Controlling Asthma

Nearly 23 million Americans, including almost 7 million children, have asthma, according to the American Lung Association.

Sherry Grunder, 44, a homemaker in Fairfield, Maine (pop. 2,569), who was diagnosed with asthma at age 3, this summer finished the trek of her life: a two-day, 120-mile bike ride. The ride was meaningful to Grunder because it was a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Maine.

While asthma can be a hindrance for Grunder when exercising outdoors, it’s not an insurmountable obstacle for the avid cyclist. Pollen; cold, dry air; and hot, humid weather all can trigger breathing difficulties, but Grunder uses an inhaler before riding and carries it with her in case she needs it again. She also takes allergy medicine during pollen season, and on days when weather or pollen conditions are particularly troublesome, she exercises indoors on a treadmill.

“There are times when the asthma makes me quite uncomfortable, but it is rare that the asthma stops me,” Grunder says.

Nearly 23 million Americans, including almost 7 million children, have asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma is a chronic disease in which the air passages of the lungs become inflamed, or swollen. As a result, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Other symptoms include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), coughing and tightness in the chest. Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. With medical treatment and self-care, most people with asthma, like Grunder, can lead active lives.

On the rise
Between 1982 and 1996, asthma rates in the United States increased by nearly 60 percent, and they continue to climb. Increased awareness and improved diagnosis undoubtedly account for some of the increase, but not all.

Scientists continue to study the factors that cause asthma. “Often, there is a genetic predisposition for the disease,” says Dr. Nicola Hanania, director of the Asthma Clinical Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In addition, environmental exposure to allergens—substances that trigger allergies—is prominent among asthma sufferers, he says.

More than half of all asthma cases are linked to allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, pollen, mold and specific foods. Air pollution and cigarette smoke also can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. In addition, asthma symptoms can be triggered in some people by exercise, viral respiratory infections and acid reflux.

Shortness of breath and other symptoms of asthma recur, and some attacks are worse than others. During a severe attack, airways may narrow so much that not enough oxygen reaches the vital organs—an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Catch your breath
If you suspect you or your child have asthma, the first step is to see your doctor. Along with inquiring about symptoms and listening to your breathing, the doctor may perform a lung function test called spirometry, which measures how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath, and how fast you can do it.

Medication is the cornerstone of treatment. Everyone with asthma should carry a quick-relief inhaler, which can be used at the first sign of breathing difficulty. Many people also require daily medication to reduce the risk of future attacks. Other steps you can take to breathe easier:

• Steer clear of allergens. If animal dander is a problem, it’s best not to own a dog or cat. “But if you do have one, keep it out of your bedroom,” says Dr. William Geimeier, an allergist in Newark, Del. To protect against dust mites, put dust-proof covers over your mattress and pillows, and wash bedding weekly in hot water. To help avoid exposure to outdoor pollen and mold, close the windows and stay inside when levels are high.
• Watch the weather. Cold, dry air can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. If it bothers you, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth in winter.
• Avoid problem foods. Certain foods—such as milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and nuts—can trigger asthma in people with food allergies. Also, some people are sensitive to certain food additives, such as sulfites, which are found in wine, dried fruit and other foods. Read food labels carefully to avoid exposure to problem ingredients.
• Inform the school. If your child has asthma, give teachers, coaches and the school nurse copies of a written plan detailing what to do if an asthma attack occurs. Ask about school policies pertaining to medication; many let students keep an inhaler in their backpack.
• Stay informed. “Get all the information you can,” advises Debra Ferrell, 53, of Pinellas Park, Fla. (pop. 45,658), who was diagnosed with asthma a year ago. Ferrell read about the disease and joined an online support group. “I’ve been empowered by knowledge and more able to cope with symptoms,” she says.

Story by Linda Wasmer Andrews of
Albuquerque, N.M.

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