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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in the lungs. This inflammation periodically causes the airways to narrow, producing wheezing and breath-lessness sometimes to the point where the patient gasps for air.
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Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
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It used to be that having asthma meant choosing between breathing problems and side effects of asthma medicine. But today's asthma treatments have freed people from that choice. You can now breathe easier thanks to highly effective medications with few or no side effects. For people with more than occasional, mild symptoms, today's standard of care calls for consistent, daily use of asthma medications even when you feel well. And with the help of updated asthma guidelines, described in this report, you and your doctor can choose the most effective drugs and dosages to control your asthma while keeping your medication levels as low as possible.
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Detailed information on asthma, including childhood asthma The majority of children with asthma have allergies. Even exposure to low-grade allergens (those that do not cause significant allergic reactions) may increase the severity of the asthma. In addition, allergies may play a role in undiagnosed asthma cases. Other triggers of childhood asthma may include the following:
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system that causes breathing difficulty. Asthma comes from the Greek word for panting.
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Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system that causes breathing difficulty. Asthma is typically expressed by repeated but reversible episodes of constriction and inflammation of the airways and lungs.
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Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
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Children with well-controlled asthma have minimal or no persistent symptoms during the day or night, minimal or no asthma "attacks," no limitations on activities, and minimal or no days of school or work (or parent's work) missed.
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Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
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Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
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Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
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Today asthma is viewed as a chronic(long-lasting) inflammatory disease of the airways. In those susceptible to asthma, this inflammation causes the airways to narrow periodically.
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Asthma is a chronic(long-lasting) inflammatory disease of the airways. In people susceptible to asthma, this inflammation causes the airways to narrow periodically.
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Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which periods of relatively free breathing are punctuated by episodes in which breathing becomes difficult. During an attack, inflammation causes the airways to fill with mucus secretions ...
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One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes.
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Most people with asthma should have two written plans. They have a day-to-day plan that lists the steps required to treat and monitor asthma, and they have an emergency plan.
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Asthma is a disease of the airways in the lungs. No one knows exactly why some children get it. And so far there isn't a cure. But it can be controlled so your child can enjoy a happy, active life.
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Detailed information on asthma attack triggers and avoidance of allergens and other irritants
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Detailed information on treatment for asthma, including Long-term asthma control medication, Quick-relief asthma medication, and Inhalation devices for asthma
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Detailed information on asthma, including asthma in pregnancy Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several things happen to the airways when exposed to certain triggers:
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A lung disease characterized by spasms and inflammation of the airways, causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.Asthma is a lung disease characterized by recurring and sometimes persistent spasms and inflammation of the airways, causin...
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Chances are, you know someone who has asthma -- or even have it yourself. This brief summary can serve as an introduction or a review of the facts about asthma.
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Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it often occurs as a new condition in older adults.
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Your health care provider may prescribe asthma medications for you. They may include quick-relief medications and long-term control medications. Know the names of your medications. Also know how each one works and when to use it.
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If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, you know that they cause similar symptoms.
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Detailed information on asthma medications The use of medications in children is highly individualized, based on the severity of the child's symptoms, the age of the child, and the ability of the child to take inhaled medications. The following are the most commonly used medications:
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Detailed information on asthma triggers According to the latest information available from the American Lung Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), approximately 20.5 million people in the US have been diagnosed with asthma, with at least 6.2 million of them children under the age of 18. Both in the United States, and in other developed countries, there has been a significant increase in asthma both as an illness and a cause of death. Yet outdoor air quality has improved and there have been declines in mortality due to other pulmonary diseases, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
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Detailed information on asthma attack triggers and avoidance of allergens and other irritants
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Detailed information on asthma attack triggers and avoidance of allergens and other irritants
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Detailed information on allergy, asthma, and immunology Topic Index Allergy Asthma
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Nocturnal asthma, also called sleep-related asthma, can happen at any hour during sleep, but symptoms worsen at night.
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Asthma is a common chronic lung disease characterized by a narrowing of the airways, resulting in obstruction of the flow of air and difficulty in breathing. The airflow obstruction is partially or completely reversible in most patients.
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If you've been diagnosed with EIA, you probably don't have to sacrifice your favorite workouts or sports.
