Asthma: Breathe Easy
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, roughly 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma. If you're one of them, you already know that finding reliable information can be harder than catching your breath. In this guide you'll find the sites that will provide the information you are looking for and help you breathe easy. Click here to read this guide in Spanish.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Asthma?
Asthma is the medical term used to describe the narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Symptoms can ... read more »
Types of Asthma
Depending on which resource you read, there are as few as four types of asthma, or as many as six. ... read more »
Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment
Wheezing, coughing, and having overall difficulty breathing? There are several ways for you or your child to be tested for asthma, and even more ways to be treated.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The Web sites we recommend here will take you through possible diagnostic tests as well as several types of traditional and alternative means of treatment. In addition to finding out where you can be treated, you will also find reviews of asthma medications and how to use your inhaler, peak flow meter, and other asthma medicines.
- In October 2004, the Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment & Health Management Act was signed into law, which essentially encourages states to require schools to allow children to self-administer their asthma medications.
- In an effort to help the environment, U.S. health officials are phasing out asthma inhalers that contain ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). By the end of 2008, asthma patients will use inhalers powered by hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) instead. Read "Asthma Patients Must Switch Inhalers," a findingDulcinea Beyond the Headlines article, to learn more.
Dulcinea's Picks
For diagnosis ...
Mayo Clinc
offers a detailed overview of the steps in the diagnosis of asthma, including an explanation of the spirometry test, a noninvasive test that measures how well you breathe. This site also covers tests your doctor may recommend to rule out other possible conditions.
For treatment ...
Medem
posts this American Medical Association overview of asthma medications; each drug listed has a detailed profile that tells you in what forms they're prescribed (and, if applicable, which form is most effective), possible side effects, and a "Notes" section that gives other key information about the medication.
The American Lung Association
provides this explanation of peak flow meters, which measure your ability to push air out of your lungs. Here you'll find out how to use your peak flow meter, how to chart your peak flow meter, and when you should use it.
Mayo Clinic
gives this guide to asthma inhalers, discussing the types, the medications they deliver, and how to use them. There are several useful resources on this page, including a chart that helps you compare inhaler types, and several videos that demonstrate how to use the different inhaler types.
To find an allergist ...
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
provides users with the name, location, and map of the nearest allergist, and indicates which allergists are certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology (ABAI). You can search by clicking on "Allergist Locator," and then entering your address into their online search engine or calling the toll-free number provided.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
offers this search engine to find an allergist near you. A profile includes contact information, practice type, hospital affiliation, and any certification. The doctors' training levels are also listed.
For clinical trials ...
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research asthma. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
For alternative therapy for asthma ...
The Cleveland Clinic
discusses some alternative treatments for asthma, including herbs and vitamins, yoga, and acupuncture. The site is careful to point out that these remedies, though natural and therefore often assumed to be safe, are not regulated by the FDA and can cause complications.
For ways to avoid triggers ...
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
offers an informative fact sheet with tips to help you create a dust-free bedroom to alleviate a possible cause of your asthma. Tips include hanging plain, lightweight curtains, using a synthetic pillow, and washing all of your bedding in water heated higher than 130 degrees Fahrenheit (lower temperatures will not kill dust mites). Air filters and humidifiers can also help.
AirNow
was created by several U.S. government organizations to provide the public with easy access to information regarding air quality in their state. The site also provides the AQI, Air Quality Index, which lets you know how clean (or not-so-clean) your air is, and what health issues may be a concern for you, plus news concerning air quality.
For children's treatment issues ...
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
reviews which states have passed the legislation mentioned in our Insight for this section, which protects a student's right to carry and self-administer an inhaler and anaphylaxis medications. By clicking on your state you are able to see what legislation and laws your state has passed concerning your child's rights.
WebMD
has a one-minute video on an innovative way that researchers are encouraging kids to use their inhalers. To the right of the video player are links to related WebMD articles.
Asthma Support
If you're interested in joining an organization to learn more about asthma or asthma medication or ... read more »
Research and News on Asthma
Curiosity piqued and would like to read more? From academic journals to online blogs, our Picks ... read more »
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