Asthma (patient information): Difference between revisions
New page: '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here''' {{SI}} '''Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer {{EJ}} ==What is Asthma?== ==What are the symptoms of Asthma?== ==W... |
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==What is Asthma?== | ==What is Asthma?== | ||
[[Asthma]] is an [[inflammatory]] disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of [[wheezing]], [[shortness of breath]], chest tightness, and [[coughing]]. | |||
==What are the symptoms of Asthma?== | ==What are the symptoms of Asthma?== | ||
*Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production | |||
*Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing (intercostal retractions) | |||
*Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity | |||
*Wheezing | |||
**Comes in episodes | |||
**May be worse at night or in early morning | |||
**May go away on its own | |||
**Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators) | |||
**Gets worse when breathing in cold air | |||
**Gets worse with exercise | |||
**Gets worse with heartburn (reflux) | |||
**Usually begins suddenly | |||
'''Emergency symptoms:''' *Bluish color to the lips and face *Decreased level of alertness such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack *Extreme difficulty breathing *Rapid pulse *Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath *Sweating | |||
'''Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:''' *Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in *Breathing temporarily stops *Chest pain *Nasal flaring *Tightness in the chest | |||
==What causes Asthma?== | ==What causes Asthma?== | ||
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==Prevention of Asthma== | ==Prevention of Asthma== | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | ||
Revision as of 19:37, 22 January 2010
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What is Asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
What are the symptoms of Asthma?
- Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
- Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing (intercostal retractions)
- Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
- Wheezing
- Comes in episodes
- May be worse at night or in early morning
- May go away on its own
- Gets better when using drugs that open the airways (bronchodilators)
- Gets worse when breathing in cold air
- Gets worse with exercise
- Gets worse with heartburn (reflux)
- Usually begins suddenly
Emergency symptoms: *Bluish color to the lips and face *Decreased level of alertness such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack *Extreme difficulty breathing *Rapid pulse *Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath *Sweating
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: *Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in *Breathing temporarily stops *Chest pain *Nasal flaring *Tightness in the chest
What causes Asthma?
Who is at risk for Asthma?
How do I know I have Asthma?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Asthma
Directions to Hospitals Treating Asthma