Asthma can be controlled, not cured

HOUSTON -- (July 10, 2009) -- Medications and lifestyle changes help manage asthma, but they will not actually cure it, according to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine.

"You still have airway inflammation that needs to be treated," said Dr. Nicola Hanania, associate professor of medicine at BCM.

Environment, irritants

Asthma affects about 24 million Americans and has a higher prevalence in the inner city population, said Hanania. Treatment for asthma depends on its severity and incorporates anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle changes.

"You have to control the environment and irritants to which you are exposed," said Hanania.

He stresses controlling indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold, as well as controlling exposure to second hand smoke.

Although asthma symptoms may not be as apparent when medication and lifestyle changes are incorporated, asthma is not actually cured. If medication or lifestyle changes are stopped, signs of poor control will appear. These include exacerbations and an increased use of an inhaler. This can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalizations and sometimes even death.

Take precautions

Hanania suggests proper education about asthma, including the use of inhaler devices, avoiding exposure to irritants, taking medications and monitoring asthma on a daily basis. He also emphasizes having an action plan and knowing when to get help or when to go to the emergency room.

It is possible for adults to develop asthma even though it was not present previously. It is difficult to identify asthma symptoms in older adults since symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Hanania and other researchers are studying why this occurs and how older adults can better manage their asthma.