Rapid Message Testing With Consumer Panel - Asthma Fact Sheet

Flu Warning
Asthma
FACT SHEET

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways. The main goal for people
living with asthma is control. Patients should work with a healthcare provider to create an
asthma action plan. This plan will show you what medications you need to take, how to take
them, and when to take them. Properly managing your asthma can reduce the number and
severity of your asthma attacks. Left untreated, asthma can cause long term lung damage,
frequent visits to the emergency room, and hospitalizations.
Office of Minority Health
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the
airways to become inflamed and narrow. Symptoms
of an asthma attack include coughing, periods of
wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
More than 22 million people in the U.S. have asthma,
and nearly 6 million of them are children.

Uncontrolled Asthma Can Lead to:
• Shortness of breath
• Long term damage to the lungs and airway
• Increased use of quick relief medications
• Increased hospital stays and emergency room visits
• Decreased productivity, missed work or school days
Asthma Treatment Options
There are two main types of FDA-approved drugs used
to treat asthma, quick relief medications and
medications intended for long-term control. Talk to
your doctor about which medications are right for you.
• Quick relief medications - these medications work
fast to treat sudden symptoms at the onset of an
asthma attack or flare up. They are inhaled to help
relax the muscles of your airways (bronchi) and
provide quick relief of symptoms during an asthma
attack.
• Long-term control medications - these medications
are used on a regular basis to reduce the
inflammation and constriction of the airways that
cause asthma symptoms. They can be taken orally,
injected or inhaled.

Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person.
The severity of symptoms can change over time.
Some triggers that can worsen these symptoms
include.
• Pollen
• Tobacco smoke
• Dust
• Mold
• Pet dander (animal skin or hair)
• Air pollution
• Perfumes or colognes
• Respiratory Illness such as the cold or flu

Asthma and Clinical Trials
Talk to your doctor if you think participating in a
clinical trial may be right for you. You can also search
for clinical trials in your area at www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
For more information on clinical trials participation go
to www.hhs.gov/about-research-participation.
For more information on minority health go to
www.fda.gov/minorityhealth.
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public
health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines
and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible
for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and
products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.