Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of your lungs, and it can start at any age, according to the American Lung Association. People with asthma have inflamed airways. They swell more when muscles around them tighten after an asthma “trigger” or something in the environment triggers symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. A trigger could be the common cold, stress, changes in the weather, dust, chemicals, smoke and pet dander.

It is called an asthma flare-up, asthma episode or asthma “attack” when that happens. Another flare-up is likely to occur several days after an episode. For the days following a flare-up, the American Lung Association suggests to:

• Avoid your asthma triggers.
• Monitor your symptoms or check your airways using a peak flow meter.

Certain people are at greater risk for developing asthma than others. A combination of genetics, exposures to certain elements in the environment and additional risk factors put them at risk of developing asthma for the first time. There is no cure for asthma, but those who have it can manage living with the disease and have an active and healthy life through proper management and a treatment plan.

A healthcare provider such an allergist or immunologist can develop a management and treatment plan to keep symptoms under control before, during and after physical activity. A lack of proper management and treatment can be fatal or result in airway remodeling. The lungs become scarred and asthma medicines are less effective. The amount of air that moves through the airways also decreases.

Carmichael’s Retail Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana, offers several convenient ways asthma patients to fill medications, and our pharmacists will work closely with prescribing doctors to help ensure proper management and treatment of your individual asthma conditions. Carmichael’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) locations in Crowley, Lafayette and Lake Charles provide respiratory equipment such as nebulizers, related inhalation drug and more.