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Asthma is a common condition, affecting more than 25 million Americans. When triggered, it narrows and swells the airways, making breathing a challenge. It increases mucus production, coughing, and wheezing. Due to its prevalence, doctors have developed medicinal treatments for short- and long-term control over symptoms. If you or a loved one are experiencing this respiratory disease, learn more about the condition from the guide below. 

What Are the Common Causes for Asthma?

Children are more likely to develop the illness than adults. Among children, boys are more susceptible than girls. It’s unclear why, though some believe that it’s because a boy’s airways are smaller than a girl’s at the same age. The smaller airways may increase the risk of wheezing after experiencing a cold or an upper respiratory infection (URI). By age 20, men and women have an equal likelihood of developing the disease. However, around age 40, women are more prone to it than men

AsthmaHaving a genetic predisposition also increases risk. Parents with the disease are more likely to pass it to their children than families with no history.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is also a hereditary condition. While more known for causing red, itchy scales on the skin, it also makes individuals more vulnerable to allergens in food and the air, contributing to asthma development.   

Cigarette smoke is linked with the condition, as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces lung function in infants and increases the likelihood of premature birth. When children are born prematurely, their lungs may be underdeveloped, which leads to a higher susceptibility. Secondhand smoke exposure also leads to the disease occurring in children. 

Children and adults with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 are also at an elevated risk. It is believed that the inflammatory substances in fat tissue affect the lungs.

How Is It Triggered?

Emotions

Those with the condition will likely trigger an attack when overwhelmed with emotion. Stress is usually the catalyst, but acute anxiety, anger, laughing, and crying will also generate symptoms. 

Infections

Up to 50% of attacks are caused by viral or bacterial factors, like flu cases, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and URI. Children under 10 are most susceptible and may experience an increase in attacks even two months after the infection has been treated.

Medications

Those with the condition may have a sensitivity to aspirin, so anti-inflammatories like naproxen and ibuprofen should be avoided. Beta-blockers are often prescribed to treat rapid heartbeats, heart disease, high blood pressure, and glaucoma. However, they can also exacerbate asthma symptoms. To prevent this, doctors may prescribe an ACE inhibitor instead

Weather

The extreme cold of winter and humidity of summer will make breathing more difficult for everyone, especially those with this disease. Summer also sees an increase in the number of allergens, including pollen, in the air. 

What Are the Types of Asthma?

Allergies 

AsthmaAirborne allergies often trigger symptoms. Pollen, pet dander, pollution, and mold are common culprits. Studies have also shown that homes with high levels of droppings from dust mites and cockroaches increase the risk of the illness developing in children. Those with the condition who are regularly exposed to these allergens are more likely to experience frequent attacks.   

Allergies to food and related additives often trigger mild or severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Foods like eggs, soy, fish (and shellfish), wheat, peanuts, fruit, salad, and cow’s milk are likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Preservatives and sulfite additives will also cause an attack.

Cough-Variant 

This variation is known for severe and sustained coughing, usually caused by heartburn, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, and postnasal drip. It’s also the most underdiagnosed form of the illness and is often triggered by exercise and URI. To accurately identify the cough-variant, doctors will likely subject patients to lung function tests.   

Exercise-Induced

Exercise can induce an attack, though individuals may only experience the condition when exercising. This is because the exertion narrows the airways. Athletes will feel chest tightness, begin to cough or have difficulty breathing for up to 15 minutes at the beginning of the workout. The symptoms should subside within the next hour of the regimen. However, many may experience another attack within 10 hours of working out. A 10-minute warm-up that gradually increases in intensity may help prevent an attack from occurring.  

Nocturnal

The nocturnal variant is common, triggered by the circadian rhythm and its hormonal secretions at night. Worsening of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing will be standard, especially when sleeping due to the body’s position. 

Occupational

Workplace conditions may trigger a response. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, congestion, runny nose, and eye irritations.

Those with occupational asthma usually work outdoors. However, outdoor or indoor exposure to chemical fumes, solvents, and industrial or wood dust will also trigger symptoms. 

What Are the Signs of an Asthma Attack? 

AsthmaAn attack is a noticeable and prolonged worsening of symptoms. If home treatments do not work, this is a sign of a severe attack that should be treated by your doctor. 

Since symptoms can change over time, maintain routine appointments with them. They will make the necessary changes to your treatment plan to keep the symptoms under control and reduce attacks. 

What Treatment Options Are Available?  

Short-Term

  • Short-acting beta-agonists: This is the preferred method of fast symptom relief. The beta-agonists are inhaled once or twice every four to six hours. 
  • Rescue Inhalers: They relax the tightened airway muscles, allowing for more natural breathing. See your doctor if the inhaler is needed more than two days a week. 
  • Anticholinergics: Anticholinergics reduce the amount of mucus in the body and open airways.
  • Combination quick-relief medicines: The combination of anticholinergic medications and a short-acting beta-agonist will provide relief from swelling and may reduce attacks. 

Long-Term

  • Inhaled corticosteroids: This is the most effective long-term treatment for asthma. They reduce symptoms and flare-ups, provide superior control over the disease, and prevent attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids do this by relieving the swelling, inflammation, and mucus production in the airways. They are not related to human growth hormones (HGH). 
  • Biologics: Biologics are shots or infusions given by a doctor every few weeks in severe cases. They target proteins or cells to prevent inflammation of the airways.
  • Leukotriene modifiers: They relax the muscles around the airways and relieve swelling. Unlike most treatments taken as an inhalant or through a nebulizer, leukotriene modifiers are pills or liquids. 
  • Oral corticosteroids: Traditional medications may not affect acute asthma. In these cases, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids to be taken over several weeks. They effectively reduce swelling, inflammation, and hospitalizations.  

 

While there is no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be minimized with assistance from a doctor. For over 20 years, Urgent & Primary Care has helped their patients breathe easier. They provide comprehensive one-on-one care to help find the right medication and treatment plan. The details of your visits and treatments will be kept confidential, as they follow all of the HIPAA privacy regulations. Serving Albany, NY, and its surrounding areas, visit their website for more information on their medical services. To schedule an appointment, call (518) 463-8262.

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