Asthma Care

Asthma is a common problem worldwide. While there is no cure for this chronic lung disease, it can be controlled with medication and proper management.

Adventist Health Castle has an excellent asthma treatment program that utilizes standards set by the National Institute of Health. We can help you or your loved one manage asthma through:

• Assessment of the patient’s medications, lung air flow, asthma symptoms, and triggers
• A consultation with an asthma educator who draws up a treatment plan that is reviewed by the patient’s physician
• A peak flowmeter to monitor air flow and alert the patient when medication is necessary
• More asthma information during the emergency room visit
• A follow-up phone call to the patient after an emergency room visit to check improvement and answer any questions regarding treatment

What is asthma?

Air is carried to and from the lungs through tubes that run through the throat. These airways swell up when a person has asthma. This makes the throat more sensitive and makes it harder for to transport to and from the lungs.

This inflammation makes the muscles contract, and that in turn stimulates mucus production. All of these factors combined can make breathing very difficult. You need to treat asthma symptoms as soon as they show up to keep them from getting worse.

There is no known cause of asthma, but we do know that it tends to run in families. Children with respiratory infections are also more likely to develop asthma. Some early signs of asthma include:

• Chronic coughing (especially during the morning)
• Wheezing
• Tight feelings in the chest
• Shortness of breath

Managing asthma

Our team can help you identify pollutants that trigger your asthma and figure out ways to exercise without breathing problems. Our goal is to help you prevent your systems and reduce how much you have to rely on quick-relief medications.

There are two types of asthma medications: long-term and quick-relief. Quick-relief medicines are used to treat the immediate symptoms of an asthma attack, while long-term medicines should help prevent asthma attacks. Needing less quick-relief medicine shows you are responding to your long-term asthma treatment.

To find out more about Adventist Health Castle’s asthma program, please call the Cardiopulmonary Department at (808) 263-5158. For a referral to a pulmonary specialist, please call the Call Center at (808) 263-5400.