Taking Control of Asthma
Chances are, you probably know at least one person who suffers from Asthma. That’s because Asthma is a common disease that can occur in just about anyone, at any time during their life. So learning more about Asthma and its symptoms may be the best way for everyone to control this potentially-harmful disease - should we ever fall victims to it ourselves.
Asthma affects 14 million people in the United States, five million of which are children. The impact of this disease is overwhelming. Annually, asthma accounts for more than 10 million physician visits, 468,000 hospitalizations, 1.8 million emergency room visit, and 10 million missed school days.
“Asthma is a disease of inflammation which affects the airways carrying air to and from the lungs,” said Erick Kimmerling, DO, a pulmonologist in private practice in Dalton. “Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. However, regardless of the disease’s symptoms or severity, the inflamation itself is always present.”
Airway inflamation in Asthma sufferers is supersensitive to certain "allergen-like" irritants such as dust mites, pollens, molds, pet hair, smoke, strong odors, colds and flus and any activities that make breathing harder. These "triggers" cause the lining of the airways swell and become more inflamed, thus making breathing extremely difficult and stressful. "Asthma attacks", as these triggered episodes are most commonly called, may be controlled and weakened with proper medication.
Certain factors increase your chances of developing Asthma. For example, if one of your parents has the disease, if you have allergies - even if you live in a urban area - your chances of developing Asthma are increased.
Asthma is most likely to occur in children by age 5, and adults in their mid-30s, however, even older adults can develop the disease. In fact, about 10 percent of new Asthma cases are diagnosed in people 65 and older. If regular coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath - for whatever reason - has persisted over a timeframe of four weeks or more, then you should consult your doctor on the possibility of Asthma. Treatment methods include a combination of long-term control and quick-relief medications - most of which can be administered via a metered dose inhaler.
Asthma is a chronic disease, which means that it must be treated at all times - not just when symptoms are present. The best way to control Asthma is to work in partnership with your healthcare team. But just as important, the more you know the better you can help control Asthma. “Asthma requires daily maintenance medications and good compliance,” said Dr. Kimmerling. “Because of the availability of newer medications all patients should be able to keep their asthma well controlled. However, if asthma is left untreated it can cause permanent airway damage that is irreversible and uncontrollable.”
With proper treatment and ongoing monitoring by both an asthma sufferer and physician, the disease is controllable. People who actively participate in managing their asthma tend to be healthier and suffer fewer symptoms. These individuals can breathe easier and lead a fuller, more symptom-free lifestyle.

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