40% get it for unexplained reasons. Hospital admission rates are 20-40%
higher for women than for men with adult onset asthma. Respiratory infections, occupational exposure and tobacco smoke
may trigger asthma. Stress and air quality may also aggravate asthma in adults.
Dr. Ashok Patel, Pulmonologist and Allergist, Mayo Clinic
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Is there a genetic link component to asthma?
For many years it has been known that there are familial, if not genetic, factors involved in the development of asthma.
This has been demonstrated by studies that show the following: the aggregation of asthma in families, first-degree
relatives have a higher prevalence of asthma than unrelated individuals, and monozygotic (identical) twins are more
likely to have asthma than dizygotic (fraternal) twins.
Many studies are currently being performed that are looking for
the gene(s) involved in the development of asthma. To date, many areas that are associated with the development of
asthma have been found in the genome. The exact gene(s) have not yet been identified. It is appears that many genes
may be involved. These genes most likely interact with other genes and environmental factors before the clinical picture
of asthma develops.
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Describe the link between allergies and asthma.
The link between allergies and asthma has been a controversial area, in part because of the fact that asthma and allergies
are probably a result of several conditions. Clinically, the majority of individuals with asthma have atopic allergies such
as hay fever, atopic dermatitis, and the presence of positive immediate skin test reactions. Furthermore, individuals
with atopic allergies are more likely to develop asthma than those without. We feel that the basic mechanism for the
development of asthma is the same as that which is involved in the development of atopy.
Dr. Malcolm Blumenthal, Geneticist, University of Minnesota
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Can a child outgrow asthma?
Although it may seem like a child may be "outgrowing" asthma around puberty, the ability to have asthma episodes will
always be present. With proper medications, symptoms can be so well controlled that it may seem like the asthma is gone.
If triggers like smoke, animals, mold, pollen, cockroaches and weather changes are minimal, symptoms will diminish.
However, infections or triggers and unanticipated exposures can bring on or increase symptoms, especially if asthma
controller medications are not being taken. Asthma is a lifelong condition that must be controlled. A review with
your health care provider is essential to maintain good asthma control.
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What is the link between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and asthma?
ETS is a potent trigger for asthma and upper respiratory tract infections. Many good scientific studies show that
children should not be around smoke at all! Even being in a home or car where smoke lingers can bring on an asthma attack.
The smell of smoke on clothing can also trigger asthma. A health care provider can help people quit smoking by providing
them with different smoking cessation options and support.
Dr. Nancy Ott, Allergist and Pediatrician, Southdale Pediatrics Clinic
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