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This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^®, provides general information about asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, but which is a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care and monitoring, you can keep asthma under control. That's our treatment goal at National Jewish Health: to teach patients and families how to manage asthma, so that they can lead full and productive lives.

This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^® in Denver, is intended to provide information about Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease. It is also called atopic eczema. Atopic is a term used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Both dermatitis and eczema mean inflammation of the skin. People with atopic dermatitis tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. They may have times when their skin is clear and other times when they have rash.

Chronic illness is an illness that may last throughout a person s life, although the frequency and severity of symptoms can change. There can be periods of time when the illness is  quiet. There are also periods of time when the illness is more active, and symptoms may be worse. Examples of chronic illnesses often seen in children and teens include asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergies to foods and/or the environment, and diabetes. A chronic illness usually cannot be cured, but it can often be well managed to allow the person to lead an active life.

This booklet, prepared by National Jewish Health^® helps families of children with asthma learn more about the disease. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, but which is a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care and monitoring, you and your child can keep asthma well controlled. That is our treatment goal at National Jewish Health: to teach patients and families how to manage asthma, so that they can lead full and productive lives.

While sometimes worrisome and inconvenient, chronic lung disease can be managed. A rehabilitation program that involves a healthy lifestyle of exercise, healthy eating and smoking cessation will improve your quality of life and increase your tolerance to activity. With a basic understanding of your disease and good medical care, you can improve your lung health.

A loving relationship with your partner can help you deal with your chronic lung disease and the emotions that come with it. Yet a person with a chronic lung disease may have problems that interfere with being close. If you have a chronic lung disease, this booklet is for you. It is also for your partner  the person who shares your life and the effects of your illness with you. It is normal for you to have questions.

For most people, summer means outdoor activities such as swimming, picnics, camping, baseball and vacation trips. But for the millions with asthma or allergies, summer can be a dangerous season. There are several steps you can take to help keep you or your kids safe and active.

An action plan is a written, customized plan to help you manage asthma episodes. The action plan is based on changes in respiratory symptoms and peak flow numbers. Your action plan will give you and your family information about when and how to use daily medications, emergency medications and your peak flow meter. It will also help you decide when to call your health care provider and when to seek emergency medical care.

An allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction. This is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis s is the most severe type of allergic reaction. It is very rare. Medicines, insect stings, foods and latex can cause anaphylaxis.

When you become pregnant you may notice many physical and emotional changes. Joy and wonder are often mixed with concerns about your health and the health of your unborn child. If you have asthma you may be concerned about this also. It is helpful to know that studies show having asthma does not increase your chances of having a baby with birth defects or of having multiple births. Further studies show that asthma can be controlled during pregnancy with little or no risk to you or your baby.

People with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), may develop chronic infection of their lungs by a variety of different bacteria. Some people with cystic fibrosis become infected by a drug resistant bacteria, Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), which can occasionally be spread from person to person or object to person.

Myositis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the muscles and is often associated with severe muscle weakness. Myositis can also affect other organ systems including the skin, joints, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. It is a chronic disease, meaning it lasts a long time. The most common forms of myositis are polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many organisms cause pneumonia. Most community acquired pneumonias are caused by common bacteria and viruses. Pneumonia caused by more unusual organisms can occur depending on person s exposure and other medical illnesses. Pneumonia is often acquired by inhaling infected particles or by aspiration ("swallowing" into the lungs). It can spread through the blood stream to infect other parts of the body.

Rheumatoid arthritis, otherwise known as RA, is a disease that causes joint pains and swelling. It primarily involves inflammation of the lining of the joints but can also involve internal organs, such as the eyes, the lungs, and the heart.

Sarcoidosis is a disease that occurs when areas of inflammation develop in different organs of the body. Very small clusters of inflammation, called granulomas, are seen with sarcoidosis. They may occur in the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, skin or any area of the body. These granulomas may clear up on their own or cause permanent scarring.

Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, or UCTD for short, is a systemic autoimmune disease. This means that the body s natural immune system does not behave normally. Instead of serving to fight infections such as bacteria and viruses, the body s own immune system attacks itself. In UCTD, autoimmunity may cause the immune system to attack specific parts of the body resulting in a variety of problems.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction, or VCD may be confused with asthma. People with VCD will report asthma-like symptoms to their doctors. Symptoms of VCD include shortness of breath, intermittent hoarseness or wheezing, chronic cough and/or throat clearing, chest and/or throat tightness, and just having trouble getting air in. These symptoms are a result of an abnormal closing of the vocal cords (VCD) rather than inflammation of their airways (asthma).

