Davidson County
Health Department
HEALTH TO YOU A – Z
INFORMATION SHEET
ASTHMA
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a serious, chronic or long lasting condition that causes swelling, increased mucus
production, and narrowing of the airways. This can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty
breathing. The airways are tubes that carry air into the lungs and out of the lungs. In the United
Stares there are 25 million known persons with Asthma and 7 million of those are children. In
some, Asthma can be mild, causing only occasional problems and others Asthma can be serious
and can affect daily activities and can cause life threatening attacks or episodes. There is no cure
for Asthma, but symptoms can be controlled. Asthma can start at any age. Some young children
with Asthma find as they get older the symptoms “go away”. It is possible that as they grow
older, Asthma symptoms can return. The exact cause of Asthma is not known. It is believed that
genetics play a role because Asthma does tend to run in families. Environmental factors such as
viral infections in babies, allergens, and air pollution also are known to cause Asthma (see triggers
below). When Asthma is not managed properly, the airways remodel themselves. Airway
remodeling is a serious condition that comes from the lungs being scarred, Asthma medications do
not work as well, and there is more difficulty moving air through the airways.
What are the symptoms of Asthma?
 Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
 Chest tightness or pain (feels like someone is squeezing your chest)
 Coughing, may be coughing up mucus or may be a dry, hacking cough
 Wheezing (a high pitched noise when air is breathed in or breathed out) or whistling
 Problems sleeping because of coughing , wheezing, or shortness of breath
What are some of the triggers (things that make Asthma worse or cause an attack)?
 Respiratory infections such as colds or flu
 Airborne allergens such as pet dander, pollen, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
 Air pollutants such as smoke, car exhaust
 Certain medications such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, beta blockers
 Stress or strong emotional episodes
 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
 Menstrual cycle in women
 Preservatives and sulfites added to some foods and drinks such as beer, wine, shrimp,
dried fruit and processed potatoes
When should my child or myself see the Medical Provider?
 If you suspect you or your child has Asthma or if you or your child have the symptoms
listed above
 If you or your child has been diagnosed with Asthma and you notice a worsening of
symptoms or more frequent Asthma episodes or attacks
 If you or your child are not responding to the medication prescribed for Asthma
 Seek emergency medical care (911) immediately if you or your child have difficulty
breathing that does not resolve with the Ashtma rescue inhaler
PO Box 439, Lexington, NC 27293
(336) 242-2300
www.dchdnc.com