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1. What is asthma?

   Asthma is a lung condition that makes the primary airways-known as the bronchi-in the lungs swollen and inflamed. People who have asthma are more sensitive than other people to things in the environment, known as triggers. These triggers make the muscles in an asthma sufferer's lungs tighten or constrict making the air passages narrow and breathing difficult. In addition, cells in the lungs produce more mucus in response to a trigger. The mucus clogs up the bronchial tubes, which contributes to breathing problems. When the lungs react to a trigger, what's known as an "asthma attack" occurs. Wheezing, coughing and/or tightness in the chest and shortness of breath are the hallmark symptoms of an asthma attack. This life-long condition can't be cured, but it can be controlled with the proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. How prevalent is asthma among adults in the United States?

   The National Center for Health Statistics (a division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 20.3 million Americans suffer from asthma. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 6.3 million children under 18 report having asthma. Reported cases of asthma have been on the rise since the early 1980's among people of all ages, sex and racial groups. Many people develop asthma in childhood, but others develop the disease later in life-known as adult onset asthma. You can even first begin experiencing symptoms of the disease at age 50 or older.

3. Is there a cure for asthma?

   No, asthma is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes. There are a variety of medications in a variety of forms to treat symptoms of asthma. Lifestyle modifications, such as identifying and avoiding or minimizing asthma triggers, are also important to managing the disease.

4. Are women at greater risk for asthma compared with men?

   The National Center for Health Statistics suggests that women are 25 percent more likely to die from asthma than are men. Studies have shown that asthma may be related to women's hormonal changes and could be triggered prior to or during the menstrual period. Some women first develop asthma during or after a pregnancy, but asthma symptoms may also subside during pregnancy or not be affected at all.

5. Are there certain groups of people who are at higher risk for asthma?

   The prevalence of asthma is definitely higher among children than adults, and higher among African Americans and Hispanics than Caucasians. African Americans are three times as likely as Caucasians to be hospitalized from asthma and three times as likely to die from the disease. Racial differences in asthma prevalence and mortality are believed to be highly related to poverty, urban air quality, indoor allergens, lack of patient education and inadequate medical care.

6. What are some common symptoms of asthma?

   Some of the more common symptoms of adult onset asthma include the following:

   • dry cough, especially at night or as a response to certain triggers or allergens

   • a feeling of tightness or pressure in your chest

   • difficulty breathing

   • wheezing-which sounds like a whistling sound-when you exhale

   • shortness of breath after exercise

   • colds that migrate to your chest or don't go away for 10 days or more

   • waking up during the night

7. What type of health care professional treats asthma?

   Primary care health professionals typically diagnose and treat asthma but consultation with an allergist or possibly a pulmonary (lung) specialist may be recommended to help develop an asthma management program.

8. Does it take a long time to have asthma diagnosed?

   Asthma symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as respiratory infections or attributed to other conditions. Generally, with a thorough medical evaluation, which includes a physical, a medical history that includes evaluating your symptoms, different laboratory tests, and respiratory-function tests, a diagnosis is quickly and accurately made. Once diagnosed, it can take some time for your health care team to determine which medications and dosages are right to best manage your symptoms.

9. What are my treatment options?

   There are many medications to help manage and minimize the effects of the asthma. Some medicines are preventive and are used for long-term control, while others are used as quick relievers for immediate action when an asthma episode (or attack) occurs.

10. I have asthma. Are my children at risk for developing this condition?

    Yes. Studies have shown that children of parents with asthma are at greater risk for developing the condition. It would be wise to discuss your children's health with their pediatrician.