Asthma Glossary
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) - a chronic condition that can afflict asthmatics. The esophageal flap, which seals the stomach from the lower esophagus, does not remain closed when it should, particularly when the patient is reclining. This allows stomach acid and its fumes, and partially digested contents, to escape upwards through the esophagus. This material can be aspirated into the lungs, triggering an asthma attack. Effective treatment of GERD in nonallergic asthmatics can significantly improve or even eliminate their asthma symptoms. Clues that GERD may be aggravating asthma include: (1) asthma that occurs for the first time during adulthood; (2) asthma that gets worse after meals, lying down, or while exercising; and (3) asthma that gets worse at night.
Hay fever - allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis includes various symptoms from runny nose to stuffy nose, sneezing, and scratchy nose and throat.
High Efficiency Particulate Arrester Filter (HEPA) - an air filtration process that is used for desensitizing and allergy-proofing an indoor environment.
Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) - propellant used in metered dose inhalers that is nonchlorinated. It is FDA approved and safe for the environment.
Immunotherapy - process by which an allergy patient is exposed to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen for the purpose of decreasing sensitivity to the allergen.
Inflammation - an alteration in the tissue of asthmatic patients caused by asthma triggers; this may lead to airway swelling and irritability.
Inhaled corticosteroids - a common type of maintenance medication for asthma derived from cortisone.
Late phase reaction - asthma symptoms occurring 4 to 8 hours after exposure to the specific asthma trigger, continuing up to 24 hours or longer.
Leukotriene modifier - a type of medication that blocks the action of the leukotrienes, which cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production.
Long-term controller - term used to classify medications. It is a preventive medication, like an anti-inflammatory agent, that prevents symptoms and asthma episodes from starting.
Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) - a hand-held canister used to inhale medication in measured amounts. MDIs are the most common way to take asthma medication. Many people find MDIs easier to use with a spacer. It is important that the number of sprays emitted from a canister be tracked. Numerous studies have shown that MDIs lose their efficacy long before the canister is empty.
Mild intermittent asthma - asthma with symptoms occurring less than or equal to 2 days a week, and nighttime symptoms occurring less than or equal to twice a month, with greater than 80 percent predicted lung functions.
Mild persistent asthma - asthma with symptoms occurring more than twice a week, but not daily, and nighttime symptoms occurring more than twice a month, with greater than 80 percent predicted lung functions.
Mucus - a moist secretion produced by the glands in the bronchioles that protects and cleanses the lungs.
Nasal inhaler - a device used to deliver medication by the nasal route.
Nasal wash - a procedure used by those with sinus symptoms, nasal pressure, and/or congestion, whereby a warm saline solution is used to irrigate the nose.
Nebulizer - a device for transforming a liquid medicine into a vapor. The vapor is inhaled, usually by means of a face mask or mouthpiece, into the lungs. The nebulization of the medicine into extremely fine particles increases the absorption rate by the lungs. MDIs with spacers and DPIs may be as or even more effective in delivering drug to the airways. Less expensive nebulizers use an air compressor; ultrasonic models are very portable, nearly silent, and faster, but more expensive.
Nocturnal asthma - asthma that worsens during the night.
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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