Asthma | Learn More Here

CBLogo.JPG

California Breathing

California Breathing Resources

Asthma QuickTake: Medications

This Asthma QuickTake discusses asthma controller and quick relief medications, the purposes for which they are used, and the devices used to take the medications.  It also provides information on how to determine whether a person’s asthma is under control.

Strategic Plan for Asthma in California

​Asthma in California Report

Two reports are available. The 2017 report focuses on asthma prevalence, whereas the 2013 report is comprehensive (includes asthma prevalence, disparities, morbidity, mortality, environmental triggers, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, work-related asthma, and national goals). Also available for download are slides that summarize report findings and provide easy-to-use graphs and charts. Reports include the following:

  • Asthma rates over time and by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other characteristics
  • Comparisons of California’s rates to national goals
  • Data on asthma prevalence, morbidity, and health care utilization and quality
  • Special sections on environmental risk factors and work-related asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is caused by various factors such as genetics, other allergic conditions, urbanization, events in early life, exposure to environmental allergens and irritants, and being overweight or obese. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medication delivered through inhalers.

There are two main types of inhaler:

1. bronchodilators

2. steroids.

People with asthma may need to use their inhaler every day, and their treatment will depend on the frequency of symptoms and the types of inhalers available. It is also important for people with asthma to avoid triggers and to receive education on how to manage their symptoms at home. WHO is committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of asthma to reduce the global burden of noncommunicable diseases and make progress towards universal health coverage.

Prevalence of asthma:
According to the World Health Organization, asthma affects approximately 339 million people worldwide.
In the United States, approximately 25 million people have asthma.

  • Causes of asthma:
    • Genetics
    • Environmental factors such as air pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections
    • Obesity
  • Treatment options for asthma:
    • Inhalers
    • Nebulizers
    • Oral medications
    • Allergy shots
    • Lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers and maintaining a healthy weight

 

CITATIONS

Asthma – World Health Organization (WHO)
Uncontrolled asthma: a review of the prevalence, disease burden and options for treatment
Asthma Facts | AAFA.org
Asthma: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – Cleveland Clinic
Data, Statistics, and Surveillance | Asthma | CDC
Asthma | CDC
Severe Asthma | American Lung Association
Asthma – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic