The number of people getting diagnosed with asthma continues to grow in the U.S. People with asthma have grown from 7% in 2001 to 8% in 2009. That is around 25 million people in the U.S.

Asthma is when a person’s airways are inflamed making it hard for them to breath. It is a chronic disease that can have deadly side effects. The symptoms are triggered when the airways in the lungs are inflamed and the airways tighten, making the air hard to move through the airways.

Illustration showing the inflammation of the bronchus causing asthma

When does asthma happen?

Asthma is closely related to physical activity. Doing strenuous physical activity may induce the inflammation in the lungs and even an asthma attack. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). The symptoms are feeling of a tight chest, chest pain, coughing, and wheezing.

The triggers that are associated with asthma and exercise is low and dry temperature. People with this type of asthma are more sensitive to cold air which allows cold air to reach the airways and trigger the symptoms.

Diagnosis

If someone believes they might have they should go to their physician. The physician will give you a diagnosis test. The physician will first get the patients’ health history. After that, the patient will have to do a breathing test. The test is called spirometry. Then it is followed with an exercise challenge test, such as running on a treadmill while they track your vitals.

Treatment

There is no cure for asthma, only treatment to control it. The common treatment for asthma is an inhaler. The physician will create a treatment plan that is EIB associated. Other treatments include medication that best fits the condition.

“Leukotriene modifiers are oral medications that include montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate) and zileuton (Zyflo, Zyflo CR).”

“Oral and intravenous corticosteroids may be required for acute asthma flare-ups or for severe symptoms. Examples include prednisone and methylprednisolone. They can cause serious side effects if used on a long term basis.”

There are quick-relief medication that can be used in when the airways are flared up or before exercise or physical activity.

Symptoms of asthma can be minimized when a proper treatment plan is put into place and the medication and inhaler are used regularly.

Advocate My Meds is a prescription assistance program that will help in paying for asthma medication.