Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways, causing inflammation and narrowing. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, less air can flow through, and more mucus is produced, further narrowing the airways. Asthma attacks can range from mild to life-threatening. With effective management including medication and avoiding triggers, asthma can usually be controlled to allow normal activities. However, uncontrolled asthma can lead to missed school/work and inability to participate in some activities.

1. What is Asthma? What Causes Asthma?
Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. People who suffer
this chronic condition are said to be asthmatic.
The inside walls of asthmatics airways are swollen or inflamed. This swelling or inflammation
makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases their susceptibility to an allergic
reaction.
As inflammation causes the airways to become narrower, less air can pass through them.
Symptoms of the narrowing include wheezing (a hissing sound while breathing), chest tightness,
breathing problems, and coughing. Asthmatics usually experience these symptoms most
frequently during the night and the early morning.
Some causes of asthma are because of allergy, colds, stress, exercise, etc…
Asthma is an incurable illness.

2. What is an Asthma Episode / Attack?
An asthma episode, or an asthma attack, is when symptoms are worse than usual. They can
come on suddenly and can be mild, moderate or severe.
What happens during an asthma attack?
• The muscles around your airways tighten up, narrowing the airway.
•Less air is able to flow through the airway.
•Inflammation of the airways increases, further narrowing the airway.
•More mucus is produced in the airways, undermining the flow of air even more.
Asthma Attacks Vary
In some asthma attacks, the airways are blocked
such that oxygen fails to enter the lungs. Asthma
attacks of this type can be fatal, and the patient
may require urgent hospitalization.
Asthma attacks can be mild, moderate, severe
and very severe.

3. See Your Doctor
If you suffer from asthma you should see your doctor. He/she will help you find
out what triggers your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. You will also
be prescribed medications which will help you manage your asthma.
With experience you will learn to keep away from things that irritate your
airways, know when to take your medication, and better control your asthma.
Effective asthma control allows you to take part in normal everyday activities.
Common triggers are …
Tobacco smoke
Junk food
Dust mites
Animal products
Cockroaches
Preservatives
Strong odors and sprays
Mold
Pets
Cold Air
Exercise
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cada una de estas cosas debajo de cada palabra.
Consequences of Not Controlling Your Asthma
If you don't control your asthma you will miss school or work more often and
you will be less likely to be able to take part in some activities you enjoy. In the
USA and Western Europe, asthma is one of the leading causes of school

4. Plan ahead by…
Having two inhalers, one for home and one for my sports
bag/backpack.
Making my appointments right away and writing them down on a
calendar or putting them in my cell phone.
Asking, before I spend time at a friend’s house, if anyone smokes there
so I can avoid exposing myself to triggers for my asthma.
Using my rescue inhaler 15 – 20 minutes before exercise if I have
exercise induced asthma