Are you trying to figure out if you have a breathing problem like asthma? Read this article to learn the causes and signs of asthma.
In the U.S. alone there are an estimated 26 million people affected by asthma and many of them may not even be aware of it. Do you know the causes and signs of asthma and what to do if see or experience them?
In this article, we’re going to discuss everything there is to know about asthma, how to tell the signs and how to keep it under control.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which your airways begin to inflame, causing them to narrow and swell, making it difficult to breathe.
It creates extra mucus in your lungs, which can cause you to cough, have shortness of breath, and wheeze.
Signs of Asthma
The symptoms of asthma can vary from one person to the next but the most common signs are
- Wheezing
- Tightness in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or difficulty breathing (especially while exercising, at night, or when laughing)
All signs should be taken seriously and can even lead to death if not treated. You may experience one or more of these symptoms only at certain times or all the time.
Some people may have different symptoms at different times, so it’s important to see a doctor if experiencing any of them.
Causes of Asthma
Asthma can appear at any time in life and it is still unclear as to what exactly causes a person to develop asthma.
If developed, it can be trigged at any time for several reasons
- Allergens and pollen
- Smoke and fumes
- Exercise and illness
- Rapid breathing and strong emotions
Risks of Asthma
The risks of developing asthma are believed to increase from the following:
- Smoking or secondhand smoke
- Exhaust fumes or pollution
- Chemicals from manufacturing and farming
- Having a blood-related relative with asthma
Preventing Asthma
Since it is still unclear as to what exactly causes asthma, sadly there is no way to prevent developing it. However, you can prevent causing asthma attacks and learn how to live with the condition.
- Know and avoid asthma attack triggers
- Receive vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia
- Take prescribed medication
- Create an asthma attack action plan with your doctor
Treatments for Asthma
Sadly there is no cure for asthma, once developed there is no way to rid of it. However, there are treatments and asthma medications that can help you fight and prevent asthma attacks.
Avoiding triggers and things such as pet dander, mold, and pollen are great ways to prevent attacks. However, it’s not always possible to avoid these types of triggers. A rescue inhaler is commonly prescribed to open up your airways when exposed.
Do You Have Asthma?
If you experience any signs of asthma, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away, as asthma can be life-threatening if not treated.
Know your body and look for the warning signs. Keep control of your health and make sure you have the proper Asthma medication! Please check out our blog for more information that’ll help you improve your health!
Dealing with asthma may be tough, but it’s definitely not impossible. A better word for it in this day and age is actually “expensive”. There are very few insurance policies that cover asthma treatments, and the ones that do are usually very expensive. If you are spending hundreds of dollars a month on asthma medicine you might want to look into joining a prescription advocacy program. These programs can help you get discounted drugs like Advair Diskus. This can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Not to mention the fact that you can get these meds delivered to your door instead of having to pick them up every month.
