HOUSTON -- (July 10, 2009) -- Medications and lifestyle changes help
manage asthma, but they will not actually cure it, according to an expert at
Baylor College of Medicine.
"You still have airway inflammation that needs to be treated," said Dr. Nicola
Hanania, associate professor of medicine at BCM.
Environment, irritants
Asthma affects about 24 million Americans and has a higher prevalence in the
inner city population, said Hanania. Treatment for asthma depends on its
severity and incorporates anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle changes.
"You have to control the environment and irritants to which you are exposed,"
said Hanania.
He stresses controlling indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold, as well as
controlling exposure to second hand smoke.
Although asthma symptoms may not be as apparent when medication and lifestyle
changes are incorporated, asthma is not actually cured. If medication or
lifestyle changes are stopped, signs of poor control will appear. These include
exacerbations and an increased use of an inhaler. This can lead to emergency
room visits, hospitalizations and sometimes even death.
Take precautions
Hanania suggests proper education about asthma, including the use of inhaler
devices, avoiding exposure to irritants, taking medications and monitoring
asthma on a daily basis. He also emphasizes having an action plan and knowing
when to get help or when to go to the emergency room.
It is possible for adults to develop asthma even though it was not present
previously. It is difficult to identify asthma symptoms in older adults since
symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Hanania and other researchers are
studying why this occurs and how older adults can better manage their asthma.
Source : BCM News
