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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/)
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