RESEARCHERS from the University of Virginia recently reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that people suffering acute asthma episodes have an unusually high level of acidity in their lungs. This important finding may one day lead to a novel treatment consisting of a solution of baking soda -- a sort of antacid therapy for the lungs -- to prevent asthmatic episodes from occurring.
Q. What is asthma?
A. Asthma, which has increased by more than 60 percent in the last decade, is a chronic yet reversible respiratory disorder that inflames and constricts the breathing passages (bronchial tubes), obstructs airflow to the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and increased mucus secretion. Asthma affects an estimated 17 million Americans -- including 5 million children -- but many more have undetected asthma and go untreated. Although asthma frequently begins in childhood, with half of the cases first occurring in children under the age of 10, it can strike at any age, causing even the most fit person to wheeze, cough and gasp. Attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than a day or week, unless properly treated and controlled with medication.
Q. What causes asthma?
A. Asthma may be a result of a genetic susceptibility involving several genes and several environmental "triggers" which lead to bronchoconstriction, a tightening of the muscles around the bronchial tubes, which makes it difficult to breathe. Triggers vary from person to person, but may include viral respiratory infections, including colds, pneumonia, flu, sinus infections and bronchitis; exposure to pollen, molds, dust mites, cockroaches and animal dander; exposure to chemicals, tobacco smoke, perfumes, hairsprays or air pollutants; extreme emotions, such as fear, anger, frustration; food additives; medications; changes in the weather; and physical exertion and exercise, especially in cold, dry environments.
Q. What are asthma symptoms?
A. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, and are generally worse at night, due to chemical and temperature changes in the body.
Q. Who needs treatment for asthma?
A. Anyone who has asthma, no matter how mild it seems, should be examined and treated by an allergy and asthma specialist. Asthma doesn't go away by itself, and if left untreated, it can become a serious health risk.
Q. What will your doctor do?
A. Once a positive diagnosis has been made, your physician will develop a preventive program for maximum control of symptoms, with an emphasis on using a minimum of the safest medications with the least amount of side effects. There is no such thing as "one prescription fits all" and it may take time to find which medication works and which doesn't. A person with asthma must become thoroughly familiar with his or her medication and know how and when to take them. The doctor also will teach a person with asthma how to use a peak flow meter, an inexpensive yet important gadget which measures how fast and hard air is exhaled from the lungs.
Q. What medications are used for asthma?
A. There are now many medications that can help prevent asthma from developing. A variety of drugs are regularly used and can include inhaled corticosteroids and mast cell stabilizers. Fast-acting inhaled and oral bronchodilators (beta-andrenergic drugs and antileukotrienes, which are also the medications of choice for exercise-induced asthma) are used to open airways and keep them open for several hours.
Q. How can an asthma episode be prevented?
A. There is no known cure for asthma. Identifying and avoiding allergens, taking medications when needed and home monitoring with a peak-flow meter all play important roles in controlling asthma. For more information about asthma or to find a board certified allergist in your area, contact the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (800) 822-2762), the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (800) 222-LUNG), or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (800) 7-ASTHMA.
