Asthma
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There’s an old saying in medicine that goes, “All that wheezes isn’t asthma.” It reminds
students and physicians that patients can wheeze when they have congestive heart failure
with pulmonary edema, foreign body obstruction (like a peanut M&M in the bronchus), or
dozens of other possibilities. Conversely, not all asthma presents with wheezing. Symptoms
of asthma can include cough, shortness of breath, tight chest, and, of course, wheezing.
Frequently asthma symptoms only occur during certain times of year or in certain situations,
such as with exercise or during infections. The “attack” is not the norm; most often symptoms
progress slowly over time. Asthma can start at any point in life, not just in childhood. More
and more, we are seeing people in their 60’s diagnosed with asthma for the first time. Many
of our newly diagnosed asthma patients express fear. They believe they will have to stop
participating in their favorite activities, or they will end up gasping for air and puffing on a
“rescue inhaler.” Parents often carry images of their kids sitting inside, not able to go to
recess or participate in sports. ALL OF THESE IMAGES ARE WRONG! Asthma treatment
has come a long way. In fact, during the 2004 Olympics, many of the athletes had asthma
including several medal winners. The goal in asthma treatment is control. For students,
control means a team effort involving the parents, the school nurse, and the coach.
Medically, control often includes daily anti-inflammatory medications to prevent symptoms
from occurring in the first place. When asked by a patient if they have to use preventative
medicine every day, I often reply, “No, just on the days that end in the letter ‘y’.” Education
for the patient (and their family/school nurse/coach) is key to teach how to identify and treat
symptoms when they first start. With appropriate treatment, the vast majority of asthma
patients can continue to enjoy any activity they choose, without limitations.
students and physicians that patients can wheeze when they have congestive heart failure
with pulmonary edema, foreign body obstruction (like a peanut M&M in the bronchus), or
dozens of other possibilities. Conversely, not all asthma presents with wheezing. Symptoms
of asthma can include cough, shortness of breath, tight chest, and, of course, wheezing.
Frequently asthma symptoms only occur during certain times of year or in certain situations,
such as with exercise or during infections. The “attack” is not the norm; most often symptoms
progress slowly over time. Asthma can start at any point in life, not just in childhood. More
and more, we are seeing people in their 60’s diagnosed with asthma for the first time. Many
of our newly diagnosed asthma patients express fear. They believe they will have to stop
participating in their favorite activities, or they will end up gasping for air and puffing on a
“rescue inhaler.” Parents often carry images of their kids sitting inside, not able to go to
recess or participate in sports. ALL OF THESE IMAGES ARE WRONG! Asthma treatment
has come a long way. In fact, during the 2004 Olympics, many of the athletes had asthma
including several medal winners. The goal in asthma treatment is control. For students,
control means a team effort involving the parents, the school nurse, and the coach.
Medically, control often includes daily anti-inflammatory medications to prevent symptoms
from occurring in the first place. When asked by a patient if they have to use preventative
medicine every day, I often reply, “No, just on the days that end in the letter ‘y’.” Education
for the patient (and their family/school nurse/coach) is key to teach how to identify and treat
symptoms when they first start. With appropriate treatment, the vast majority of asthma
patients can continue to enjoy any activity they choose, without limitations.