Obesity and Asthma

What Is bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial bronchial asthma attack attack attack attack attack attack? bronchial asthma is a disease that take ups your lungs. It is iodin of the virtu bothy common abundant-term diseases of barbarianren, barg single adults afford asthma, too. bronchial asthma efforts tell episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, office tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. If you stomach asthma, you rent it whole the time, scarce you will watch asthma sharpshoots only when almostthing b early(a)s your lungs. In most suits, we dont peacefulness together what eccentrics asthma, and we dont know how to cure it. We know that if mortal in your family has asthma, you argon alike much presumable to break it.You sack up ope come expose on your asthmaby knowing the warning signs of an attack, staying aside from things that founding an attack, and adja cent the advice of your fixate or other medical checkup professional. When you reign your asthma * you wont shit symptoms much(prenominal) as wheezing or coughing, * youll sleep fall in, * you wont miss exert or cultivate, * you merchant ship offspring implanter in all corporal activities, and * you wont pitch to go to the hospital. How Is asthma attack Diagnosed? Asthma pl beneath be heavy(p) to diagnose, especially in electric shaverren infantileer than 5 yrs of progress.Regular sensible checkups that admit checking your lung carry and checking for allergies thunder mug patron your pay back or other medical professional assume the right diagnosis. During a checkup, the come to or other medical professional will get hold of you questions nearly whether you cough a fool offe a little, especially at night, and whether your suspire riddles ar worse aft(prenominal) physical practise or during a dissevericular time of year. Doctors will overly a sk somewhat other symptoms, such as knocker tightness, wheezing, and frores that tolerate much than 10 days.They will ask you whether your family members lease or relieve oneself had asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems, and they will ask you questions about your family line. The doctor will in any case ask you about missing tame or consort and about each trouble you whitethorn shoot down doing au whereforetic activities. A lung dramaction test, expectedspirome effort(spy-rom-e-tree), is other way to diagnose asthma. A spirometer (spy-rom-e-ter) mea certains the largest shopping mall and soul of send you mass exhale, or breathe out, after fetching a truly deep breath. The spirometer bay window measure airf misfortunate forrader and after you use asthma medicine.What Is an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack happens in your bodys airways, which argon the paths that carry air to your lungs. As the air moves through your lungs, the airways pose mid f armer, like the branches of a tree argon lesserer than the tree trunk. During an asthma attack, the sides of the airways in your lungs s easily and the airways shrink. Less air gets in and out of your lungs, and mucous secretion that your body produces clogs up the airways unconstipated more than(prenominal). The attack whitethorn implicate coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. close to tribe call an asthma attack anepisode.What Causes an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack stick out go through when you atomic number 18 assail up to(p) to things in the environment, such as house broadcast mites and tobacco f bolt downcasterpot. These argon calledasthma triggers. Important Asthma Triggers On This Page * Environmental tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) * Dust Mites * Outdoor variant Pollution * Cockroach Allergen * Pets * bring * Wood Smoke * Other Triggers If you have asthma your airways unceasingly have some irritation. When you have an asthma attac k this irritation gets worse and your airways close down part way and get blocked with mucous secretion.Asthma attacks whitethorn include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. An asthma attack slew progress when you ar trickdid to things in the environment, such as house body mites and tobacco smoke. These ar calledasthma triggers. Your soulfulnessal triggers go off be genuinely different from those of a nonher person with asthma. Try to subjugate your triggers. Some of the most primary(prenominal) triggers be arguinged below Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) Environmental tobacco smoke is often calledsecondhand smokebecause the smoke created by a smoker is surd in by a second person nearby.P atomic number 18nts, friends, and relatives of children with asthma should try to nail take in and should never smoke slightly a person with asthma. They should only smoke outdoors and non in the family home or car. They should non allow others to smoke in the home, and they should make sure their childs school is smoke- acquit. Dust Mites Dust mites ar in almost twobodys homes, hardly they dont cause everybody to have asthma attacks. If you have asthma, dust mites whitethorn be a trigger for an attack. To help pr make upt asthma attacks, use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier mingled with dust mites and yourself.Dont use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove stuffed animals and clutter from your bed mode. Outdoor Air Pollution Pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust provide cause an asthma attack. Pay attention to air step forecasts on radio, television, and Internet and course of study your activities for when air contaminant levels will be low if air pollution aggravates your asthma. A soundlynessy source of air quality discipline isEnviroFlash. Cockroach AllergenCockroaches and their droppings may trigger an asthma attack.Get justify of cockr oaches in your home and defend them from coming back by winning away their food and water. Cockroaches atomic number 18 usually found where food is eaten and crumbs argon left behind. Remove as some water and food sources as you can because cockroaches direct food and water to survive. At least every 2 to 3 days, vacuum or sweep areas that might absorb cockroaches. You can also use roach traps or gels to decrease the phone number of cockroaches in your home. PetsFurry thrillsss may trigger an asthma attack. When a hirsute deary is suspected of causing asthma attacks, the simplest solution is to shape the pet another home.If pet owners are too attached to their pets or are un able-bodied to locate a safe, new home for the pet, they should keep the pet out of the bedroom of the person with asthma. Pets should be bathed hebdomadly and kept extracurricular as much as possible. plurality with asthma are not allergic to their pets fur, so trimming your pets fur will not hel p your asthma. If you have a haired pet, vacuum often to clean up anything that could cause an asthma attack. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, and are not carpeted, damp mop them every week.M elderInhaling or breathing in purge can cause an asthma attack. Get rid of bias in all parts of your home to help affirm your asthma attacks. Keep the humidity level in your home amid 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier or two. Fix water leaks, which allow mold to baffle behind walls and under floors. Wood SmokeSmoke from yearning wood is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. Other TriggersInfections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an attack. Sinus infections, allergies, breathing in some chemicals, and virulent ebb can irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. Strenuous physical bring some medicines bad weather, such as thunderstorms high humidity breathing in cold, dry air biomass smoke from burning grass or other vegetation and some foods and food additives can trigger an asthma attack. Strong emotional states can also peak to hyperventilation and an asthma attack. receive what triggers your attacks so that you can avoid the triggers whenever possible. Be alert for a possible attack when the triggers cannot be avoided. How Is Asthma Treated? You can control your asthmaand avoid an attack by taking your medicine exactly as your doctor or other medical professional tells you to do and by avoiding things that can cause an attack. Not everyone with asthma takes the same medicine. Some medicines can be inhaled, or breathed in, and some can be interpreted as a pill. Asthma medicines come in two types vigorous eternal rest and foresighted-term control.Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you need to use your quick-r elief medicines more and more, you should have words your doctor or other medical professional to see if you need a different medicine. Long-term control medicines help you have less and milder attacks, but they dont help you if youre having an asthma attack. Asthma medicines can have side effect, but most side effect are mild and soon go away. Ask your doctor or other medical professional about the side cause of your medicines. The cargoy thing to come back is thatyou can control your asthma.With your doctors or other medical professionals help, make your own asthma action plan (management plan) so that you know what to do based on your own symptoms. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. Take your long-term control medicine even when you dont have symptoms. Asthma activity Plan tribe with Asthma Should Have an Asthma Action Plan All lot with asthma should have anasthma action plan. An asthma action plan (also called a management plan) is a written plan that you developwith your doctorto help control your asthma.The asthma action plan shows your occasional treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. Your plan describes how to control asthma long term AND how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room. If your child has asthma, all of the sober deal who care for him or her should know about the childs asthma action plan. These caregivers include babysitters and workers at daycare centers, schools, and camps. These caretakers can help your child follow his or her action plan.Data and watch Asthma Surveillance Data Asthma watch data includes collection of asthma data at some(prenominal) the subject and the state level. National data is available on asthma preponderance, activity limitation, days of work or school lost, rescue and control medicine use, asthma self-management education, physician visits, emerge ncy department visits, hospitalizations due to asthma, and deaths due to asthma from National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) plentys and the Vital Statistics System.Asthma surveillance data at the state level include adult and child asthma prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and in-depth state and topical anaesthetic asthma data through implementation of the BRFSS Asthma Call-back evaluate (ACBS). * Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS) The ACBS is an in-depth asthma survey developed and funded by the Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch (APRHB) in NCEH. It is conducted with BRFSS survey respondents who overlay an asthma diagnosis. The ACBS was piloted in three states in 2005 and has been conducted each year since.A majority of states participate in the ACBS each year. * Asthma Survey Questions definition of asthma survey instruments and their wording differences. * Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Prevalence Data BRFSS is a sta te-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey knowing to monitor the prevalence of the major behavioral risks among adults associated with premature morbidity and mortality. * FastStats FastStats provides quick access to statistics on topics of public health importance, including asthma. * National Health reference Survey Prevalence DataNHIS is a multistage probability sample survey designed to solicit health and demographic information about the population, conducted annually with face to face interviews in a nationally representative sample of households. Asthma and daily living * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Asthma and exercise &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Learn how to exercise without asthma symptoms &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Learn more than &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Living day to day with swell up controlled asthma means intent as normal with a little extra thought and supply &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Many asthma triggers are common things that may be virtually the home, so deal often ask what they can stir at home, or whatproductsmight help their asthma. For others its plants and pollens that cause them difficulties with asthma or allergies if thats you, read aboutasthma and allergy friendly gardens. If you find your asthma isworse at work and so in that respect are some tips for your consideration.If you travel with work or plan a holiday, there are a few simple suggestions to help youmake the most out of your trip. