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About Asthma
Asthma is a common condition that
affects your breathing by preventing air from flowing
freely into and out of your lungs. Persistent asthma is
a chronic (or long-term) disease in which the air passages
or bronchial tubes in the lungs are always inflamed (red and swollen), even
when you are not experiencing symptoms. This inflammation makes your airways
extra sensitive to irritants, which can result in narrowing or constriction of
the airways and can make breathing difficult. But, with proper management as
directed by your health care professional, people with asthma can lead full and
active lives. [Ref 3: National Heart Lung and Blood
Institute, p.1 "What Is Asthma?"]
Lungs at Work
When you breathe, you take air in through your nose and mouth. The air passes through your throat and trachea (windpipe) and goes into your lungs. Your lungs are made up of tubes called bronchial tubes that branch out like a tree. [Ref 4: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, p.1 “Normal Lung Function”] Bands of muscle cover your bronchial tubes. The lining of the bronchial tubes produces a sticky substance called mucus that helps your lungs get rid of particles that you breathe in. [Ref 3: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, p.1 “What Is Asthma?”] At the end of each tube there are tiny sacs, called alveoli, that exchange air. [Ref 4: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, p.1 “Normal Lung Function”]
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
When you have persistent asthma, your airways are always inflamed – red and swollen – even when you don’t have any symptoms. This inflammation gets worse in reaction to allergens or irritants called "triggers," such as colds, pollen, cigarette smoke, perfumes, fireplaces, animal dander, indoor mold, and changes in the weather. Triggers irritate your lungs even more, causing your symptoms to get worse. [Ref 3: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, p.1 “What Is Asthma,” p.3 “Causes”]
During an asthma attack the sensitive airways overreact, causing several things to happen:
-
The muscles around your airways tighten and decrease the airflow.
-
The walls of your airways become more inflamed, swell, and become narrower,
further decreasing the airflow.
-
Your airways produce extra mucus, causing more narrowing. [Ref
3: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, p.1 “What Is Asthma?”]
This can result in symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Important Safety Information
- PULMICORT FLEXHALER™ (budesonide inhalation powder, 90 mcg & 180 mcg), an inhaled corticosteroid, is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children 6 years of age or older
- PULMICORT FLEXHALER™ is not a bronchodilator and should NOT be used to treat an acute asthma attack
- If you are switching to PULMICORT FLEXHALER™ from an oral corticosteroid, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid health risks when you stop using oral corticosteroids
- Avoid exposure to infections such as chicken pox and measles. Tell your doctor immediately if exposed.
- Inhaled corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.
- The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include inflammation of the nose and throat, nasal congestion, sore throat, nasal allergies, and viral upper respiratory tract infection.
This product information is intended for US residents only.
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