Asthma Facts

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to asthma facts including topics such as childhood asthma, natural remedies for asthma, and treatment for asthma. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Asthma Facts

Asthma is a chronic illness in which your airways are inflamed, making it difficult to carry air in and out of the lungs at times. This eMedTV page describes asthma in more detail, including its causes, symptoms, and ways to control the condition.

Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by participating in physical activity. This eMedTV resource explains more about the causes and symptoms of exercise-induced asthma and offers tips on preventing this condition.

Researchers are still unsure of what causes asthma, but genetic and environmental factors seem to play roles in the condition. This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at what causes asthma, including lists of common triggers.

Asthma triggers are common allergens and irritants that may bring on (or worsen) a person's symptoms. This eMedTV article offers suggestions for avoiding common asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke and dust mites.

Symptoms of asthma can range from coughing and wheezing to severe shortness of breath. This section of the eMedTV library discusses the different severity levels seen in symptoms of asthma.

An asthma diagnosis is generally based on a classification chart, which evaluates the severity of symptoms. This eMedTV article further explains how doctors reach an asthma diagnosis and describes tests used in the diagnosis process.

Treatment for asthma begins with avoiding triggers that may cause or worsen symptoms. As this eMedTV article explains, other than avoiding triggers, treatment for asthma involves using medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Many people take one asthma medication to prevent attacks and another to treat an attack once it starts. This eMedTV page describes the different long-acting and short-acting medicines available and explains the importance of taking them correctly.

Asthma prevention is perhaps the best way to minimize the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. As discussed in this eMedTV article, certain asthma prevention steps such as regular checkups and routine medication can help control the condition.

People living with asthma should work with their doctor to design an asthma action plan, avoid asthma triggers, and take medication as needed. This eMedTV article offers advice about how to make living with asthma more manageable.

Cases of childhood asthma have increased dramatically over recent years. This portion of the eMedTV library offers a detailed explanation of the effects of childhood asthma and treatment options that are currently available.

An asthma daycare checklist can be a helpful tool in determining whether your child's daycare facility offers proper support. This eMedTV article contains a sample asthma daycare checklist for parents.

As this eMedTV article explains, the combination of asthma and exercise can lead to an asthma attack; however, people with asthma can usually exercise safely as long as proper precautions are taken (and high-intensity sports are avoided).

Asthma and pregnancy affect patients in different ways. As this eMedTV page explains in more detail, while some women experience worsening asthma symptoms, others may experience improved symptoms.

As this eMedTV page explains, there is an indirect relationship between asthma and osteoporosis. Some people with asthma develop osteoporosis because certain asthma medicines affect the way calcium is absorbed by the body.

Many people choose to use natural remedies for asthma, even though there is no evidence of their effectiveness. This eMedTV segment describes natural remedies for asthma, such as acupuncture and massage, that are popular alternative treatments.

Asthma statistics indicate that about 15 million people in the United States have the condition. This eMedTV page discusses asthma statistics in detail, including who asthma affects and costs associated with the condition.

By knowing the answers to certain asthma questions, you can better understand the condition and how it's treated. This eMedTV resource provides answers to frequently asked asthma questions about triggers, symptoms, medications, and other topics.