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To make sure that you are getting the most benefit from your asthma medicines, here are questions to ask yourself.
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Your health care team will help you fill out your Action Plan. Provide the information requested to see how well you are managing your asthma.
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Glossary of terms relating to asthma and allergy [return to top] adrenaline - see epinephrine.
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Detailed information on treatment for asthma, including Long-term asthma control medication, Quick-relief asthma medication, and Inhalation devices for asthma
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Detailed information on management of asthma, avoidance of allergy triggers, and the components of asthma treatment
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Detailed information about asthma, including an asthma quiz to test your knowledge on the subject
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Autumn means pumpkins, colorful leaves and, for some, worries about asthma.Autumn means pumpkins, colorful leaves and, for some, worries about asthma. You can blame these worries on seasonal asthma triggers that are in the air and environment, along with falling temperatures.
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For asthmatics, age can bring a bit of relief from the symptoms. But asthma can also appear at any time of life.
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Women are more likely than men to have asthma. Women also have more asthma attacks.
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Ask your doctor which sports and exercises are best for you. Here is a picture that shows many fun activities. Circle the sports you enjoy or would like to try.
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If you have asthma, you can enjoy sports if you know how to do them safely. Being active can even help your asthma. Besides being fun, exercise can make you a winner. Here are some examples.
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You can still enjoy the season by managing your exposure.The arrival of springtime and warm weather means that the time is ripe for asthma triggers such as pollen or air pollution. But don't let these triggers dampen spring fever. You can still enjoy the season by managing your exposure:
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Detailed information on allergy, asthma, and immunology Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Home
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Some experts believe that you may reduce your asthma symptoms by eating certain foods.
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Asthma isn't just a children's condition. How adult asthma can be accurately diagnosed and managed.
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Detailed information on the different levels of asthma As determined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the following is a guideline used by physicians to help determine the extent of asthma in your child. It is classified as "steps," because each child may step up or step down to different levels at any time.
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List of online resources to find additional information on allergy and asthma This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s). The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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If you want to quit smoking but feel discouraged, don't lose hope. Try taking a new perspective.
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College can pose challenges for the student with asthma. New and unfamiliar living quarters, school and social stresses, and other factors can trigger a flare-up.
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Detailed information on asthma during pregnancy, including possible complications to the mother and to the fetus
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Can I continue to take my asthma medication if I am pregnant?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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You like to stay busy with your favorite activities and hobbies. But you may be afraid asthma will slow you down. Do your best to control your asthma. Then you can do all the things you like to do!
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People who don't have asthma may not know how it makes you feel. Try not to get angry with them. Instead, help them learn more about asthma. If you're afraid to speak up, ask your parents what words to say. Here are some things you can say to your family, friends, teachers, and other adults.
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A peak flow meter tells you how open your airways are. It also warns you when a flare up is on the way. Use your meter as often as you are told. Follow the steps outlined here. You will need paper, a pencil, and your record sheet.
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Your health care team will work with you to design a daily treatment plan. The goal is to control your asthma and prevent symptoms. You'll learn how to tell when your asthma is getting out of control. You'll also find out what to do if it does.
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Detailed information on exercise induced asthma, including symptoms and recommendations for asthma control
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You can learn how to help control your asthma. One way is to learn about the things that make you have flare-ups. You can also learn how to know when a flare-up is on the way. The more you know, the easier it will be to control your asthma.
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Use this fun sheet to find your asthma triggers.Triggers are things that make your asthma worse. The more you can keep away from your triggers, the better you'll feel. Do you know your triggers? Put an X in the box next to each of your asthma triggers. Then find your asthma triggers in the picture and circle them.
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I was diagnosed with asthma five years ago, and my doctor prescribed an inhaler to use daily. I haven't had any symptoms for a year now, even though I stopped using my inhaler. Can asthma go away?
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I am a pregnant asthmatic. What are the chances my baby will develop the same disease? Is it hereditary?
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Each time you blow into your peak flow meter, you get a number. The number tells you what zone you're in: green, yellow, or red. When you take your peak flow and find your zone, do what your action plan tells you to do.