Altitude sickness occurs when the body reacts poorly to sudden travel to high altitudes, where the air is thinner and the body gets less oxygen in each breath. About one in five people traveling to the mountains of Colorado suffer altitude sickness.

Your doctor has prescribed medicine that is available as an injection (shot). The medicine is given as a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Subcutaneous means the medicine is given into the fatty tissue under the skin. Intramuscular means the medicine is given into the muscle. The needle used to give the injection is very small. Your doctor will prescribe the amount and time you need to give the medicine. Your doctor or nurse will also show you how to give an injection before you need to give one at home. Please talk with your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

A HandiHaler consists of a plastic device to inhale medication. A capsule of powdered medication is placed in the device. The HandiHaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the HandiHaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the HandiHaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic bowl with a screw-top lid) and a source for compressed air. The air flow to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.

A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic bowl with a screw-top lid) and a source for compressed air. The air flow to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. The AeroChamber® consists of a plastic tube with a mouthpiece, a valve to control mist delivery and a soft sealed end to hold the MDI. The holding chamber assists delivery of medicine to the small airways in the lungs. This increases the medicine's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. The AeroChamber® consists of a plastic tube with a rubber sealed end, a mouthpiece and a valve to control mist delivery. The holding chamber assists delivery of medicine to the small airways in the lungs. This increases the medicine's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Anti-IgE is a form of treatment for allergic diseases that has been approved for the treatment of asthma. Anti-IgE interferes with the function of IgE. IgE is an antibody in the immune system. IgE tells immune cells to initiate allergic reactions. This may bring on symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, hives and swelling. Anti-IgE attaches to IgE in the blood and helps prevents the allergic reaction.

Corticosteroids (steroids) are medicines that are used to treat many chronic diseases. Corticosteroids are very good at reducing inflammation (swelling) and mucus production in the airways of the lungs. They also help other quick-relief medicines work better. The steroids (corticosteroids) used to treat asthma and other chronic lung diseases are not the same as anabolic steroids, used illegally by some athletes for bodybuilding. Corticosteroids do not affect the liver or cause sterility.

Managing your medications is a very important task. When you take medication as prescribed, your disease can be controlled. Your health care provider will give you specific information about your medications. Learning about your medications and following the guidelines listed below will help you manage your disease.

Consult your health care provider before taking herbal remedies. Herbs can interact with your medications. Herbs may also be harmful for certain health conditions or medical procedures. When you see your doctor, be sure to inform him/her of which herbs you are taking. Do not assume a product is safe or effective. Herbs are not overseen by a federal regulatory agency for guarantee of quality control or safety.

A peak flow meter is a small, easy-to-use instrument that enables you or your child to measure lung function at home, at work, at school  wherever you go. The peak flow meter measures how fast a person can blow out air after a maximum inhalation. It helps reveal how well you or your child's lungs are working. This is called the peak expiratory flow rate.

The early signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for which many people seek medical attention before being formally diagnosed include marked shortness of breath with exertion, a cough that won t go away or frequent respiratory infections. This is often at a point when the disease is already advanced. Many people might be identified earlier if their doctors routinely screen all patients who are smokers or previous smokers.

Dust mites are microscopic animals, too small to be seen with the naked eye. The droppings and decaying bodies of dust mites are important allergens. These dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, old clothing and soft stuffed toys. They feed on human skin scales. Dust mites are most common in humid climates. They don't survive when the humidity is below 40-50%. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms.

Many types of molds live in our environment. Mold grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

Exposure to hazardous pollutants may have an immediate or a long-term effect, which may not show up for many years. The significance of the exposure depends upon the source, how much is emitted from the source, how harmful the pollutants are, and how much of the pollutants have accumulated within the home. Some immediate symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, fatigue and upper airway irritation of the nose, throat and eyes. These symptoms may reoccur with repeated exposures.

