Asthma Glossary
Action Plan - a guide that helps you monitor and care for your asthma. An asthma action plan includes your medication plan, peak flow ranges, and daily and emergency plans.
Aerochamber® - is a US registered trademark used to distinguish holding chambers sold in the United States by Monaghan Medical Corp. The holding chambers are used with a metered dose inhaler (MDI). The holding chambers consist of a short tube with a mouthpiece or mask on one end and a flexible opening for the MDI on the opposite end. The inhalant is propelled into the tube and held until inhaled slowly.
Airway Hyperresponsiveness - a condition that occurs when inflamed airways become sensitive and react to stimuli, which would have no effect in a person without asthma.
Airway Remodeling - a serious condition that occurs when asthma is left uncontrolled or untreated. The airways "learn" that being in an asthma attack is their normal state, leading to possible chronic lung disease and a lifetime of asthma. It becomes even more difficult for relief and control medications to work effectively, requiring increased dosing.
Allergy - an acquired hypersensitivity to a foreign substance. Allergies are mediated by a characteristic mechanism within the immune system.
Allergy and Asthma Network, Mothers of Asthmatics - organization that focuses on the aspects of living with allergies and asthma. http://www.aanma.org/
Alveoli - the air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Alveoli are situated next to one or more pulmonary capillaries. They deliver oxygen to the capillaries and remove carbon dioxide from them.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - leading institution specializing in the study and treatment of allergic diseases through education, research and cooperation. http://www.aaaai.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - leading institution in the study and treatment of allergic diseases through education, research and cooperation. http://www.acaai.org/
American Lung Association - a professional association of approximately 4,000 allergists/pulmonologists. http://www.lungusa.org/
Anaphylaxis - sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction caused by food allergy, insect stings, or medications.
Anticholinergics - a type of medication that works on bronchospasm and mucus production.
Antihistamine - a drug that inhibits the action of histamine, the substance released by cells that causes allergic symptoms.
Asthma - a chronic lung disease in which the bronchial tubes become narrowed and inflamed, making it difficult to move air into and out of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and overproduction of mucus.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America - organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy, and research. http://www.aafa.org
Asthma attack - the worsening of one's asthma with increased inflammation and asthma symptoms. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.
Asthma diary - a daily notebook in which you record peak flow readings, asthma symptoms, and environmental or medication changes. Over time, your asthma diary may be able to help you detect patterns about your asthma as well as help you to predict when your asthma will get better or worse.
Asthma symptoms - the presence of one or more asthma manifestations, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing.
PROVENTIL® HFA Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in adults and children 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Albuterol (CFC) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in patients 12 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Important Safety Information
If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use PROVENTIL® HFA or Albuterol (CFC) Inhalation Aerosols, contact your doctor immediately because this reaction can be life threatening. Worsening symptoms often occur with the first use of a new canister.
What to tell your doctor before using PROVENTIL® HFA or Albuterol (CFC) Inhalation Aerosols: If you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, be sure to tell your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows all medications you are taking — especially heart medications and drugs that treat depression — because some medications may interfere with how well your asthma medications work.
Side effects with PROVENTIL® HFA and Albuterol (CFC) Inhalation Aerosols are similar: In a clinical study, side effects associated with PROVENTIL® HFA and Albuterol (CFC) Inhalation Aerosols were similar and included infection of the ears, nose, and throat, runny nose, nausea, tremor, and nervousness. Rapid heart beat, vomiting, chest pain, and palpitation occurred more frequently with PROVENTIL® HFA.
Available by prescription only.
For additional important product information, see The PROVENTIL® HFA Package Insert.
For additional important product information on the Warrick inhaler, see The Albuterol Package Insert.
Note: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your treatment or medical condition, please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This site is intended for use by U.S. residents.
