Preventing Asthma Emergencies (NAPSA)—Now that the spring - ~~ asthma and allergy season is in full bloom, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) wants to help the more than 17 million Americans with asthma recognize the warning signs that can help them avoid an asthma emergency. The often-missed warning signs of poorly controlled asthma are: e Waking at night wheezing and/or coughing; e Requiring a quick-relief inhaler more than twice a week; SN , P . . ‘, BUSAE26 ian e Missing school or work; e Being unable to participate in everyday activities; Being aware of the warning signs can help many people urgent care; and e Finding a decreasing number on asthmatic’s Peak Flow Meter daily hometest. “Each year, nearly two million Americans end up in the emer- or conditions that cause airways to e Requiring emergency or gency department because of poorly controlled asthma,” says Arlen Stauffer, MD, of the ACEP. “Most people really don’t under- avoid an asthma emergency. Asthma “triggers”—substances becomeinflamed and constrict—also play an importantrole in causing asthma symptoms. Individual patients may have more than one trigger, but commontriggers include allergens (e.g., pollen, mold, dust mites), irritants in the air (e.g., tobacco smoke, perfume, scented soap), respiratory infections, exer- stand that asthma is a chronic cise and extreme weatherconditions. ment on a daily basis. Patients need to know the warning signs of poor asthma control, recognize their triggers and understand how to treat the two main causes of that can help patients prevent condition that requires manage- There are effective treatments symptoms from occurring in the first place. Better asthma control may reduce the impact the disease has on people’s lives and reduce asthma symptoms.” Inflammation (swelling and irritation of the airways) and the risk of attacks or symptoms that require emergencycare. “ACEP encourages people with ways) are the two main causes of management, and keep an eye out for asthma warning signs, so they bronchoconstriction (tightening of the muscles surrounding the airasthma symptoms, which include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. asthma to talk with their regular provider about proper asthma can have a healthier and happier spring,” adds Dr. Stauffer.
