WELLNESS

Healthwise: Living with asthma

Mary Jane Linnehan, MSN,MPH, CPNP
Jewish Renaissance Medical Center
Mary Jane Linnehan

Asthma is prevalent within many of our communities, particularly in lower-income, urbanized communities. Asthma is a condition in which difficulty in breathing is due to the narrowing of the airways in the lungs caused by inflammation. An asthma attack may cause shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and an increased heart rate.

Environmental allergens are triggers that commonly lead to asthmatic symptoms. In New Jersey, allergens such as dust, pet fur, mice and cockroach droppings and pollens during spring and fall are common.

Second-hand smoke is another trigger for asthma attacks. The frequency of these attacks can be controlled by taking a few steps to reduce allergen exposure. Removing carpeting from bedrooms, smoking outside, banning pets from bedrooms, and timely cleaning of dirty dishes are methods that can help prevent the spread of infestations, dust or pet fur.

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Medications used in asthma include Albuterol for fast acting relief of asthma symptoms. It is recommended that Albuterol in the form of an inhaler be carried by the asthmatic patient at all times in order to provide immediate relief of an asthma attack.

If the need for frequent use of Albuterol (more than twice per week for two weeks) occurs, it may be necessary to add a controller medication that can help alleviate chronic swelling of the airways in the lungs.

Over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants can be harmful if not used appropriately. Dr. Felesia Bowen, assistant professor at Rutgers University School of Nursing, said, "Using cough suppressants can mask the symptoms of an attack and they can cause the mucus to become thicker and more difficult to remove from the lungs." Medication adherence is crucial for preventing asthma attacks and controlling its recurrent symptoms. 
 
Asthma is not curable but its symptoms can be managed through avoiding triggers and being on the correct medications. When symptoms are controlled, people with asthma can and are encouraged to participate in all routine activities and sports on a daily basis. 

Mary Jane Linnehan, MSN,MPH, CPNP, is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Jewish Renaissance Medical Center (JRMC). Joanne Lim, planning & development coordinator, contributed to this story.

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