How to Get Started Using Your PULMICORT FLEXHALER™ and Information on Reading the Dose Indicator Window

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Asthma is a common condition that
affects breathing by preventing air from flowing
freely into and out of your child’s 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 your child is not experiencing symptoms. This inflammation makes your child’s 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 a health care professional, children 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 your child breathes, he/she takes air in through the nose and mouth. The air passes through your child’s throat and trachea (windpipe) and goes into the lungs. Your child’s 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 child’s bronchial tubes. The lining of the bronchial tubes produces a sticky substance called mucus that helps your child’s lungs get rid of particles that your child breathes 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 your child has persistent asthma, his/her airways are always inflamed – red and swollen – even when your child doesn’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 child’s lungs even more, causing your child’s 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:

1. The muscles around your child’s airways tighten and decrease the airflow.
   
   
2. The walls of your child’s airways become more inflamed, swell, and become narrower, further decreasing the airflow.
   
   
3. Your child’s 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.