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Definition of Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to tighten. Asthma is a chronic condition that is common among children. Asthma attacks occur when your lungs aren’t getting enough air to breathe.
Common Asthma Symptoms
Someone may be having an asthma attack if he or she has:
- Trouble Breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest Pain
- Chest Tightness
Causes of Asthma Attacks
Things that cause asthma attacks are called triggers. Triggers can be found inside and outside the home. Triggers inside the home can often be managed or eliminated to reduce the chance of causing an asthma attack.
Triggers include:
- Secondhand Smoke
- Dust Mites
- Mold
- Pests (such as cockroaches and rodents)
- Pets
- Chemical Irritants
- Air Pollution
Download the Asthma & Common Triggers PDF (103 KB/2 pages) fact sheet to learn how to reduce or eliminate common Asthma triggers.
Types of Asthma
While asthma itself is one disease there are different classifications of asthma that help to pinpoint what is causing your asthma attacks. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAI) has developed a chart detailing the types of asthma.
Manage Your Asthma
Asthma can not be cured. But, by eliminating asthma triggers inside the home or child care center the number asthma attacks may be reduced. It is also important to work with your doctor to manage your asthma.
You may want to consider a diagnostic test to determine what your specific asthma triggers are. Ask your doctor if a diagnostic test is right for you.
Download a sample asthma management plan in English, Spanish, or the Clinician's Interactive plan. PDF (133 KB/1 page)
Your Role in Asthma Management
- See a doctor regularly about your asthma, or your child’s asthma. Asthma symptoms and triggers may change over time. You may need different medicines to help keep you healthy.
Common Asthma triggers include:
- Secondhand Smoke
- Dust Mites
- Mold
- Pests (such as cockroaches and rodents)
- Pets
- Chemical Irritants
- Air Pollution
Download the Asthma & Common Triggers PDF (103 KB/2 pages) fact sheet to learn how to reduce or eliminate common Asthma triggers.
Download a sample asthma management plan in English, Spanish, or the Clinician's Interactive plan. PDF (133 KB/1 page)
- Take your asthma medicines as the doctor prescribed, even when you feel well.
- Learn more about asthma and educate those in your family and those who care for your children with asthma.
Visit the Related Links webpage for educational links about Asthma.
Asthma Triggers in Child Care Centers
Many children spend time in child care centers. If you are a child care provider, learning to recognize, reduce or eliminate potential asthma triggers in your center could make a huge difference in the life of a child with asthma.
Watch an on-line movie produced by Asthmamoms.com on how to eliminate asthma triggers in your center.
Secondhand smoke is a common asthma trigger and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke may even cause some children to develop asthma. Declare your child care center a smoke-free zone!
Download a sample smoke-free child care policy PDF (68 KB/1 page)
Take the Smoke-Free Child Care Center Pledge
Asthma Triggers at Home
Children spend most of their day in the home. If your child suffers from asthma, it is important for you to recognize and reduce or eliminate potential asthma triggers in your home.
Watch an on-line movie produced by Asthmamoms.com on how to eliminate asthma triggers in your home.
Secondhand smoke is a common asthma trigger and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke may even cause some children to develop asthma. Declare your home a smoke-free zone!
Take the Smoke-Free Home Pledge
Classes and Support Groups in Southern Nevada
Better Breathers Club
The Betters Breathers Club is a group for people with lung disease and their families. This monthly meeting is free and open to everyone.
- Paragon Healthcare
1701-8 Green Valley Parkway, Ste. B, Henderson
Second Tuesday of the month
Contact: Sharon at 914-2790
- HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
1250 S. Valley View, Las Vegas
Third Tuesday of the month
Contact: Bunny at 431-6333 Boulder City
- Boulder City Senior Center
1001 Arizona Street, Boulder City
Third Wednesday of the month
Contact: Bruce at 294-6513
- Spring Mountain Rehab
2701 N. Tenaya, #290, Las Vegas
Second Thursday of the month
Contact: Dr. Miciano at 869-4401
- HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
10301 Jeffreys, Henderson
Fourth Thursday of the month
Contact: Marilyn at 939-9414
Please call the American Lung Association at (702) 431-6333 for more information.
Related Links
Visit our Related Links web page for more information on asthma.
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