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What are the effects of asthma on other organs?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Early diagnosis is one key to effective asthma management. This helps you prevent or minimize damage to airways and lungs that accumulates over time. Once the disease is diagnosed, it's important you take control of it. Proper treatment includes seeing your health care provider regularly.
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One of the mainstays in controlling chronic asthma is the potent anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid family of medications, which help prevent symptoms from occurring. These can be taken by mouth or inhaled. These medications work directly to fight inflammation that can obstruct an airway. Other medications dilate or open narrowed breathing passages, or are drugs that interrupt the inflammatory process.
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The first symptoms of AAT deficiency usually are shortness of breath, wheezing following activity, and a decreased ability to exercise.
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Even though it is commonly associated with young people, asthma is a disease that also affects older adults. Up to 10 percent of older adults may have the disease.
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Asthma is a serious and often life-threatening disease. If you want to feel good, maintain your health, and lead a normal life, you have to get into a routine.
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EIA causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, usually 10 to 15 after beginning exercise, or up to 20 minutes after stopping exercise.
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An entire team of health care experts is on hand to help people with asthma manage their symptoms and continue to live normal, active lives.
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Common asthma triggers are dust mites, pets and pet dander, cockroaches, mold, tobacco smoke, and pollen.
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If you have asthma, does your dentist know? This is important for good oral health, especially if you use a corticosteroid inhaler.
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The most important factor in controlling asthma spotting the early warning signs of an attack.
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Asthma can't be cured, but you can control it to reduce the amount and severity of your symptoms.
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"I've worked very hard over the years at doing all the things I need to do to keep my asthma under control," says Jerome Abram Bettis.
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Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma -- as long as their disease is kept under control.
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Getting a grip on asthma doesn't have to be that difficult. Sure, asthma is frustrating, but there's a lot you can do to help yourself. Start by making the commitment to help your doctor manage this chronic illness, while helping yourself lead a full and active life.
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When familiar asthma symptoms flare or new ones crop up, how do you know if your symptoms are worthy of an immediate call to the doctor? Here are some guidelines for when to self-treat, when to call the doctor, and when to seek emergency care.
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Your health care provider will evaluate you to learn more about your asthma. You'll be asked about your symptoms and triggers. You'll then be examined and checked for other lung problems. Some tests may also be done.
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Some things make your asthma get worse. They are called triggers. First you have to find out what your triggers are. Then try to stay away from them. It's OK to ask other people to help you stay away from triggers. You might also need to take medicine every day. This makes triggers bother you less.
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You like to stay busy and have fun. But you may be afraid asthma will slow you down. Do your best to control your asthma. Then you can do all the things you like to do! Use this fun sheet to find the best answer for each problem.
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Exercise is important for everyone, including people who have asthma. Here are some tips for exercising safely when you have asthma.
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Asthma is a disease that inflames and narrows the airways in your lungs. If the airways become so narrow that you have trouble breathing, it's called an asthma flare-up (or "asthma attack”). Air travels into and out of the lungs through tubes called airways.
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Triggers are substances or conditions that cause the airways of the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. Some triggers can also set off an asthma attack. In order to control your asthma, you need to control your triggers. Learn which triggers you are sensitive to.
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Things that pollute the air at home, work, or outdoors may bother your lungs if you have asthma. These things are hard to avoid. They include smoke, perfume, sprays, and car exhaust. These tips may help you stay away from them.
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Peak flow monitoring lets you know how well you're controlling your asthma. It does this by telling you which asthma zone you're in. If needed, you'll be given an action plan that tells you what to do if your asthma gets out of control. Your healthcare team will explain how your symptoms or peak flow numbers can help you know which zone you're in. This chart helps you understand each zone.
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The weather. Food habits. Illness. Many things may trigger your asthma symptoms. Then do what you can to control these triggers. This may mean avoiding certain situations or things, or just learning to relax. These tips may help.
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Exercise is good for everyone, including people with asthma. Exercise can improve your health. It also helps your body make better use of oxygen. This can reduce asthma symptoms. Just be sure your exercise program is one designed to keep your asthma under control.
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You may notice you have asthma and allergy problems when you are around certain animals. Having allergies to animals can trigger asthma flare-ups. The allergy is to an animal's dander (dry skin flakes), feathers, droppings, and saliva.