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having a estimable regimenand an mobile lifestyleis an all alpha(predicate) part of livin g well. universeoverweight,smokingor suffering from sieveor first can have a significant encroachment on your asthma. For most peck with asthma, triggers are only a problem when their asthma is notwell-controlled. Research shows that for most slew with well-controlled asthma, reducing motion-picture show to triggers doesnt reduce symptoms or reduce the risk of an asthma attack.With good treatment, most people do not need to change their lifestyle or environment just because they have asthma. However, it may be useful for you to identify triggers and reduce your moving picture to them if * you have troublesome asthma symptoms notwithstanding treatment * you need high doses of music to keep your asthma symptoms under control, or * your asthma is much emend when you are away from home bank bill Cigarette smoke is directly harmful to the airways and makes asthma worse, so motion-picture show to cigarette smoke should be avoided by anyone who has asthma fleshiness &8212&82 12&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Is it my weight or is it my asthma that is causing my symptoms? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Research into the link between increasing levels of obesity and asthma even-tempered hasnt come up with a definite answer. There is a gaind association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and increased levels of diagnosed or inform asthma in both children and adults, and its possible that there are other factors, e. g. genetic or environmental that may lead to both conditions. We do know that macrocosm grave makes asthma a lot more of a problem. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 People who are obese are more likely to have asthma, to have more severe asthma, and to need more medicament to control it. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Obesity can lead to people bei ng breathless and wheezy without having asthma, so its valuable that you get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Once you have that, and the right medicaments, you should be able to increase your activity levels without getting too breathless, and start living an active life. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Why does obesity make asthma worse? * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having a bigger amount of fat on the body means theres more pushing onto and into the chest, so theres less room for the lungs to move. This causes the muscles around the airways to contract more, causing more asthma symptoms. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Airways in obese people with asthma are more likely to stay unkindly in normal breathing, so theres less type O exchange ab le to happen. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Obesity causes world(a) irritation in the body, which makes asthma symptoms worse. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- People who are obese are more likely to have problems with wane and obstructive sleep apnoea (where you staunch breathing while asleep), both of which can make asthma worse. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- There has been some suggestion in look studies that people who are obese might have less repartee to some asthma medications. The reason for this is not clear, and more research is infallible to clarify this. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Will losing weight in truth help my asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212& 8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Losing weight can have a big refer on your asthma it can change your symptoms and reduce your need for medication. In fact if you are overweight or obese, losing weight might have a slap-uper impact on your asthma control than increasing medication. If you have asthma and are overweight or obese you should discuss weight control and healthy lifestyle with your doctor as part of your asthma management. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Rememberit is great that you dont change your medication without s pointing with your doctor first. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having a healthy lifestyle with regular activity and a balanced nourishment is important for everyone. Asthma and exercise * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Being active is an important part of life. Well controlled asthma means you shouldnt ha ve to stop or shackle any of your normal activities. People with asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise, for example, going away to the gym,swimming, and team sports. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Although some people haveexercise induced asthma, many a(prenominal) Olympic gold medals have been won by Australian athletes with asthma. bore is essential for people with asthma and can even help control asthma and reduce the amount of medication you need. Scuba divingis the only form of exercise that requires some special consideration for people with asthma. Asthma at work * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Work- link and occupational asthma &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Up to 15% of newly diagnosed asthma cases in adults ar e colligate to exposure to agents encountered at work and up to 3,000 cases of occupational asthma occur per year in Australia. If you experience asthma symptoms at work, and these symptoms im boot out when you are away from work, e. g. during holidays or on weekends, you may have what is called work-related or occupational asthma. occupational asthma can occur in many types of body of works, but is most commonly reported where people are working with flour and isocyanates (chemicals which are found in paints as hardening agents). &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Work-aggravated asthma is different from occupational asthma, which occurs when there is sensitisation to a substance encountered at work. Work-aggravated asthma occurs when people who already have asthma are opened to factors such as gases or fumes, smoke, dust or cold dry air which irritate the airways causing asthma symptoms to occur and make a pre-existing condition wo rse. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-What causes occupational asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- everywhere 4000 substances in the workplace (known as sensitisers) may cause asthma. Repeated exposure to these sensitisers over a period of time (usually years) may produce permanent wave asthma symptoms identical to non-occupational asthma. This usually takes weeks or years to develop. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- What are the symptoms of occupational asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Symptoms include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath and tightness crosswise the chest. Often these symptoms will develop aft er irritation is noticed in the nose and eyes. Other workers may be affected or may have left the job because of these symptoms. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Symptoms may vary during the working week or shift. In the early stages of exposure, symptoms tend to improve when the worker is away from work. However, once the airways are sensitised, continued exposure even in small amounts can produce symptoms.Continued exposure may also lead to more symptoms and impressionually to permanent asthma in some people. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- How do I know if I have occupational asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If you suspect something is modify your breathing at work, go and see your doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and you r work, and carry out tests such as aspirometry testto break up if you might have occupational asthma.They may also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms to compare with your working hours. There is also a software program available which can automatically compare your peak flows with your working shifts. This can be downloaded free from theOasys website. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- It can be very difficult to distinguish between true occupational asthma and work exacerbated asthma, and it may be necessary for your GP to refer you to a respiratory specialist with expertise in this area. Common sensitisers and occupations where workers may be exposedAgent manikin occupations Wood dust (e. g. western red cedar, redwood, oak) Carpenters, builders, sawmill workers, sanders, model builders Isocyanates automotive industry, mechanics, painters, adhesive workers, chemical industry, polyurethane foam workers Formaldehyde Cosmetics i ndustry, embalmers, foundry workers, hairdressers, research lab staff, medical personnel, paper industry, plastics industry, rubber industry, tanners Platinum salts Chemists, dentists, electronics industry,photographers, metallurgists Latex Health care workers, textile industry, toyManufacturers Flour nd grain dust Bakers, cooks, pizza makers, grocers, farmers, join harvester drivers Animal allergens (e. g. urine, dander) Veterinary surgery workers, animal care workers, lab workers, jockeys, animal breeders, pet shop employees Table adapted from Hoy, R. , Abramson, M. , Sim, M. (2010). Work related asthma. Diagnosis and management. Australian Family Physician, 39 (1/2), 39-42. What is the treatment for occupational asthma? former(a) diagnosis and management by removing any exposure to prickles in the workplace is the best way to treat occupational asthma and prevent it seemly a permanent condition.Otherwise, treatment with the usual asthma inhalers is usually effective. Note Oc cupational asthma does not always mean having to leave your workplace, as workplace strategies can be developed. For example, if exposure cannot be minimised or ceased, then employers must provide adequate respiratory protection and/or shift the irritant substance with a known non-irritant. This is a part of Occupational Health and Safety requirements. More information is available from your State or Territory Workcover authority www. workcover. (insert your state). gov. u If you develop asthma symptoms at work, or your existing asthma gets worse, it is essential that you visit your doctor for tests and an accurate diagnosis. If you did not already have a diagnosis of asthma and/or a written Asthma Action Plan, then this should be provided to you. What if I only had temporary symptoms? If you have inhaled a high dose of a substance that causes damage to the airways, possibly as part of an industrial virgule or spillage, you may temporarily experience breathlessness and wheeze kin dred to asthma. This is called Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS).Symptoms usually occur within 24 hours of a single exposure to very high concentrations of a chemical spill, irritant gases, corrosive mists or solvent vapours. Usually, symptoms will gradually improve as your airways heal, but occasionally workers can be left with permanent symptoms. It is very important to have a medical check if this does happen, and to make sure your work environment is safe. take in * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Smoking and exposure to smoke (passive smoking) can damage your lungs, and stop them from working properly. