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Asthma is only one breath away

Treat acute symptoms as well as the long-term ones.

When most of us think of asthma, we imagine a person who is fine one minute, then short of breath and wheezing the next. In fact, many with asthma feel perfectly fine until something exacerbates their condition. But because their illness is chronic, they need consistent treatment, even when they feel well.

Asthma affects up to 20 million Americans, and sufferers are sensitive to environmental triggers. Some triggers are obvious, such as allergens (pollens, pet dander, etc.), irritants (strong perfumes, pollution, chemicals), tobacco smoke and infectious agents (viruses that cause colds). However, some triggers aren't as obvious. Changes in the atmosphere (colder temperatures, changes in humidity), physical exertion and even emotionally charged situations that precipitate anxiety, crying and laughter can cause an asthma attack.

If you suspect that you may have asthma, the first step is to have your doctor run a few tests to see how well you can move air in and out of your lungs. Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis, the treatment options vary widely, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Having said that, treatment for asthma also needs to be individualized. Cookie-cutter approaches don't work, because not everyone responds the same way to the various medications that are available to treat the disease.

Asthma medications fall into two broad categories: those used for long-term control and those used to treat acute symptoms. Short-term bronchodilators, used to treat an acute attack, open the airways by relaxing the muscles that have constricted around them. There are some long-acting bronchodilators, but the most effective asthma treatment programs should incorporate anti-inflammatory medications.

Regularly using anti-inflammatory medications (the second broad category of drugs to treat asthma) decreases the frequency and severity of the attacks. Examples of anti-inflammatory medicines include corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and mast cell stabilizers, which can be used in combination with one another to more effectively control underlying inflammatory problems.

Another thought: Many people who suffer from asthma also have allergies. By effectively treating the allergies (even with allergy shots), sometimes you can improve the asthma.

Of course, not all asthma medications are alike, nor are they meant to be. By working with your doctor, you can customize a treatment plan that will be the most effective for you, which, in turn, will help you breathe more easily.

Contributing Editor Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is president and medical director of the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas.