Asthma Asthma is a condition characterized by heightened sensitivity of the airways and temporary breathing problems. During an asthma attack, the airways are inflamed and swollen, causing the breathing passages to narrow. Excess mucus clogs the airways. In addition, the muscles around the airways also tighten, causing further constriction. A patient may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. In severe cases, breathing may become so difficult a patient loses consciousness and can die.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 20 million Americans have asthma. Nine million of them are under 18. In 2002, 1.9 million visits were made to emergency departments for treatment of asthma symptoms. About 5,000 people die from asthma each year in the U.S.

Asthma symptoms occur when the body is exposed to a "trigger." There are many different asthma triggers. Something that provokes symptoms in one patient may not cause any problems for another person. Some common triggers include: tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust mites, strong odors, perfume, weather changes, viral infections, cold air, exercise and certain foods or medications.

Treating Asthma The goal of asthma treatment is to improve lung function, gain control of symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Patients are advised to learn to recognize and avoid their own triggers to reduce the risk of an asthma episode.

Medications also play an important role in asthma management. There are two categories of therapy - those that provide long-term control and quick-relief medicines. Long-term control medications are taken every day to control symptoms and prevent an asthma attack. Examples include inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators and cromolyn or nedocromil.

Quick-relief medications (sometimes referred to as rescue therapy) are short-term treatments used to stop an asthma attack. The medications take effect very quickly to bring the symptoms under control. Bronchodilators open up the airways to improve breathing. They can be taken in oral, inhaled, or injectable forms. Corticosteroids are given orally or by injection to reduce inflammation in the airways.

Helping Teens Control Their Asthma When asthma is not controlled, the risk of developing severe symptoms increases. In a recent survey by Asthma Action America®, 54 percent of children reported they had at least one severe asthma attack in the previous year. Asthma attacks can lead to lost school days, an increased number of physician visits and a need for emergency care or hospitalization.

Health experts at Rush University Medical Center are conducting a study that may help teens with asthma learn to manage their disease more appropriately. The researchers are providing participants with special MP3 players loaded with music, music videos, video games and radio programs. Every morning, the investigators send programmed messages to the MP3 players offering tips related to asthma control. For example, every day at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, the teens will get a message asking them if they remembered to take their medications. The messages are recorded by high-profile athletes and music stars, some of whom offer personal stories of their struggles in living with asthma.

Researchers say it is often difficult to get teens to take their asthma control seriously. Many don't want to think of themselves as different or they may have trouble remembering to take their medications. Ignoring the importance of day-to-day control increases the risk for an asthma attack and the need for more and more rescue medications. Over the long-term, that can cause permanent damage to the airways.

The study is still ongoing, so doctors don't know how much of a benefit the MP3 players will be for asthma control in teens. However, investigators say they are already seeing an improvement in asthma education and compliance.

If you have specific questions about the management of your child's asthma symptoms, talk with your health care provider. For general information on asthma and asthma treatment: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, http://www.aaaai.org American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, http://www.acaai.org American Lung Association®, http://www.lungusa.org Asthma Action America®, http://www.asthmaactionamerica.org National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov