Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the airways are inflamed and extra sensitive. When a person with asthma is exposed to a trigger (like a respiratory illness, allergen or irritant), an asthma attack can occur. The air passageways swell, mucus production increases and the muscles surrounding the airways contract, or tighten. This reduces the diameter of the airways and limits the amount of oxygen that can be taken into the lungs. Patients may experience wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath or breathing difficulty. In severe cases, the airways are seriously constricted and the patient can't get enough oxygen. A victim can lose consciousness and die.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates 20 million Americans have asthma. Nine million of them are under 18. Each year, asthma leads to 12.8 million lost school days, 24.5 million lost work days, more than 12 million visits to physicians and roughly 1.9 million visits to hospital emergency rooms. 5000 Americans die every year from asthma.

Asthma Treatment

There are two main types of treatment for asthma. Quick relief (rescue) medications provide help when an asthma attack starts to occur. They are often referred to as rescue medications and taken through an inhaler. When properly used, high doses of medication are delivered directly into the airways to relax tightened muscles.

The second method of asthma treatment involves long-term control. Rescue medications are only a temporary relief from symptoms. Long-term medications, on the other hand, aim to keep the inflammation under control and prevent or reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Some long-term medications are inhaled and others are taken in oral or liquid form.

When possible, asthma patients should avoid known triggers of their symptoms. Doctors also recommend patients monitor their asthma every day. A device, called a peak flow meter, is used to measure airflow and determine how well the lungs are functioning. The results can determine if a patient needs adjustments in medication.

Inhaler Transition

Researchers estimate about 80 percent of asthma patients use some type of inhaler. These devices are traditionally pressurized to aid in the delivery of medication to the lungs. There are several different types of inhalers. While they may look different, at one time, they all used the same type of propellant, a gas called chlorofluorocarbon, CFC - also known as Freon. Use of CFCs has been phased out because the gas accumulates in the upper atmosphere and is believed to contribute to the greenhouse effect and destruction of the ozone layer.

As of December 31, 2008, CFC-based inhalers will no longer be sold in the U.S. Over the past few years, manufacturers have slowly been transitioning to CFC-free devices. An alternative propellant for the traditional metered-dose inhaler is HFA (hydrofluoroalkane, also known as HFA-134a). Another CFC-free alternative is a dry powder inhaler, in which a powdered form of medication is forcefully inhaled into the lungs without any type of propellant.

Allergist, Allen Lieberman, M.D., says the new inhalers use the same drugs as the old, CFC inhalers. However, patients using an HFA inhaler may notice some difference in their taste and smell. In addition, the new inhalers are less forceful and the medication is warmer in temperature. Asthma experts say the HFA inhalers also need to be cleaned. So patients may need advice on caring for their new inhalers.

The biggest adjustment for some patients is the price. The HFA inhalers are currently more costly than CFC inhalers and generic forms are not yet available. Patients need to check with their insurance carrier to find out how the new inhalers will be covered. Those who are having a hard time affording the inhalers should contact the drug manufacturer's patient assistance program. Information on financial assistance for prescription medication is also available from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at http://www.pparx.org, or by calling toll-free: (888) 4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).

Patients who are having a hard time affording the inhalers should contact the drug manufacturer's patient assistance program. Information on financial assistance for prescription medication is also available from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at http://www.pparx.org, or by calling toll-free: (888) 4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).

If you have specific questions about your asthma treatment or the new inhalers, talk with your health care provider. For general information: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and ImmunologyAmerican Lung AssociationAsthma and Allergy Foundation of AmericaFood and Drug AdministrationInternational Pharmaceutical Aerosol ConsortiumNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute