CHAPTER 6
APPENDIX 5
TRANSLATION OF PARAGRAPH ON ASTHMA FROM PP. 147-148.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease of the bronchi that causes swelling in the lungs and in the respiratory
tracks. It is a frequent pathology during childhood but only 4% persists with asthma at age 18.
Asthma is not contagious. During an attach (an acute episode) of asthma, the patient suffers from
difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include ……
Asthma has no cure but it is possible to control the symptoms with medication prescribed by a
doctor. It is necessary to have constant medical care to control asthma. Everyone who suffers
from asthma needs a fast relieving medication to use during an attack. Many people also need to
use every day a preventive medication. Medications come in liquid form, as a pill or capsul, and
in spray (to inhale). Antiinflammatory drugs are preventive medications and bronchodilators are
for the treatment of acute episodes.
It is also necessary to avoid things that cause attacks. Some of these things that cause attacks
are:…
Some episodes or asthma attacks are severe and are considered a medical emergency of life or
death. It is necessary to call the doctor or a clinic if the effect of the fast relief medication lasts
less than 4 hours (or if it doesn’t relieve cough or wheezing). It is important to have a plan to go
to the hospital when the medication does not relieve the symptoms and breathing is fast and
effortful.