What's New about Asthma?

Recently, the use of over-the-counter (OTC) asthma relievers has come under attack, especially since the noted death of an up-and-coming model who used an OTC reliever to treat her asthma. Dr. Sharma agrees with this concern. "Such OTC inhalers, like Primatine Mist, are relievers for asthmatics, but not good ones because of the potential side effects."

Fortunately for Brian, his severe asthma attack was brought under control with emergency room nebulizer treatments and he was sent home. But, could the attack have killed him? "It's unusual to die from asthma, although in certain situations it can be life threatening," explains Dr. Sharma. "If warning signs and treatment are ignored, it can happen, but we rarely see it."

However, this doesn't mean that asthma should be taken lightly. According to the latest data from the AAFA, 14 Americans die each day from asthma. It should be noted that this statistic states that many of these deaths could have been prevented if patients had help managing their illness and preventing an attack from becoming fatal.

Brian LaBarbera is just one person in the growing number of asthmatics. "Asthma cases are on the rise because we are indoors more and our homes are more airtight," says Dr. Sharma. "We also have more pets and more exposures to potential allergens."

Treated properly, asthmatics can live long, healthy, normal lives, and with proper education, your child and your family can cope with asthma.