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/)