Asthma action plan - an individual step-by-step written plan for preventing and treating asthma flares. Asthma action plans use the patient's peak flow numbers and flare symptoms to determine the course of treatment. Babysitters, relatives, school personnel, and other caregivers often keep action plans on file for the asthmatic children in their care.

Breath sounds - sounds the lungs make while breathing, heard through a stethoscope. Doctors often listen for abnormal or decreased breath sounds in asthma patients.

Bronchoconstriction - tightening of the smooth muscles around the bronchi (airways), resulting in narrowed airways and reduced airflow.

Bronchitis (acute) - inflamed bronchi, usually because of a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis is not caused by infection and is actually a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms of acute bronchitis include heavy coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and phlegm production. Repeated diagnoses of bronchitis sometimes make doctors suspect asthma in a patient.

Contraindication - any situation, reason, or previous condition that means a patient should not use an otherwise appropriate medicine or medical treatment. An allergy to certain drug is a type of contraindication.

Irritant (airborne) - inhaled substance that causes irritation, soreness, or inflammation in the nose, throat, or airways but does not cause an allergic reaction. Common irritants like cigarette smoke can trigger flares in asthma sufferers.

Oral medicine - any medication that is swallowed as a pill or liquid. Some asthma medications come in inhaled and oral forms.

Personal best - a term used in measuring peak flow rate, meaning the highest peak flow number a patient is able to produce while in good health. Green, yellow, and red zones on the Asthma action plan are based on the personal best peak flow number.

Triggers - the irritants, allergens, or other factors (like exercise or viruses) that can start an asthma flare.



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"Smile, breathe and go slowly." -Thich Nhat Hanh



This article is not written by a medical professional, and information on this page should never be substituted for your physician's advice. If you have any questions about your asthma and/or allergies, you should always contact your physician first.