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Tag: asthma symptoms

  • Asthma Symptoms: How To Manage And Cope With Asthma

    Asthma is a disease characterized by periods when the sufferer has a hard time breathing or getting enough oxygen. These periods are referred to as asthma attacks and can be scary and dangerous.

    During an asthma attack, the person’s airways become inflamed and swollen, making it harder for air to get through. Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness are common symptoms of asthma. Because asthma is a disease, there is no cure for it and the symptoms can only be treated.

    Asthma can occur occasionally or often and can interfere with a person’s daily routine and quality of life. Many people who have asthma are unable to participate in sports, enjoy certain activities or even sleep well at night.

    Inhalers are one of the best and most convenient ways to control asthma. If you use an inhaler, you should always carry it with you. It is never a good idea to share inhalers or use one if you are not having an asthma attack or feel one coming on.

    There are also certain things that can trigger asthma attacks that should be avoided. These triggers can vary, but common asthma triggers include certain foods, chemicals, allergens, pets and even certain fabrics.

    If you know what triggers your asthma, you can avoid the triggers and reduce your chances of having an asthma attack. Some people have more than one trigger and will have to use trial and error to determine exactly what triggers an asthma attack.

    Certain activities can cause asthma attacks as well. Running, jumping, coughing and even getting overly excited or being scared can all cause asthma attacks. If these things can’t be avoided, it is best to try to control your breathing during or after the activity to reduce your chances of having an asthma attack.

    Asthma can be frustrating and scary at times, but knowing how to manage and cope with the disease can help you live a better and happier life and have less asthma attacks and symptoms.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Asthma Symptoms Worse for Children in September

    Doctors say that September is one of the worst times for asthma sufferers and claim that they see more cases during the this month than any other time of year. Nearly 7 million children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from asthma. Allergens and respiratory infections can make asthma symptoms worse and with so many children headed back to school during September, it is easy for them to catch a virus or bacteria that can affect the lungs.

    Dr. Holly Hanes, pulmonary specialist at Brenner Children’s Hospital, said “Indoor allergens such as dust and molds, and with the increase in outdoor allergens with ragweed, pollen and the weather changes, all of these factors together can increase their risk of having more asthma symptoms.”

    “It creates a vicious cycle when we limit activity on children with asthma, which leads to symptoms of them being more sedentary and then overweight and then their asthma is much more difficult to control.”

    Many doctors believe that encouraging asthma sufferers to exercise and be active can actually improve symptoms. Kristin Carson, a doctoral student specializing in respiratory medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide, Australia said,

    “Sometimes people with asthma don’t like to use medications all the time. Some people simply forget to use them whilst others use them but not regularly enough to prevent asthma attacks. She considers physical exercise a valuable alternative approach to help control asthma attacks.

    There are other things parents can do to help children cope with asthma during the fall and winter, aside from exercising in moderation. Dr. Hanes says parents should keep their children away from secondhand smoke, make sure all asthma medications are current and up to date and make sure the child gets a flu shot every year.

    Image from Wikimedia Commons.