When you are exposed to smoke in the environment it is called secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a combination of two types of smoke, sidestream and mainstream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke exhaled by a person who is smoking. Sidestream smoke is the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette. Sidestream smoke contains all of these same carcinogens.

Airways of people with asthma are often chronically inflamed (swollen). Therefore, the airways are sensitive to things that make asthma worse. These, either singly or together, cause symptoms in people with asthma. Identifying and controlling or treating things that make asthma worse, is essential to good asthma management. Things that make asthma worse include: irritants, allergens, infections, weather, exercise, emotions, gastroesophageal reflux and hormonal changes. These vary from person to person.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma is an important part of managing asthma. Knowing when early warning signs or mild symptoms are occurring is helpful so that treatment and other interventions can begin early. Early treatment is most effective. If severe symptoms are present, it is vital to begin the appropriate treatment immediately. Accurate and timely assessment of your symptoms or your child's symptoms can help you and your clinician decide if treatment should begin in the home, at your clinician's office or in the emergency room.

Intracardiac shunting refers to the diversion of normal cardiac blood flow to alternate pathways within the heart. This is the result of a hole in structures that normally separate arterial from venous blood.

Bronchiectasis is a condition of the airways in the lungs. These airways (bronchial tubes) are tube-like structures that branch from the trachea into the right and left lungs. When a person has bronchiectasis the airways are permanently and abnormally widened (dilated) and inflamed. These damaged airways can no longer clear mucus and bacteria from the lung well. This causes a cough, sputum production and shortness of breath to occur more often. Bronchiectasis is caused by one or more infectious or inflammatory insults to the lungs. People with bronchiectasis are more likely to get lung infections. Each lung infection can make the bronchiectasis worse. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis is very important.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD for short, is a progressive lung disease that affects millions of people each year. People with COPD have airways that are narrowed and blocked due to damage. This is often induced by smoking. People with COPD often have chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Many people have primarily chronic bronchitis. Some people with COPD may also have an "asthma-like" or reactive component to their pulmonary disease.

Anyone can fall, although falls that lead to injury are more common in the elderly. Learn ways to prevent falls in your home and outdoors.

Germs, like plants and animals, have been classified into similar groups. The groups are called "families." One such family of germs is known as the Mycobacteriaceae. Within this family there are a number of species. Some species can cause human diseases (pathogenic). Others species do not cause human diseases (saprophytic). Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an infamous species. This is the organism that causes human tuberculosis.

If you sneeze and have a runny or stuffy nose during the spring, summer or fall allergy seasons, you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Hay fever is the most common type of allergy problem. It mainly affects the eyes and nose. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose and red, watery eyes.

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medication in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. Pressing the MDI releases a mist of medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A Flexhaler® consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication. A Flexhaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Flexhaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Flexhaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

A Twisthaler consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication. A Twisthaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Twisthaler automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Twisthaler a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

Allergies to drugs / medications are complicated because they can be caused by many different medications, resulting in a wide variety of signs and symptoms that may affect various organs or parts of the body. Furthermore, some drugs can cause adverse effects whose symptoms closely resemble those of an allergic reaction. The difference is that true drug allergy is caused by a hypersensitive immune system that creates IgE antibodies against an otherwise harmless substance in the medication. One characteristic of all drug allergies is that similar symptoms will occur every time soon after the offending medicine is taken.

Exercise can make asthma symptoms worse. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Exercise can cause asthma symptoms in up to 80 percent of people with asthma. Treatment and monitoring can allow people with exercise-induced asthma to participate fully in the physical activity or exercise of their choice.

Colds are viral, not bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are highly contagious. They are spread through touching contaminated surfaces, coughing and sneezing. Some people are more prone to colds than others. A child in preschool may "catch" as many as four to eight colds per year. Generally, there is an increased frequency of colds during fall and winter months because of closer, indoor contact with other people.

Latex a kind of natural rubber made from the sap of a tree - can be found in many items. It is found in bicycle and wheelchair tires, toys, some balloons, examining gloves, household gloves, surgical tubing, rubber bands and condoms. When someone is allergic to latex, that person is actually allergic to one or more proteins (allergens) found in the sap from the rubber tree. Interestingly, these proteins or ones very similar to them can be found in banana, kiwi, avocado, potato, strawberries, peaches and chestnuts, since people who are allergic to latex often have crossreactions to these foods.