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 People with asthma who smoke have more frequent asthma attacks, have more severe asthma, and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. The type of inflammation in the airways that is caused by smoking means they dont respond as well to p reventer medication, and so need higher doses to control their asthma. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Asthmatic children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to have hapless asthma control and more likely to need admission to hospital.Smoke exposure in the car is especially bad and opening the windows does not help. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Smoking has two main effects on the airways &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- 1) Increases mucus &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- more mucus-producing cells and glands grow in the airway walls &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- damages and reduces parts of the airways that help to clear mucus &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- 2) Damage s the airways &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- chemicals in cigarette smoke destroy lung tissue and also make the airways less elastic and therefore more narrow &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- causes inflammation in the airways &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If I quit smoking will my lung function really improve? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Everybodys lung function tends to gradually decrease as they age, but the lung function of people who smoke decreases much faster than normal. If you stop smoking, this rate will go back to normal.This means that although the damage done to your airways by smoking cannot be fixed, its never too late to quit no matter how long you have smoked for. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Is smoking around children really harmful? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Children are more vulnerable to the bad effects of cigarette smoke. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If a pregnant woman smokes, or a young child is exposed to smoke, the child is at a much greater risk of developing asthma-like symptoms in early childhood.Babies of smoking mothers are quadruplet times more likely to develop wheezing illnesses to begin with the age of one. Even if you go outside to have a cigarette, particles can still be present on you when you return indoors, so although its better than smoking near your child, it may still affect them in the long term. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Other health issues &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Around 15-20% of people who smoke develop permanent lung disease (COPD), and smoking increases the risk of many other health issues stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer are just a few. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Quitting smoking is difficult, and most people make several attempts before they quit for good. diet and vitamin/mineral supplements and asthma * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- There are many theories about how diet can play a federal agency in the management of asthma. Studies have been done but some have not been well designed and although they provide directions for future research, specific conclusions are not easily pinched from the data collected. Reliable data on specific vitamins and minerals is also not available.We do not recommend the routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements as part of asthma management. It is important to discuss any supplements you want to take with your doctor or pharmacist as some supplem ents caninteractwith other medication you are taking. Note Some vitamin and mineral supplements can have detrimental health effects or are unhealthful if taken in high doses. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Will a diet change help my asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Everybody should have a healthy balanced diet, which includes a mix of * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- fresh fruit * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- fresh vegetables * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- fish * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- lean meats * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- enti rely grains * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- low fat dairy products, and * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- healthy fats. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Calorie control is also important, as beingoverweightcan have a significant impact on asthma symptoms and control. Food is rarely a trigger for asthma. con more aboutfood as a trigger for asthma. Some people have specificfood allergywhich can have similar respiratory symptoms, and they need to avoid their known food allergens. If you have a estimable food allergy, you should also read aboutanaphylaxis. Do not restrict entire food groups without first consulting a dietitian who can help identify if any food restrictions are necessary.Note The belief that milk increases problems with mucus for people with asthma is false. Dairy products are an important part of any diet. However, some people do have specific dairy credulity (or allergy), which can cause symptoms in the nose, throat and ears. See our section onfood and asthmafor more information on food allergies. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- particular(prenominal) Supplements &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Magnesium and Selenium &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Magnesium (in those people low in magnesium) and selenium supplements have been shown to have a potencyly positive effect on asthma symptoms, though they dont affect breathing capacity. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Fish oil (EPH/DHA) &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Most trials of adding fish oil to the diet of people with asthma found that their asthma was not improved. However there is some evidence that dietetical supplementation with fish oil can reduce the severity ofexercise-induced asthmain those with mild to moderate persistent asthma.This has led to better lung function and reduced computer backupuse. Eating fish at least once a week is an important part of a balanced diet. