Asthma Awareness: 9 Essential Facts to Know

Facts About Asthma You Should Know

Asthma is a chronic condition impacting the lungs and respiratory passages, characterized by inflamed airways filled with mucus, potentially leading to constriction or dilation discomfort. Here are 8 insights for you about asthma and its treatment:

1. Asthma can affect individuals of any age, with obesity and familial asthma history increasing susceptibility. Genetic factors also contribute significantly.

2. Childhood asthma can continue into adulthood, but you can manage the symptoms even though there is no complete cure. Children might have on-and-off symptoms, while adults often deal with them more regularly.

3. Just as you get used to the wheezing and breathlessness from asthma, suddenly, those signs vanish, and instead, there is a persistent cough. The truth is that symptoms can vary. They might improve, worsen, or change entirely. 

4. Boys are more likely to develop asthma during childhood compared to girls, with studies showing they have double the chance, as seen in positive allergy and bronchial responsiveness tests.

5. Asthmatic attacks can be triggered by allergens, exercise, smoke, and pollution. The airways become irritated and inflamed, which increases their sensitivity to other allergens. Among triggers, cigarette smoke is a significant trigger for asthma. Thus, if you’re a smoker, consider quitting smoking immediately. Non-smokers should avoid its exposure, especially children who are more susceptible to second-hand smoke.

6. During the winter, bronchial asthma symptoms intensify due to the freezing temperature outside, indoor heating systems, and closed windows. The chilly air and low humidity worsen respiratory conditions and exacerbate inflammation. Also, heating systems can blow dust, mould, or pet dander into the air and trigger asthma symptoms of wheezing. 

7. Obese children are more likely to get asthma. The risk increases directly with body mass. Furthermore, overweight children with asthma may require higher inhaler use. Researchers state it is related to inflammation induced by body fat or extra weight on the child's chest. 

8. Treating an asthma attack quickly is important. If an asthma attack is untreated, it can be deadly. It is important to clean your surroundings and take asthma medications prescribed by your pulmonologist in Salem to avoid serious complications. Inhaled corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in the airways. Bronchodilators help to open up the airways by relaxing the muscles around them. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is also used in asthma disease treatment in some cases.

9. Lifestyle modifications can help manage and control asthma symptoms. These include - avoiding common triggers of asthma, exercising regularly, adequate sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy diet.

It is critical to have the right knowledge about asthma and treatment, as misconceptions might hinder patients from receiving efficacious treatment. Your doctor will prescribe a suitable treatment plan based on age, the severity of the condition, and the body’s response to specific medications. Always remember that it is best to avoid your known triggers to prevent asthma attacks. Keep your asthma medications (if any) close by and head to the nearest hospital if symptoms persist.