Secondhand smoke can also be a dangerous asthma trigger. According to Kids Health, “secondhand smoke can damage the lungs, leading to long-term breathing problems or worsening existing breathing problems.” This is why children who live with smokers are known to have more flare-ups.
There are a number of other triggers associated with asthma. These can include: allergic conditions (like hay fever), car fumes and other environmental pollutants, and chemicals (like those found in many hair dyes).
Problems from Asthma
Asthma can lead to multiple complications. Not only can it affect work performance and the ability to sleep, it can wreak havoc on life in general. Medications can also cause side effects (like jitteriness). And costly emergency room visits are often needed to treat symptoms.
Plus, some people with asthma can experience what is called “airway remodeling.” When this occurs, the lungs actually change. According to the Asthma Initiative of Michigan, “these changes can include thickened airway membranes, larger airway muscles and mucus glands, and growth of scar tissue under the airway lining, making the airways narrow, and causing asthma symptoms.”
Treatments for Asthma
When it comes to asthma, the most important thing is to keep the condition under control. To achieve this goal, you may need both short-term and long-term treatment options.