Asthma Glossary
Bronchial tube - the large air tube or airway of the lungs that brings air from the trachea to the bronchioles.
Bronchitis - acute or chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Bronchoconstriction - narrowing of the bronchioles.
Bronchodilator - relaxes the smooth muscle bands around the bronchial tubes.
Budesonide - inhaled corticosteroid.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - permanent lung damage, usually caused by smoking, that leads to an obstruction of airflow during exhalation. Emphysema is the most common form of COPD; chronic bronchitis is another common form.
Crisis plan - a set of instructions that details how to assess and respond appropriately to your asthma when it worsens. It is developed with your asthma doctor and consists of peak flow information, symptom assessment, medication, and emergency instructions.
Diaphragm - the largest muscle in the pulmonary system. It is between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity. As the diaphragm moves down, the lungs are able to expand, allowing more space for air. As the diaphragm goes up, air is forced out of the lungs.
Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) - similar to an MDI, it delivers a precisely measured dose of medicine into the lungs. Inhalation triggers the medicine's release rather than the press of the canister. The medicine itself is in the form of a dry powder.
Dust mite - microscopic arachnids that often infest animals, plants, and stored foods and include important disease vectors. They are one of the most common asthma triggers. Dust mites live 2 to 4 months and reproduce every 3 weeks. They live on the dead skin cells of humans and the dander of animals, and tend to accumulate along with the house dust.
Early warning signs - asthma symptoms that can become helpful indicators that your asthma is worsening. Learning about your specific symptom patterns may assist you in caring preventively for your asthma.
Environmental control - modifications, changes, or alterations to your environment in order to reduce, remove, or control the allergens that worsen asthma.
Exercise-induced asthma - worsening of asthma caused by exercise.
Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) - the volume of air that is exhaled (in liters) in the first second. A reduction in FEV1 can signal asthma and is a red flag to a doctor that airway obstruction exists.
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.
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.
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.
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