ASK THE DOCTOR - Asthma

Question: “I have never smoked in my life but I notice that when I am around other people smoking I have difficulty breathing. A friend told me I might have asthma. What is asthma and why do I have problems when I am around cigarette smoke?”

Asthma is an episodic disease of the lungs in which certain trigger factors cause the airways to become swollen, produce excessive mucus, and tighten or constrict. Common symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. The severity of an episode may vary from mild shortness of breath to severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. I have been told that having an asthma attack feels like having your nose plugged and trying to breathe through a straw while jogging.

Asthma episodes may be triggered by irritants, allergens, or stress. Common examples of irritants include tobacco smoke, smog, cold air and perfumes. Allergies such as hay fever or sensitivity to pet dander can trigger asthma attacks in certain individuals as well. Exercise induced asthma is characterized by wheezing triggered by strenuous physical exertion and some people have asthma attacks triggered by emotional stress. In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as the common cold.

There is concern about the number of patients who self diagnose and use over the counter asthma medicines such as Primatene Mist®, which contains epinephrine. While it is true that epinephrine will help open your bronchial tubes; it also places a significant stress on your heart and may cause serious side effects if you have a heart condition.

If you feel you might have asthma, please consult your doctor. 
If the diagnosis is in question, the doctor can order testing to determine if you have asthma or some other respiratory problem and can prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms. There are many safe and effective medications to treat asthma. If you are concerned about the cost of the medication, ask your doctor to prescribe a generic medicine. There are generic asthma medicines available starting at $4.00/month (Albuterol nebulizer solution); compared to $17.99 for one Primatene Mist® inhaler.

Asthma can be controlled and does not need to limit your activity level. For example, world-class swimmer Peter Vanderkaay has had asthma since age 10. Despite his condition, he received bronze and gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

If you would like to submit a question please contact Jennifer Trebler at jtrebler@ramonavna.org.