“Perhaps it’s a cold,” you think, trying not to panic. The issue goes away. However, the symptoms come back a few days later. And soon you start to observe them on a regular basis.
Certain things seem to trigger these episodes. You’ve noticed breathing issues after being around a neighbor who smokes, while holding another neighbor’s cat, again while exercising, and after being in a dusty shed.
A visit to your doctor reveals a concerning diagnosis -- asthma.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), asthma is a chronic condition that affects over 25 million Americans. Most often diagnosed in childhood, nearly seven million of those who suffer from asthma are children.
So just what is asthma?
Asthma is a condition that causes both an inflammation and constriction of the airways leading to the lungs, as well as a buildup of mucus. This makes the movement of air to and from the lungs difficult.
Consequently, those with asthma wheeze. In addition, sufferers can experience an uncomfortable tightness in the chest, the feeling of not being able to take a full breath, and morning or night coughing.
Why Asthma? Causes and Contributing Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, both environmental factors and genetics can cause asthma. Though triggers for people aren’t always the same, there are a number of things that can set off an asthma attack.
Allergens: The first is allergens in the air. These can be allergens that occur during times of seasonal change, like pollen. Or they can be allergens related to the dander of animals, like the neighbor’s cat. In addition, mold and dust mites can trigger an asthma attack.
Illness: Sickness can also trigger symptoms of asthma. This is particularly true of colds and respiratory infections.
Physical activity: Exercise is yet another factor. This is referred to as exercise-induced asthma. Chilly air, environmental factors like smoke, and emotional issues can also serve as triggers.
Diet: Further, certain foods and drinks containing sulfites and preservatives can trigger symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, these items can include: dried fruit, potatoes that are processed, shrimp, and even alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.
Drugs: Medications can also cause contribute to asthma flare-ups. For example, beta blockers can trigger symptoms. And pain relievers containing aspirin and ibuprofen have been known to trigger asthma attacks.
Other Health Issues: Finally, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause symptoms of asthma. According to the Mayo Clinic, GERD is a condition that causes stomach acids to back up into the throat. One reason for this is that the hydrochloric acid associated with GERD makes inflammation of the airways more severe, which in turn makes symptoms of asthma worse.
Who Gets It?
Genetics: Though anyone can develop asthma at any age, some have a higher risk than others. For starters, asthma can be inherited. This means that if there is a family history, the risk of developing asthma is higher.
Obesity: Weight is also thought to be associated with asthma. In fact, Everyday Health reports that one study concluded that kids and teens who are grossly overweight could be two times as likely to become asthmatic compared to children who are not obese. Further, research shows that adults who are overweight and asthmatic could be five times more likely to spend time in a hospital as a result of this condition compared to those who are not obese and also suffer from asthma.
Tobacco Use: It’s no surprise that smoking and being around active smokers may also serve as triggers. In fact, Partners Asthma Center says that “persons with asthma who smoke cigarettes are in ‘double jeopardy…’ they risk episodes of breathing difficulty due to asthma on top of everyday shortness of breath from…cigarette smoke-induced lung diseases, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.” In addition, those who develop asthma after the age of 50 are usually current or past smokers.
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.
For short-term treatment, patients are often given a beta agonist. This is a bronchodilator, like albuterol. Medications like prednisone are also given to restore regular breathing.
Long-term treatments can also involve the use of inhalers in which corticosteroids, like Flonase, are used. Oral medications called leukotriene modifiers (like Singulair) are another option for long-term use. These may relieve symptoms for up to a day. Long-acting beta agonists can also be prescribed. In addition, combination inhalers may be recommended, in which a long-acting beta agonist is combined with a corticosteroid.
For those with allergy-related asthma, shots are often given. Shots can be used to keep the immune system from reacting to allergens or to alter the immune system.
If you are diagnosed with asthma, be sure to carry medications with you at all times. This protects you from suffering a reaction with no backup plan. And go to the emergency room immediately for severe asthma attacks. Don’t put this off. Severe asthma attacks can be life threatening.