Updated Articles and Resources
- HFA Inhalers - Why HFA Inhalers Are Being Forced on UsCreated: 2008-08-13 @ 14:56:47 GMT
There are only a few months to go before HFA inhalers are the only type of inhalers available for people with asthma. But many people are complaining that they don't work as well, asthma control is… - Asthma Control - Recognizing Asthma ControlCreated: 2008-08-06 @ 05:17:51 GMT
If you're wondering how to recognize whether or not you've achieved sufficient asthma control, look at your asthma symptoms and your peak flow readings. They will tell the story about asthma contro… - Cure for Asthma - Is There a Cure for AsthmaCreated: 2008-08-06 @ 05:11:30 GMT
Wondering if there is a cure for asthma? Many advertisements profess to offer cures for asthma, but the truth is, curing asthma is not yet possible. There are many things you can do, however, to le… - Black Box Warnings - Should I Be Concerned About Black Box WarningsCreated: 2008-08-06 @ 05:03:51 GMT
Black box warnings about asthma medications such as Xolair and Advair seem to be in the news a lot lately. Should you be concerned about such black box warnings? Find out the answer here… - IgE - Definition of IgE - Marker for Allergic AsthmaCreated: 2008-08-06 @ 04:52:23 GMT
IgE is a type of protein called an "antibody." The body's immune system produces antibodies in response to substances it perceives as threats to your health. IgE stands for Immunoglobulin… - Controller Medicines and Asthma - Definition of Asthma Controller Me…Updated: 2008-08-06 @ 04:23:47 GMT
Controller medicines are asthma medicines you take once or twice a day every day (as prescribed) to control and prevent asthma symptoms… - CFC and HFA Asthma Inhalers - What is Different About the New HFA As…Updated: 2008-08-05 @ 23:58:05 GMT
CFC asthma inhalers have been used for years, but now they have been banned in the US and many other parts of the world. Get the facts about their replacements, the HFA-type asthma inhalers… - Atopy - Definition of Atopy and AsthmaUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:42:01 GMT
Atopy is a medical term used to refer to a strong family tendency to develop what are known as classic allergic conditions, including nasal allergies, asthma, and eczema. … - HEPA Filter - Definition of HEPA FilterUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:27:01 GMT
A HEPA filter, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air filter, is a screen that filters out particles in the air. HEPA filters are used in vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. Learn more abo… - Corticosteroids - Definition of Corticosteroids & SteroidsUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:26:30 GMT
Corticosteroids is the medical term for a medicine more commonly known as steroids. Steroids can be taken in oral, injectable, or inhaled form to treat many different types of inflammatory diseases… - Bronchitis - Definition of Bronchitis - Wheezy BronchitisUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:25:50 GMT
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the main passages in your airways, also called your bronchial tubes. It may be acute or chronic. It is usually caused by a viral infection… - Trigger - Definition of Trigger - Asthma TriggersUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:25:04 GMT
An asthma trigger is a substance or event that sets off asthma symptoms… - Quick Relief Medicine - Definition of Quick-Relief Medicine for Ast…Updated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:23:32 GMT
Quick relief medicine is asthma medicine that acts quickly, but only for a short-time, to relieve asthma symptoms that have already started… - Metered Dose Inhaler - Definition of Metered Dose Inhaler for AsthmaUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:22:14 GMT
A metered dose inhaler is the most common medical device used for asthma. It is also referred to as an "inhaler" or "puffer."… - Allergen - An Allergic Trigger - Definition of AllergenUpdated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:21:23 GMT
Allergen is something that triggers an allergic response that can affect the skin, nose, eyes, and airways… - CFC - Definition of CFC Inhalers for Asthma (Chlorofluorocarbons)Created: 2008-08-05 @ 22:20:48 GMT
CFC is an acronym that stands for the chemical name, chlorofluorocarbons, that are found in older asthma inhalers and personal care products, such as hairspray. CFCs are being phased out in metered… - HFA - Definition of HFA Inhalers for AsthmaCreated: 2008-08-05 @ 22:20:07 GMT
HFA is an acronym that stands for the group of chemicals in the hydrofluroalkane group. HFAs are a type of propellant in metered dose inhalers… - Will Asthma Go Away in Time - Will My Child Outgrow AsthmaUpdated: 2008-08-01 @ 16:33:42 GMT
The first thing many people think of after an asthma diagnosis is, will it go away? Or will my child outgrow asthma eventually? Get the answer to those questions here… - Why Do I Need to Know My Asthma Triggers?Created: 2008-08-01 @ 16:29:12 GMT
Once you have asthma, all you hear is about identifying your asthma triggers. Seasonal triggers, airborne triggers, irritant triggers... what is the difference and why should you care? Find out the… - What Is Asthma - Asthma Questions About What Is AsthmaCreated: 2008-08-01 @ 16:20:39 GMT
