Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the airways, and increased responsiveness to various stimuli commonly known as asthma triggers.

More than 14.6 million Americans suffer from asthma, which is the sixth-ranking chronic condition in the United States. Between 1982 and 1994, the rate per thousand persons who had asthma rose from 34.8 to 56.1, an increase of 61.2%.

Severe Asthma Attacks

An asthma attack may become so severe that the person becomes breathless. As the attack continues, the victim becomes less and less able to breathe, and may have difficulty speaking in full sentences. The muscles in the chest and neck may become tight. Lips and fingernails may have a grayish or blue color. If this occurs, the following steps should be followed:

1. Asthma medicine should be taken immediately

2. 911 should be called for emergency medical help

Facts About Asthma

• In Illinois, which has one of the nation’s highest mortality rates from asthma related causes, there were 279 deaths in 1999 (IDPH).
• Asthma usually occurs in episodes, but the underlying pathology is chronic. Asthmatic episodes are a series of events that result from the narrowing of a person’s airway.
• Each of these changes contributes to a narrowing of the airway tube resulting in a “wheeze” often heard in people having an asthma attack.
• Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. These triggers include: Colds and respiratory infections; cigarette smoke; allergic reactions to pollen, mold; animal dander, feathers, dust, food; stress.