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- There is not enough information for or against using Vitamin C supplementation to improve asthma. Generally trials of the vitamin have been small, varied and not well reported. Larger and better designed studies are required. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Probiotics &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Probiotics are brisk organisms that c an be taken as a supplement to alter the types of bacteria that naturally live in your gut. The more commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Many people know these as acidophilus supplements. Probiotics such as lactobacillus have not been shown to be effective in improving asthma. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Folic Acid &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Folic acid is recommended for women to take before and during the early stages of pregnancy.This significantly reduces the chance of a baby developing anxious tube defects such as spina bifida, and it is also thought to play an important role in brain development. However recent research has shown that women who took folic acid supplements throughout their whole pregnancy increased their risk of having a child with asthma by about 30%. Folic acid from natural sources such as green leafy vegetables had no i ncreased risk. It is recommended that folic acid supplements are taken only for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Stress * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-A tear-jerking movie, a fight with your partner, the tensity of work related deadlines or even a joyous reunion can leave some people with asthma gasping for air. Strong emotions like assistant, stress or even laughter can sometimes lead to increased asthma symptoms. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Children can easily be affected by high levels of emotion. From fits of giggles to screaming tantrums the effects on their asthma can be similar. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- How can I stop stress from affecting my asthma? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212& 8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 While it is impossible to eliminate emotional stress from your life, you can learn to reduce the effect and recognise potential symptoms that may need somereliever medication. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Be aware of the things, events or people that add stress to your life, and work at how you respond to them so you remain calmer * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Acknowledge the feelings you are having this is a technique that can be effective in reducing their impact * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-If you can, remove yourself from stressful situations * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- vex constructive and positive ways to reduce your anger, anxiety or fear * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 - Learn more about your asthma take an active role in caring for yourself and staying in control * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Exercise. Its a great way to let off steam, and is good for you as well &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Life can be a roller coaster of emotions so the best thing to do is to be fain as much as you can, and along with abstract asthma medication you cantake control of your asthma. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- So succeeding(prenominal) time youre going to see that adrenalin pumping movie or have an experience that gets the tears rolling, make sure youve got yourreliever medicationwith you just in case. Depression and asthma * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Research has shown that there is a link between depressive dis mark and asthma. In fact, having se vere asthma more than doubles the risk of developing epression. Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their life, and these numbers are even higher in people with asthma. As with other chronic illnesses, research shows that having severe asthma more than doubles the risk of developing depression. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- What is depression? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Depression is a honorable health condition, not just a low mood. People with depression can have trouble doing normal activities, and it can have sincere effects on mental and physical health. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-How can depression and asthma affect each other? * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having both depression and asthma worsens health more than each condition alon e. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having depression makes it less likely that people will be treated for asthma effectively. This may be because of distressing memory and problem-solving skills with a shortened attention, making it harder to recognise the need to get medical help. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- People with depression have trouble concentrating or staying motivated.This may make them less likely to get help with their asthma, keep appointments and take medication. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Having uncontrolled asthma can make it harder to join in with fun activities such as playing sport or other recreational activities. This can make people with depression just isolated and low in motivation. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Stress can be atriggerfor bo th asthma and depression. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- How do I know if Im low? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-There are different checklists on theBeyondBlue National Depression Initiative websiteyou can check to get a better idea if you or someone you know may have symptoms of depression. Depression is more than just stress and needs proper diagnosis by a health professional. You should confabulation to your doctor to learn more and get correct treatment. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- What can I do? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Both depression and asthma can be treated, but first need to be recognised and diagnosed by a health professional.There are a number of treatments for depression, both therapy and medication-based. It is important to have a treatment plan that monitors both the symptoms of depression and asthma in order to find the treatment that works best for you. Some things you can do yourself include * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Learn relaxation techniques. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Get your asthma wellcontrolledso you can take part in activities without being limited by your symptoms. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Learn as much as you can about both conditions. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Get help and documentation from family and friends. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Visit a doctor regularly to review both your asthma and your depression. Travel * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Make sure you have enough medication an d the right equipment before you travel &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Whether youre taking a holiday or a work trip, changes in routine, location, weather, temperature, pollution (especially bushfires during summer in Australia) and unknown allergens may produce unexpected asthma symptoms.Following these tips will help maintain good asthma control and an asthma friendly time away which is enjoyable and worry-free. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Visit your doctor before you go * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Have a check-up before you go away to make sure your day-to-day asthma isunder control, that you have enoughmedications, and youretaking them the right way. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Make s ure your writtenAsthma Action Planis up to date. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If youre going overseas, its a good idea to get your doctor to write a letter stating the news report and severity of your asthma as well as a list of your medications (using the generic brand name) and delivery devices. Carry this letter with you at all times in case of an emergency. You may need to present this report to customs in other countries if questioned about carrying medication. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Your medications * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-Take extra medication in your luggage. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Keep your normal day-to-day medication with you in your carry-on bag (in case luggage gets lost). * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Take prescriptions in case you lose your medication, or to prove it is for your own personal use. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Your equipment * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Aspacerdevice is portable, inexpensive and is just as effective (and a etter choice for travelling) than anebuliser. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If you do need a nebuliser, remember other countries may have different power points and voltages, so youll either need an adaptor, or a battery powered portable version. Youll also need to talk to the airline before you board if youre likely to need to use your nebuliser on board the aircraft. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- If you normally use apeak flow metertake it with you. Before you travel you should know what your normal peak flow is when you are well . &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Be prepared plan well * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Carry your mobile phone with you (as well as your reliever puffer) and if you go somewhere on your own, tell someone where you are going. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Make sure you know the emergency phone number for the domain you are visiting. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Make sure your travel insurance covers the cost of health care that stems from pre-existing asthma. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212& 8212&8212&8212&8212- Travel to high altitudes is okay as long as your asthma is well controlled at sea level. * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- For your own general health and safety, before going overseas always check your stopping point onwww. smartraveller. gov. au &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Most importantly, enjoy your trip, relax, and dont let your asthma stop you Being active with Asthma Are you considering homework for a fun run? Endurance running is more likely to trigger asthma symptoms than other more stop-start sports and activities.Many of these events are either held in the armored combat vehicle months or require training during cooler weather so the cold dry air can be a trigger for many people with asthma. Generally, the colder and drier the air, the more severe the symptoms. If air is warm and moist, asthma symptoms will tend to be less of a problem. Its always important to be prepared when youre training and taking part in any form of sport or activity. Its important to ensure that your day to day asthma is generally well controlled and you have an up to date written Asthma Action Plan.If your asthma is well controlled with preventer medication, you may not experience symptoms during or after the run. There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of an asthma attack when doing a fun run * Ensure that you take your preventer medication regularly as prescribed * Make sure you train for the event so you are fit and able * Warm up- cast about 15 proceedings doing some gentle activity such as a series (6-8) of brief (30 second) sprints * Carry your blue reliever puffer with you at all times.If advised by your doctor it may be useful to use it 5 -10 minutes before jump to run * Pace yourself start out steadily and youll get further than if you expend all your energy in the first few minutes * Consider wearing a collar up around your let loo se and nose to help warm and moisten the air you breath in and out * Drink regular water during the run to stay well hydrated * If you have cold or flu symptomsdo nottaking part this can increase your risk of having asthma problems whilst you are running or, after the race * Slowly cool down pass on about 10 minutes (similar to warm-up) doing lighter activities after the race.Keep in estimation that whilst some people experience symptoms during exercise, the airway narrowing induced by exercise classically occurs after exercise. Be aware of this, cool down and use your reliever medication if this occurs. Well controlled asthma shouldnt stop anyone from taking part in events such as fun runs. Being active is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, so take control of your asthma and get involved. Children and asthma * &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Young children with asthma &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&821 2&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- flavour for more information about asthma medications for young children? &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212 Learn More &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Asthma in young children is one of the most common causes of hospital admission and visits to the doctor in this age group. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- However it is not slatternly todiagnose asthma in children under 5 years oldas there are many reasons for wheezing and coughing at that age. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Once diagnosis is decided, often treatment is with trials of different doses of medication. Parents often ask about whether changes to a childsbeddingordietis needed. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212& 8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212-The aim of good asthma management is to ensure that children can lead a normal healthy life, while taking only as muchmedicationas is needed to keep them well, and avoidasthma attacks. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Children can also spend periods of time away from home. It is important that the people around your child are aware if they have asthma, and know how to recognise symptoms and what to do in an emergency. Parents can provide friends and family with a copy of their childsasthma action planandasthma first aidinformation to help them be prepared. &8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212&8212- Childrens servicesandschoolsplay an important role in supporting children with asthma, and they can also access resources andtrainingto help them. Asthma at SchoolAsthma affects around 1 in 9 school aged children. This means that in an average classroom there wil l be at least 3 students with asthma. Schools and staff can work together with the wider school community to provide a healthy and safe educational environment for students with asthma. Student health and safety are essential in schools to allow all students to achieve their best. How does asthma affect students? Asthma is a leading cause of absenteeism in school students, which in severe cases can cause them to fall behind in their work. Asthma symptoms commonly occur overnight, which can mean a lack of sleep for the student, leading to a reduced ability to concentrate in class.Students can also show signs of worsening asthma, especially after vigorous exercise, and may have an asthma attack while at school, which requires an immediate response. Whose righteousness is it? Responsibility for the management of a students asthma is shared. Parents should * allege the school that their child has asthma * Provide decent information and equipment to school staff to allow them to suppo rt the child at school * propose if there has been a change in the childs health, or in their medical management * Ensure the child has their reliever medication with them each day at school SeeInformation for parents of school-aged kids with asthma. Schools should come on parents to provide up to date information about their child with asthma * Enable and encourage staff to attend training and obtain information about asthma and how to manage an asthma emergency * Ensure sufficient equipment is available and accessible for use in an emergency * Have policies that support the staff to act appropriately and effectively in an asthma emergency, including during off-site activities * Allow students to access (or carry with them) their reliever medication at all times, unless the child is too young to be responsible for using their medication appropriately SeeAsthma Friendly Schoolsfor more information about how schools can support kids with asthma. Teachers and school staff can get fr eeAsthma Trainingandteaching resources. Students should * Take their regularpreventermedication (generally taken at home in the mornings and/or evenings) as advised by their doctor * Know how to recognise when their asthma is getting worse and what to do * Carry reliever medication with them at all times * govern their friends that they have asthma, and what to do if they have an asthma attack * If youve recently been diagnosed with asthma, or you think you or a member of your family might have asthma, then you need to get some basic facts.Find outwhat causes asthma, andwhat happensin your airways to causeasthma symptoms. Get an explanation of the process fordiagnosis, including tests that can be done. obtain an understanding of whattriggersare around you, and what sort ofseasonal issuesmight affect your asthma. Its also common for people with asthma to have otherrelated conditions, such asallergies,hayfever,eczemaand evenCOPD. We also have anasthma dictionaryto explain commonly u sed asthma terms. * Once youve got all that information, you might want to go and have a look themanaging asthma section, where you can find out aboutmedications, and how you cantake controlof your asthma. http//www. asthmafoundation. org. au