Asthma

What is Asthma?

A disease of the respiratory system, asthma is chiefly characterized by coughing and difficulty breathing.  It is often accompanied by a wheezing or whistling sound during exhalation. Intervals between asthma attacks and the seriousness of attacks can vary. Between attacks, asthmatics are usually completely free of respiratory symptoms.

What Happens during an Asthma Attack?

During an asthma attack, the muscles of the smaller bronchi and lungs go into a spasm and the airways narrow, making it more difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. The lining of the airways becomes congested and swollen, secreting excess mucus, causing cough to clear the airways.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack may be caused by allergies, respiratory infections, as well as behavioral and environmental factors. When allergic asthmatic attacks occur primarily in the spring and summer, usually pollen or mold is the cause. When attacks do not follow a seasonal pattern, they are usually brought on by viral illnesses, dust, animal dander, food, or drugs.

Asthma attacks caused by respiratory infections usually occur in the winter when these infections are most common. Behavioral and environmental factors, such as emotional stress, physical activity, smoking or smoky rooms, and vapors from cleaning products, paint, hair spray, and scents and perfumes, account for about one-third of all asthma attacks.

How Can I Prevent an Asthma Attack?

Asthma attacks may be reduced with medication and allergy shots, but it is more important to prevent the attacks.

• If you are allergic to animal dander, pets should be removed from the home. Get rid of feather or down pillows, mattresses and bed covers.
• If dust triggers your asthma, make your home as dust free as possible. Use smooth, not fuzzy, bed dressings, wash bed linens weekly, and use plastic covers on your mattress and pillows.
• If pollen triggers an asthma attack, use an air conditioner with a filter for the bedroom or the entire house. In many cases, allergy shots are helpful.
• If a particular food causes symptoms, avoid it.
• Some drugs, such as aspirin and aspirin-containing compounds, trigger asthma attacks. Don't take any medicine without asking your doctor.
• Use prescribed asthma medication, especially inhalers, exactly as directed.

When Should I Call the Student Health Center?

• For medication questions, prescriptions, and refills
• Temperature greater than 100° F
• Persistent coughing and/or shortness of breath

What Should I Do if I Have Difficulty Breathing?

Call Campus Police at (804) 289-8911, or 911 if off campus,  for emergency transportation to a hospital.

New Inhaler Instruction Videos

How to Use an Inhaler

Note: To participate in clinical research about asthma, see information about VAPA.

For more information, please see www.asthmacontrol.com.