What is asthma is often the first question people with asthma have after getting an asthma diagnosis. Find out the answer to that question here… - Tracking Asthma Symptoms - How to Track Asthma SymptomsUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:11:02 GMT
Tracking your asthma signs and symptoms is a great way to start to identify patterns and possible triggers. It also helps to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working… - How to Use An Asthma Action Plan - Control Symptoms & Triggers With…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:09:16 GMT
Tips on how to use your asthma action plan, step by step. Learn how to act on asthma symptoms, avoid asthma triggers and take control… - Bronchoconstriction of the Airways - Definition of Bronchoconstricti…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:06:45 GMT
Bronchoconstriction is a medical term that means a tightening of the airways. It occurs with asthma in response to exposure to an asthma trigger… - Chronic Disease and Asthma - Definition of Chronic DiseaseUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:05:49 GMT
A chronic disease is one that continues once you get it. It does not usually go away for a long time, if ever, and cannot be cured. Asthma is an example of a chronic disease… - Immunotherapy and Asthma - Definition of Immunotherapy & Allergy Sho…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:05:18 GMT
Immunotherapy, as it applies to asthma, is a series of allergy shots given to gradually get your body used to an allergen or asthma trigger. … - Asthma Attack - Definition of Asthma AttackUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:04:38 GMT
An asthma attack occurs when asthma symptoms spiral out of control. … - Mast Cells - Airway Inflammation in Asthma - Definition of Mast CellsUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:04:09 GMT
Mast cells are specialized cells involved in airway inflammation in people with asthma. Mast cells bind to IgE and stimulate the inflammatory response or allergic response… - Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) and Asthma - Definition of Dry Powder Inhal…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:02:09 GMT
A dry powder inhaler, or DPI for short, is a type of inhaler device for administering asthma medicine. … - Immune System - Definition of Immune SystemUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:01:33 GMT
Your immune system is a set of cells and proteins that work together to protect your body from threats… - Inflammation and Asthma - Defintion of InflammationUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 07:00:20 GMT
In the lungs, inflammation can swell the airways, tighten the airway muscles, and increase the amount of mucus that the airways produce. In other words: asthma. … - Intercostal Retractions and Asthma - Definition of Intercostal Retra…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:59:30 GMT
Intercostal retractions are what happens when the muscles between your ribs are pulled in sharply when you are having trouble breathing… - Inhaled Steroid - Definition of Inhaled SteroidUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:58:43 GMT
An inhaled steroid is a kind of asthma medicine that is taken by inhaling the vapor or powder through a plastic device called an inhaler… - Alveoli - Definition of AlveoliUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:57:45 GMT
Alveoli are the tiny sacs at the farthest end of your smallest airways… - Airway Remodeling - Definition of Airway RemodelingUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:57:17 GMT
When asthma is not treated or controlled well, a serious condition called airway remodeling can occur… - Bronchial Tubes and Asthma - Definition of Bronchial TubesUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:56:46 GMT
Bronchial tubes are the large airways that connect your pharynx (breathing tube) to your lungs. … - Bronchiole - Definition of BronchioleUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:55:59 GMT
Bronchioles are small branches of the airways in your lungs. They branch off from the bronchial tubes and then the bronchioles branch into smaller sacs called alveoli. … - Bronchospasm - Definition of BronchospasmUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:55:14 GMT
A bronchospasm is when the bands of muscles around your airways tighten uncontrollably… - Cyanosis - Definition of CyanosisUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:53:11 GMT
Cyanosis is a blue color in your lips and fingernails… - Irritants - Definition of IrritantsUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:52:31 GMT
Irritants are substances that trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive people… - Nebulizer and Asthma - Definition of NebulizerUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:51:18 GMT
A nebulizer is an electronic device that transforms asthma medicine into a very fine mist that will penetrate deeply into your lungs. … - Peak Flow Meter - Definition of Peak Flow MeterUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:50:41 GMT
A peak flow meter measures airflow when you breathe out. This is known as the peak flow. It tells you how well your lungs are working and how well your asthma is controlled. … - Pet Dander - Asthma Trigger - Definition of Pet Dander / Animal Dand…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:50:02 GMT
