What is Asthma?
Asthma is a serious lung disease. If someone has asthma, the inside walls of the lungs' airways are red (inflamed) and swollen. The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive and this causes the person to react strongly to things like cold, dust or pollen. When the airways react, they become narrow and less air flows through to the lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.
U.S. statistics tell us that asthma is the leading chronic disease among children and the number one cause for child hospitalizations and for missing school.
What is an Asthma Attack?
When asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it’s called an asthma episode or attack. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases and the airways become more swollen and even narrower. Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual. This extra mucus also makes it difficult to breathe.
In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to important organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.
Is There a Cure?
Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled and you can avoid an attack by taking your medicine exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to do. You should also identify what things (called triggers) cause you to have an asthma attack. This will help you avoid the triggers that can cause an attack. With your health-care provider’s help, make your own asthma management plan so that you know what to do based on your own symptoms.
What's Happening in Idaho?
Asthma is a complex disease, and this complexity requires a comprehensive solution involving many organizations and individuals. The Asthma Coalition of Idaho is a statewide organization made up of physicians, healthcare providers, advocacy organizations, and other asthma partners striving to promote asthma prevention and enhance the quality of life for Idahoans affected by the disease. Activities include maintaining an asthma information web site and sponsoring asthma education classes for the public and medical professionals.