Asthma - A Quick Read

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Are you having difficulty breathing?
Are you wheezing and having shortness of breath?

What is Asthma?
  • is an inflammation or swelling in the airways in and to the lungs.
Symptoms of Asthma:
  • attacks of breathlessness
  • chest tightening
  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • some people do not show any signs or symptoms in between attacks
Causes and triggers:
  • can be genetic and environmental
  • Allergies from pet dander, dust and household pests like cockroaches etc
  • Tobacco smoke - increases risk of Asthma
  • Air pollution
  • Fume inhalation
  • High humidity
  • Cold temperatures
  • Respiratory infections
  • Certain medications
  • GERD (Reflux Disease)
  • Obesity
  • Stress and emotional situations
Affected groups:
  • Childhood asthma - Children born to both parents with asthma will have a 50% likelihood of developing asthma.
  • Perimentrual asthma sufferers - acute symptoms during the menstrual cycle.
  • Occupational asthma - symptoms by being present in particular workplace.
  • Adult-onset asthma - can begin at any age but is more prevalent in 20 years and above particularly in females.
Lifestyle Suggestions:
  • Avoiding allergens or allergen containing substances
  • Taking precautions while exercising if prone to exercise-induced asthma.
  • Reducing weight if over-weight
  • Avoiding exposure to cold temperatures and polluted areas that may trigger the attack.
  • Using the "preventer" inhaler regularly as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Keeping the "reliever" inhaler handy and nearby if case of attacks.
  • Taking precautions to avoid reflux disease from food.
Treatment Options (that may be suggested by your healthcare provider):
  • Inhalers
  • Oral medications
  • Intravenous treatment
  • Vaccination * (optional to avoid complications like influenza)
Complications:
  • Fatigue and underperformace
  • Unable to do strenous physical activity
  • Psychological problems like stress and anxiety
  • Respiratory infections 
  • Collapse of part of a lung
  • Respiratory failure
  • Asthma attacks that fail to respond to treatment
  • Fatal, if not treated properly


All these and more are available at Health First pharmacy...visit us for all your health needs first...talk to us first!!!



























(Picture credit: https://annapolispulmonary.com/services/asthma/)