It’s Asthma Season in Burr Ridge Too

It’s almost May and along with allergies, we are seeing more asthma flare-ups at Loyola’s Burr Ridge Immediate Care Center.

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that affects the lungs by causing airway constriction and inflammation.  It is commonly inherited.  People who suffer from allergies or eczema are predisposed to having asthma.

Symptoms of asthma can include:

·        Cough

·        Wheezing

·        Shortness of breath

·        Chest tightness

 Some asthmatics just have a cough and this type of asthma is known as cough-variant asthma.  Symptoms are commonly triggered by various factors including weather changes, infections, physical activity, tobacco exposure, animal dander, dust, mold, pollens, perfumes and other allergens.

The most common treatment for asthma is albuterol or xopenex.  These medications help to open the constricted airways of an asthmatic to allow for better breathing.  Albuterol and xopenex come in different forms.  Most commonly, they are in the inhaled and nebulized forms.   You can typically use your inhaler or nebulizer every four to six hours as needed for wheezing, shortness of breath and/or cough.  If you need albuterol or xopenex more frequently than every four to six hours you should seek medical care.

Depending on severity of symptoms, you may need to routinely take inhaled steroids to maintain better control of your asthma.   Some asthmatics may even require short courses of oral, intravenous or intramuscular steroids for more severe disease.

Since asthma can be mild, moderate or severe, it is very important for asthmatics to be well educated in their disease.  Knowing the severity of your asthma and what steps to take to treat it are vital and can be lifesaving.  With the help of your primary healthcare provider, you can formulate an asthma action plan that provides a step-by-step protocol for good asthma control.