Asthma
Overview: Asthma causes wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Asthma is more common in children than adults; but it can occur at any age. Asthma symptoms may include coughing and wheezing as well as shortness of breath. Asthma may be brought on by exercise, and also when you breathe in something you are allergic to such as dust, pollen, mold or animal dander. When this coughing and wheezing happens it is called an asthma attack. An asthma attack may last a few minutes or few days. It may be mild, moderate or severe. It is very important to get treatment for asthma so you can live a healthy, active life.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: If you suspect you might have asthma you should make an appointment with your health care provider. He or she will ask about your breathing problems and give you a checkup. They may also give you one or more breathing tests. If asthma is detected your health care provider may prescribe medication and ask you to stay away from things that make it hard for you to breathe. If you are diagnosed with asthma it is important to take your medications exactly as your health care provider tells you. Be sure to keep your checkup appointments as often as your provider recommends.
If you can’t breathe comfortably even though you are taking your medications call your health care provider right away. If you are having an asthma attack that is not getting better even though you have used your quick-acting inhaler you must get medical care right away. This may mean going to the emergency room or calling 911.
Resources
- WebMD: Asthma
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Asthma
- Mayo Clinic: Asthma
- MedicineNet: Article on Asthma
Last update: 09 Dec 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