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Your child's healthcare team works with you to make an action plan for your child. The plan can help control asthma on a daily basis and prevent flare-ups. It also tells what to do if a flare-up occurs. Part of the plan is understanding the medications used to control asthma. Here is an outline.
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Your child will most likely have at least one inhaled type of asthma medication. Which type depends on the kind of medication she takes or on her age and preference.
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You can smooth the way for your asthmatic child to spend time at the homes of family and friends, at daycare, or at school.
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If your child's asthma treatment isn't working, don't give up! With the right plan, asthma can be controlled.
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Don't let fear of an asthma flare-up keep your child from being active. Olympic athletes with asthma are able to perform because their asthma is in control. The same is true for your child.
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It's important to understand common terms used in asthma management.Stepwise. A "stepwise” approach to managing asthma means stepping up (increasing) or stepping down (decreasing) your number and doses of medicines, based on how well your asthma is under control. Under this approach, you use medicine aggressively at first to get asthma under control. The goal, however, is to gradually find and use the fewest number and lowest doses of drugs that will control your asthma.
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Whether you pack a suitcase every week or once a year, you probably know that traveling takes a little extra preparation when you have asthma.
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Although medications can successfully treat asthma symptoms, they may also have side effects that leave you feeling jittery.
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Getting the flu can be serious business for people with asthma. That's why it's important to take steps to prevent it.
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Research shows that informed, supportive teachers and staff can play a big role in helping students manage their asthma.
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For many allergy sufferers, pollen and mold are the main problems.Spring is in the air. Unfortunately, so are the many tree and grass pollens that cause seasonal allergies. This can be bad news if these tiny particles cause your asthma to flare up. But the change in seasons doesn't mean that you have to hibernate until winter. While you may not be able to avoid your triggers completely, there are many ways to help limit your exposure.
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The newest drugs to join the asthma controller lineup are called leukotriene modifiers.
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Occupational asthma is caused by being exposed to irritants in the form of vapors, fumes, gases, particles or allergens like dust in the workplace.
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Does asthma have any effect on the voice, such as making it breathy or unclear, or making it more difficult to produce sounds?
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Can asthma start at any age?
Alice Y. Chang, M.D., is an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and on the faculty of the Department of General Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Her clinical interests and experience are in the fields of primary care, women's health, hospital-based medicine, and patient education.
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What are the symptoms of asthma in a newborn?
Henry (Hank) Bernstein, D.O. is a Senior Lecturer in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School. Formerly the Associate Chief of General Pediatrics and Director of Primary Care at Children's Hospital Boston, he currently is the Chief of General Academic Pediatrics at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. He has extensive and varied experience as a primary care pediatrician, and is a spokesperson for the news media on a variety of pediatric health care topics, including vaccination, common childhood illnesses, and practical information for caregivers.
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Is there any clinical evidence of acupuncture mitigating asthma attacks?
Catherine Ulbricht, Pharm.D., is a senior attending pharmacist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an assistant professor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, and the University of Rhode Island. She is a founder of Natural Standard Research Collaboration, which provides high-level complementary and alternative medicine content for health-care institutions. She also is a member of the board of directors of the Integrative Medicine Alliance, and chief editor of the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy.
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Can having asthma or allergies put you at greater risk of getting pneumonia?
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If you have a child who has asthma, there's a lot you can do to help keep the asthma under control. Here are five key suggestions to consider.
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Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the pancreas, one of the principal organs affected by the diseas...
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Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is one of the most common type of chronic lung disease in children and young adults, and may result in early death.Cystic fibr...
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Detailed information on cystic fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics
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Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the pancreas, one of the principal organs affected by the diseas...
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Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the pancreas, one of the principal organs affected by the diseas...
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Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, sweat glands, and male fertility. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the pancreas, one of the principal organs affected by the diseas...
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People with cystic fibrosis are highly susceptible to respiratory infections and are typically malnourished due to the malfunctioning of the pancreas.One of every 25 babies born in the United States is affected with cystic fibrosis, the most commo...
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Cystic fibrosis(CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, and sweat glands, and causes infertility in males. Its name derives from the fibrous scar tissue that develops in the pancreas, one of the principal organs affec...
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Detailed information on autosomal recessive inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay Sachs disease
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