More than 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. From 1980 to 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased by 75 percent, and the incidence is still on the rise.
Asthma has an effect on all aspects of life, including work; it accounts for approximately 14.5 million missed workdays per year.
In addition, more than 5,000 deaths occur each year as a result of asthma.
Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed, creating extra mucus and causing airways to narrow. The symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or wheezing.
While researchers have been unable to pinpoint a cause of asthma, there are many triggers that play a significant role in provoking asthma attacks, including:
* Allergens
* Cockroach droppings
* Irritants like smoke and strong odors
* Weather changes
* Viral or sinus infections
* Exercise
* Reflux disease
* Medications or foods
* Emotional anxiety
It is important to recognize your asthma triggers. Avoiding the factors that affect you will help minimize symptoms. It is also important to consult your doctor about appropriate treatment.
"There is no cure for asthma," said Dr. Michael Kaliner, medical director of the Institute for Allergy and Asthma in Chevy Chase, Md. "But medical treatments are designed to minimize the airway inflammation component of asthma as well as to treat airway narrowing."
In 1997, the National Institutes of Health issued national "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma," which medical professionals follow to diagnose and establish treatment plans for patients with asthma.
"One safe and effective preventative option is Intal, which is an inhaler used on a daily basis to prevent inflammation," Kaliner said. "It was one of the first non-steroidal anti-asthma drugs that's been proven safe and effective."
It is important to work with your doctor to learn how to best manage your symptoms.
The most common side effects from Intal therapy in controlled clinical studies were throat irritation or dryness, unpleasant taste, cough, wheeze and nausea. Intal Inhaler should not be used in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium or other ingredients in this product. Intal has no role in the treatment of an acute asthma attack.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For full prescribing information, visit www.kingpharm.com. - NU
|
