Sudden coughing or wheezing often leaves sufferers, many of them children, completely out of breath. In some cases, this lack of airflow becomes dangerous or even fatal. Properly monitoring and taking medications is important to prevent or minimize the severity of attacks. Often linked to allergies, asthma is a lung disorder that causes the lining of the air passages to swell, reducing airflow to the lungs.
Attacks vary in severity and can last anywhere from minutes to days.
To help track your asthma, your doctor may recommend using a peak flow meter, a device that measures lung strength. Your scores on the peak flow meter will help your doctor determine appropriate medication. Recognizing the onset of an episode is crucial, since by the time you start to feel any discomfort you may already have lost a quarter of your lung capacity. Air pollution Bethany can help At Bethany Hospital you will find a highly trained team of asthma specialists, including a full-time respiratory therapist. In addition, a comprehensive education program helps patients and their primary care physicians stay up to date with the latest advances in care.