Asthma Asthma is a disease that affects the air passages of the lungs. The passageways into the lungs swell making breathing out (exhalation) difficult. People who have asthma will have trouble breathing and will wheeze and have a hoarse cough. The symptoms can appear at any age. How long an asthma attack lasts or how often an attack comes on will be different for each person.
Your asthma has improved after treatment in the Emergency Department.
To prevent another attack
Take the medicines your doctor prescribes only in the amounts ordered. Rather than help your symptoms, taking more medicine than prescribed can add more problems. Some medicines must be taken even when you are not having symptoms. Do not stop taking a medicine unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Stopping a medicine can result in the return of asthma attacks.
Use inhalants only as directed. Do not overuse.
Avoid smoking. Smoke irritates the passages of your lungs. Smoking and asthma can result in life threatening problems.
Drink plenty of clear liquids. Fluids will help to keep your secretions thin so that they can be coughed out.
Avoid things that bring on your attacks. Some people get attacks from things in the air or in food. Physical activity, stress, emotions or fatigue may also bring on your attacks
See your doctor if:
A fever develops
Wheezing does not clear up or begins again
Vomiting develops
If your breathing becomes worse within a few hours after treatment, come back to the Emergency Department.
