Pharmacy Clinic
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe. At its worst, asthma
can be fatal. For example, in 2003, asthma killed 287 Canadians. Asthma can't be cured, but
it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular
elements play a role. In susceptible individuals, this inflammation causes recurrent episodes
of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the
early morning..

These episodes are usually associated variable airflow obstruction that is often reversible
either spontaneously or with treatment.

The inflammation also causes an associated increase in the existing bronchial responsiveness
to a variety of stimuli

An episode (the asthma attack) may pass quickly or last more than a day. Sometimes
symptoms recur suddenly and with surprising intensity

The "second wave" attack can be more severe and dangerous than the initial episode and
may last days or even weeks

An episode (the asthma attack) may pass quickly or last more than a day. Sometimes
symptoms recur suddenly and with surprising intensity

The "second wave" attack can be more severe and dangerous than the initial episode and
may last days or even weeks

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) or exercise-induced bronchospasm is an asthma variant
defined as a condition in which exercise or vigorous physical activity triggers acute
bronchospasm in persons with heightened airway reactivity. It is observed primarily in
persons who are asthmatic but can also be found in patients with atopy, allergic rhinitis,
cystic fibrosis, and even in healthy persons. EIA is often a neglected diagnosis, and the
underlying asthma may be silent in as many as 50% of patients, except with exercise.

Causes and Triggers

Allergies such as to pollens, mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites
Infections (colds, viruses, flu, sinus infection)
Exercise
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic sinusitis or rhinitis
Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity, sulfite sensitivity
Use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (including ophthalmic preparations)
Irritants such as strong odors from perfumes or cleaning solutions, air pollution, and
tobacco smoke
Weather (changes in temperature and/or humidity, cold air)
Strong emotions such as anxiety, laughter, crying, and stress
Industrial triggers (wood, grain dust, cotton dust, isocyanate containing paints, aluminum,
hair spray, penicillins)
Beta blockers even in form of eye drops

for more information feel free to download the following powerpoint slides asthma PPT

Asthma in Pregnancy Powerpoint Slides
This product contains a total of
0.75 grams of
Pseudoephedrine
Indications:

Temporarily relieves shortness
of breath, tightness of chest,
and wheezing due to bronchial
asthma.  -- eases breathing for
asthma patients by reducing
spasms of bronchial muscles. --
helps loosen phlegm (mucus)
and thin bronchial secretions to
rid bronchial passageways of
bothersome mucus, and to
make coughs more productive.

Try not to use it if you have high
blood pressure


Common asthma triggers, and how to avoid them

Trigger What you can do
Exercise

Exercise is a trigger for many people if asthma is not under good control Make sure you have good asthma control before exercising
Warm up slowly before exercising; cool down afterwards
Keep your blue rescue medication close by
Follow your asthma action plan; take your blue rescue medication before or during exercise
Slowly exercise for longer and longer, to get in better shape
Read more about Exercise and asthma

Cold air
(i.e. outdoors, or at an ice rink) Drape a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth, to warm and humidify the air before you breathe it in.
You could also buy a cold-weather face mask made for this purpose.
Breathe through your nose; your nose can warm and humidify the air
If your doctor recommends it, take a puff of your blue rescue inhaler (short-acting bronchodilator) before you go outside

Fumes and pollution
There are many sources of fumes, indoors or outdoors:

Smoke from fireplaces, grills, wood heaters and chimneas contains many harmful chemicals. Wood smoke can cause asthma symptoms
right away and make asthma worse over time.
Exhaust fumes from cars and trucks can also trigger asthma symptoms and cause long-term damage to lungs.
Household chemicals with strong fumes (for example, oven cleaners) can trigger symptoms.  If at all possible, do not heat your home
with wood. If you must heat with wood, follow these tips to reduce wood smoke.
Avoid outdooir bonfires, chimineas, and other open burning.
If possible, avoid spending a lot of time in places that are less than 150 metres (500 feet) from a busy road or that are near a road
used by diesel trucks. (A busy road is a road that has 15 000 vehicles or more per day).
Use safe, environementally-friendly cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda, instead of harsh chemicals
Wear a protective mask when dealing with chemicals.

Hot, humid air On very hot, humid days, especially days that are also smoggy, stay indoors in an air-conditioned room

Scents

Strong smells from perfume and cologne, fabric softener, air fresheners (and many other products) can make asthma worse.

Read more on scents and how to avoid them Avoid using perfumes, and ask the people you work with and live with to avoid them as
well.
Make sure your soap, body lotion, shampoo, detergent, etc. are scent free. Read more about scents.

Emotional upsets, anxiety
Feeling stressed, laughing or crying can make asthma worse.

Feeling anxious about getting an asthma attack can also make your asthma worse.

A Certified Asthma Educator can help you understand your asthma, what to expect, and what to do if you feel symptoms coming on.

If you know what to do if you are having breathing problems, you can feel more in control and less anxious. Take your blue rescue
medication as directed
Try some relaxation and breathing techniques
Ask a Certified Asthma Educator for help in dealing with anxiety about asthma.
If you have a lot of stress and your asthma is getting worse often, see your doctor for more advice on how to cope. People who learn
how to relax and control their stress can have less asthma symptoms.

Hormones

Some women notice worsening asthma symptoms at the time of their period.

Pregnancy also can affect asthma symptoms Follow your asthma action plan if you're having trouble.
Pay special attention to your asthma during pregnancy

Smoke and second-hand smoke
from cigarettes, cigars, pipes and marijuana.

Smoke hangs around long after the cigarette is out, and the leftover smoke can make asthma worse.

Smoke gets in people's clothes and hair, in fabric, in furniture, in walls, in stuffed animals. Smoke can't be cleared out of a room by just
opening a window or smoking near a fireplace.

Smoke that's trapped in all these places continues to make asthma worse, even after the cigarette is put out. Don't smoke. If you do
smoke, quit.
Avoid second-hand smoke: make your home & car smoke-free, avoid smoke at work, and stay away from smoky places like bars and
clubs.