An Introduction to Asthma
From peak flow monitoring to medication compliance!October 14, 2008 Print-friendly version
Email this article | Page 1 | What is Asthma?
How do I monitor my asthma?
| | Page 2 | How do I use a peak flow meter?
| | Page 3 | What do I do after I determine my best peak flow
| | Page 4 | What do I do after I determine my best peak flow? (Cont.)
| | Page 5 | Checking Your Asthma: When To Use Your Peak Flow Meter
What to Bring to Each of Your Doctor Visits
| | Page 6 | How is Asthma Treated?
| | Page 7 | What Medications are Used to Prevent and/or Treat Asthma?
| | Page 8 | What Medications are Used to Prevent and/or Treat Asthma? (Cont.)
| | Page 9 | Sources of Information
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What is Asthma?
David F. Kisor, B.S., Pharm.D., R.Ph. and Jon Sprague Ph.D., R.Ph.
Your body requires oxygen, which helps your body function throughout the day. Your lungs work to extract oxygen from the air you breathe and deliver it to the blood, where it can be supplied to your body. The lungs also work to remove carbon dioxide from your body.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs, which disrupts the lung's abilities to extract oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Typically, asthma is characterized by airway linings that are swollen and airways that are sensitive to different stimulants, such as dust and cigarette smoke. The airways narrow and breathing in and out is difficult. Outward symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing as described as a "tight chest".
Asthma is not curable, however, with appropriate management, people with asthma can lead a normal active life. Being familiar with the symptoms of asthma and understanding how to optimize treatment will allow normal activity.
How do I monitor my asthma?
One way to monitor your asthma treatment is to use an instrument called a peak flow meter. The peak flow meter measures how well air moves out of your lungs. Because the airways typically narrow during an asthma attack, and likely do not return to normal after an attack, it is important to try and maintain the airways as "open" as they can be. The peak flow meter can be used to determine how rapidly the narrowing of the airways occurs. With appropriate timely use, the peak flow meter will help indicate if an asthma attack is starting and progressing. This can help a person take their medication early, before outward symptoms occur, to prevent a severe attack. The peak flow meter information is important to the health care team and can help your doctor optimize the dosage of your medicine. The peak flow meter can also help your doctor determine "stop/go" points, such as when to stop using medication, or when to go for emergency treatment. A peak flow meter should be used by individuals with moderate to severe asthma. Proper use of the instrument is essential to help guide therapy.
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