A teenagers guide to asthma

• Why did I get asthma
• Can asthma be cured?
• What happens in my lungs?
• How do I know I have asthma?
• Why does it get worse?
• What are puffers for and what do they do?

 

Do you have asthma?

Want to know what is happening inside your lungs?...read on.

Millions of teenagers around the world have asthma – some think it is embarrassing – some try ignoring it, hoping it will go away – some are concerned about living with asthma for the rest of their lives. You know best how you feel about having asthma. Getting short of breath or wheezing and having to use a puffer is a real drag. Another drag has to be avoiding all kinds of things you enjoy because they might ‘trigger’ your asthma symptoms. The point is, you need to know all this stuff about asthma so YOU can be in control.

Why did I get asthma?

Unfortunately, science still does not have the complete picture as to why people get asthma but we know that it does seem to run in families.

Can asthma be cured?

Afraid not, but many people lead a life with very few symptoms because they manage to control their asthma using their medicines.

What happens in my lungs?

Inside your lungs are thousands or tubes called airways. These carry air in and out of your body. If you have asthma, your airways are extra sensitive and become red and swollen. They secret extra mucous and the muscle surrounding the airway tightens. Together, all of these events make it harder to breathe and they cause the signs and symptoms of asthma.

How do I know I have asthma?

You will have the signs and symptoms of asthma. The main ones are:

• Cough (especially at night or after/during exercise)
• Wheeze (this is a sound that can be heard when breathing)
• Chest tightness (feels as if you are getting a strong hug and can’t get air into your lungs)
• Tired (feel tired a lot of the time)
• Breathless (you get breathless a lot quicker than your friends)

Some teenagers get all of these while others only have on or two.

Why does it get worse?

Heaps of things make your asthma worse – these are called triggers. Some common triggers are:

• Getting a cold or flu
• Pollen, dust and animals (especially cats)
• Cold weather
• Smoking
• Exercise

What are puffers for and what do they do?

There are three different types of medicine in puffers that help to improve your asthma symptoms.

First is a blue inhaler, called a RELIEVER or BRONCHODILATOR and it stops the muscle surrounding the airways from tightening. The blue reliever will make you feel better quickly, and is only taken when you have symptoms and before exercise. Keep it with you all the time.

Second is an orange or brown inhaler called a PREVENTER which works by reducing the inflammation in your airways. You preventer is a corticosteroid and is perfectly safe to use in the correct does. It is not a steroid like the kind some athletes use to build their muscles. The hassle with this medicine is you need to take it twice a day, everday. If you stop taking it, your symptoms will return. It may take up to two weeks from starting this medicine before you feel the benefit. This medicine helps you control asthma not asthma controlling you.

Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe an inhaler that is green and is known as a symptom controller. Taken twice each day, it is a long acting bronchodilator and works by helping to control your asthma symptoms.

This medicine must be taken along with your preventer.

No doubt you’ve heard that smoking is bad for everyone. If you have asthma, starting to smoke is one of the worst things you could do. Not only is smoking a trigger for asthma, but it can cause breathlessness and people who have asthma may be already breathless. Sure, plenty of people still smoke, but think about your lungs – they have to do you a long time! So if you don’t smoke – that’s cool! If you do, ask your doctor/practice nurse to help you stop today.

For more specific information about asthma ask your practice nurse.