If you or your child has asthma – or you suspect it – learn as much about the condition as you can and bring any questions to your doctor. Below is an overview of asthma, as well as 10 important asthma facts to know.
Asthma Symptoms, Severity & Risk Factors
Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person, and the timing may be infrequent or constant. Typical attacks manifest with shortness of breath, pain in the chest or tightness, trouble sleeping because of breathing issues or coughing, and a wheezing sound while exhaling.
There are four classifications for asthma. Mild intermittent asthma occurs when symptoms happen up to two days a week and two nights per month. Mild persistent asthma symptoms happen more than twice a week, but no more than once a day; moderate persistent and severe persistent asthma are increased rates of breathing problems, culminating in issues that happen all day and all night.
There is little understanding of what exactly causes asthma, but several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:
1) Family history – A parent, brother or sister with the disease makes it more likely to develop.
2) Other allergies – Someone who is allergic to many things may have a tendency to develop asthma.
3) Obesity – Being overweight strains the system in general and can affect breathing.
4) Smoking – Sucking smoke into the lungs can aggravate any existing problems in that area. Those who work in smoky environments – waiters, waitresses, bartenders, performers – may develop asthma.
5) Exhaust exposure – Mechanics who work in closed bays may develop breathing problems based on that exposure.
6) Other occupations – Farmers, hairdressers and others who work in proximity to chemicals and grasses may develop asthma.
Signs of asthma include sleep interference from coughing or wheezing; having to miss school or work because of breathing issues; and the need to visit an emergency room because of breathing issues. Respiratory infections or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can mimic asthma symptoms, so a complete physical will be needed to determine whether the cause of breathing issues is asthma or something else.
There is no cure for asthma. But its symptoms can be controlled with an inhaled medication that will expand breathing passages and provide temporary relief.
Here are some facts about the disease that everyone who has the condition or knows someone with it should know:
1) Asthma can get worse – There are flare-ups of the disease that become more frequent and severe over time. This is marked by increased breathing difficulties and the need to use an inhaler more frequently.
2) The weather can affect asthma – Particularly during exercise, cold and dry air can aggravate the condition. Workplace conditions like chemical odors or dust can cause problems, and allergy season can exacerbate the condition when pollen and other irritants fill the air.
3) There are asthma triggers – Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers and naproxen can trigger an asthma attack; stress or strong emotions also can increase the odds of an attack, and so can smoky rooms.
4) Food preservatives may play a role – Shrimp, processed potatoes, beer, wine and dried fruit contain certain preservatives and sulfites that can induce an asthma attack.
5) GERD – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid backs up into the throat, which can cause an asthma reaction.
6) Air conditioning helps – The filter on most air conditioners can limit the pollen from grasses and weeds that manage to find their way indoors. Lower humidity also can reduce dust mites.
7) Pets – Some people are allergic to pet dander, and an accumulation of it can induce an asthma attack. Regularly grooming a pet with fur can help decrease dander amounts in the room.
8) Change your bedroom – Nighttime attacks of asthma can be minimized by removing things that can potentially cause issues. Carpeting, curtains and blinds can retain dust that trigger problems. Box springs, mattresses and pillows should all have dust-proof covers on them.
9) The bathroom is a trap – Damp areas in the bathroom can harbor mold, which can cause breathing problems. It is important to clean the bathtub, shower and sinks frequently to maintain a mold-free environment.
10) Cover your nose and mouth – If it’s cold out, wear a scarf or other protection that will keep the cold air out of your nose, mouth and lungs. This can go a long way toward preventing an attack.
When an Attack Occurs
Some asthma attacks can quickly escalate into emergencies. If an inhaler isn’t providing substantial relief in short order or shortness of breath develops during minimal physical activity, it is a sign that the issue is serious and needs immediate attention.
Asthma can change over time, and a mild case can turn worse. It is advisable to see a doctor rather than taking more medication without consultation. Lung function tests will be administered to check air flow and lung capacity.
If asthma is diagnosed, the type of treatment will depend on the symptoms, age of the patient, triggers and what works best. Most patients will receive a quick-relief inhaler (known as a bronchodilator) that can open swollen air passages quickly when an attack unexpectedly strikes.
Patients also supplement inhalers with long-term daily medications. These can include inhaled corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs) that have fewer side effects than oral steroids and an oral medication called Leukotriene modifier (sold commercially as Singulair, Accolate and Zyflo), which can moderate asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. However, these medications can induce such symptoms as agitation, hallucinations, aggression, depression and suicidal thinking, so their use must be strictly supervised.