Q: Is asthma all in your mind?
A: Asthma is real. It takes place in the airways and lungs, not in the mind. Emotions such as crying, yelling, and laughing may act as asthma triggers; causing already existing asthma to flare up or become worse
Q: Are asthma triggers the same for everyone?
A: No, asthma can effect each person differently. One person could have symptoms of chest tightness, or wheezing, while another may only cough. Not only can the symptoms be different for each person, but also the triggers. Pollen, smoke, dust mites, cockroaches, and many other triggers can “spark” a person in having an asthma attack.
Q: Do children often outgrow their asthma?
A: Asthma is a lifelong disease. A child’s asthma can seem to go away or become less serious over time. When children’s lungs grow, the airways expand. This can often cause asthma symptoms to decrease, but symptoms can return without warning.
Q: Are the steroids used in asthma dangerous?
A: The National Institute of Health suggests inhaled corticosteroids as the preferred treatment for persistent asthma. When used at recommended doses for most patients, the benefits of inhaled corticosteroids outweigh the risks. It should be understood that these steroids are NOT the same as the anabolic steroids some athletes use to build muscle.
Q: If my child has asthma, should they not play sports or be active?
A: It is important to control a child’s asthma, and that they follow the guidelines set by their doctor to take controller medications as well as taking medications before being active. They should also have a current asthma action plan from their doctor to help prevent asthma attacks.
Q: What is the burden of asthma in Utah for children?
A: Nearly 65, 000 children under the age of 18 have asthma in Utah. Asthma is the number one reason children miss school, due to chronic disease.
Q: Can asthma be fatal?
A: Yes, in Utah there was a total of 24 deaths due to asthma (all ages).
Q: What is the purpose of a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler?
A: It is intended to be used with each dose. Without a spacer, most medication hit the back of the throat and does not go down into the lungs. A spacer is a chamber that is used to keep the medicine contained before it is breathed in, to help more medicine reach the lungs.
Q: Does second-hand smoking affect asthma?
A: Yes it does! It can trigger asthma attacks or make them worse. It can be a risk factor for new cases of asthma in preschool-aged children who have not shown symptoms of asthma. It is believed to be an irritant to the bronchial tubes of people with asthma.
Q: What is the best way to control my asthma?
A: Everyone’s asthma condition is different from one another. Consult with your medical doctor about organizing an asthma action plan so that you may better control and treat your asthma.
Work Cited
