Asthma FAQs

Is Asthma Contagious?
No, asthma is not a contagious disease. You can’t catch it from someone.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Asthma Attacks?
Allergies to things like dust mites or pet dander, irritants like smoke or breathing cold air, infections like the flu may cause asthma symptoms. Many people have asthma after exercise like running or playing hard. Things that bother one person’s airways may not bother another person.

What is Exercise-Induced Asthma?
Exercise-induced asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in that it does not produce long-term increase in airway activity. People who only experience asthma when they exercise may be able to control their symptoms with preventive measures such as warm-up and cool-down exercises.

Are Asthma Drugs Addictive?
No. Mediations used for asthma are not addictive. Be sure to take your medications as directed and let your health care provider know if you are having trouble taking your medications.

Do Asthma Medications Lose Their Effect if They are Taken for a Long Time?
No. Your doctor may adjust or change your medication if your asthma symptoms change over time. Or if a new asthma drug might be right for you.

Are Inhaled Steroids Dangerous?
The inhaled steroid medicines used to treat asthma are safe and effective. It is important to take your steroid medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The steroids used for asthma are NOT the same drugs as steroids some athletes take to build muscle.

What Can I Do if Exercise Causes My Asthma Symptoms?
Talk to your health care provider about how to prevent asthma caused by exercise. Many people take medication before exercising to avoid asthma symptoms. You can also learn how to pace yourself if you seem to be having symptoms. If your asthma is under control, you should be able to take part in any activity you choose. Many Olympic athletes have asthma. Many other athletes professional athletes have asthma.

Again, exercise-induced asthma is distinct from allergic asthma in that it does not produce long-term increase in airway activity. People who only experience asthma when they exercise may be able to control their symptoms with preventive measures such as warm-up and cool-down exercises

What is a Peak Flow Meter?
A peak flow meter is a device you can easily use at home to check how open your airways are. It can help you keep track of how well your asthma is controlled. You use it by taking a deep breath and blowing hard into a plastic piece that goes in your mouth. Then, write down the resulting number that appears on the meter. Peak flow meters are most helpful for people with moderate or severe asthma. Your health care provider may ask you to use a peak flow meter regularly and keep track of the numbers.

Do Children Ever Outgrow Their Asthma?
Many children who have wheezing do not go on to have asthma as they get older. Other children continue to have asthma throughout their childhood. Children with allergies or a family history of asthma are more likely to continue having asthma as they get older. Children raised in the home of someone who smokes tobacco or cigarettes have a higher incidence of asthma.

• For more see: Asthma Basics and the rest of the links on that page. Your asthma can be controlled. Clenbuterol might be considered for treating Asthma.