Pet dander is created from dead skin cells that are shed by animals. Proteins in the dander can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms… - Sinusitis and Asthma - Definition of SinusitisUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:48:40 GMT
Your sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces in the bones around your forehead, cheeks and eyes. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. The risk of getting sinusitis increases when you also ha… - Spirometry and Asthma - Definition of SpirometryUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:48:04 GMT
A spirometer is device that measures the total amount of air you can exhale after taking a deep breath in… - Wheezing and Asthma - Definition of WheezingUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:46:27 GMT
Wheezing is an asthma symptom that results from narrowing of the airways. A wheeze sounds like a whistle as you breathe in or out through your mouth or nose… - Allergist - Asthma and Allergy Specialist Doctor - Definition of All…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:45:53 GMT
An allergist is a doctor who specializes in the care of people with allergies and allergic asthma… - Immunologist - Asthma Specialist - Definition of ImmunologistUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:45:10 GMT
Immunologists specialize in treating conditions that have to do with the immune system, including asthma and allergies. Learn more about immunologists… - Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema - Skin Allergies - Definition Atopic Derm…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:44:26 GMT
Atopic dermatitis is the medical term for an inflammatory skin disease often associated with allergies and asthma, especially in children with asthma. One type is eczema… - Bronchodilator and Asthma - Definition of BronchodilatorUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:43:37 GMT
A bronchodilator is a type of asthma medicine that relaxes the muscles inside the lungs' airways… - Peak Flow Meters - Understanding Peak Flow Readings From Your Peak F…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:39:18 GMT
Here are the answers to your questions about how to use a peak flow meter to get accurate peak flow readings for asthma management. Short answer: Just follow the steps in this guide and you will kn… - Living With Asthma - Tips and Advice on Living With AsthmaUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:38:28 GMT
Living with asthma can be challenging. Our tips and advice can help you make living with asthma and asthma management more successful. It IS possible to have a high quality of life with asthma… - What Is Asthma - Understanding What Is Asthma InfoUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:37:52 GMT
Wondering what is asthma exactly? If you have been having breathing problems or have recently gotten a diagnosis of asthma, you may be wondering how to find reliable asthma info. You can get asthma… - Asthma Classifications - Types of Asthma - Classifying AsthmaUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:35:48 GMT
Asthma classifications are important in deciding the best treatment approach. But determining types of asthma may be made in several ways, so classifying asthma is not as simple as it might seem… - Allergic Asthma - Asthma & Allergies - About Allergic AsthmaUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:33:01 GMT
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, because asthma and allergies are so closely linked. Allergens are the main asthma triggers, and allergies are also one of the primary asthma risk … - Asthma Diagnosis - How Doctors Diagnose Asthma / Make an Asthma Diag…Updated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:26:21 GMT
To make an asthma diagnosis, doctors use a specific set of factors. When doctors diagnose asthma, they look for a set of symptoms, peak flow meter levels, and other tests. Learn how asthma is diagn… - Asthma in Children - Kids With Asthma - About Asthma in ChildrenUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:25:29 GMT
Asthma in children is common today, so as a parent it is important to learn the facts about asthma in kids so that you can help your child live as happy, active, and healthy a life with asthma as p… - Black Box Warnings for Asthma Medications - Black Box WarningsUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:22:28 GMT
Black box warnings for asthma medications are special warnings required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on medication packages. A number of asthma medications, including Xolair, Advair, sa… - Anaphylaxis at School - Prepare Your Child for Anaphylaxis at SchoolUpdated: 2008-07-31 @ 06:21:27 GMT
Anaphylaxis at school is every parent's worst nightmare, to have your child suffering from a life-threatening ailment when you're not around to help. Because parents can't always be with their kids… - Types of Asthma - Diagnosis and Treatment of the Four Types of AsthmaUpdated: 2008-07-23 @ 19:49:39 GMT
More than 22 million Americans suffer from asthma, a chronic illness in which air passages become inflamed and temporarily narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of asthma include cough…