Asthma

An Unexplained Epidemic

For information about Hartford's asthma problem, click here.

Glossary

Allergen: substance that sets off allergic reaction in a person sensitive to that substance

Anti-inflammatory: medicine that reduces inflammation of the airways

Asthma attack (episode): period of couching, wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness caused by asthma

Asthma development: the beginning of asthma in persons without the disease

Asthma exacerbation: the triggering of an asthma attack or worsening of an attack in a person with asthma

Bronchodilator: medicine to relax and open the airways

Dander: tiny flakes of skin, hair, or feathers

Incidence: number of new cases in a given period

Inhaler: small plastic device used to get medicine to the airways

Irritant: substance that irritates the lungs and sets off an asthma attack

Peak flow meter: small, portable device that measures your airflow

Prevalence: total number of people in the population with a disease at a given time

Trigger: substance that causes or worsens an asthma attack.

For a more detailed glossary, click here.