Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects millions of people throughout the country. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, an opportune time to consider how to best identify and manage this condition.
Asthma is often hereditary and can affect people of all ages. Worldwide, it is the most common chronic disease among children and in the United States it affects 28 million adults and almost 5 million children. (according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America).
In New York, 9.9% of adults and 9.2% of children have asthma (according to the American Lung Association).
Asthma can cause hospitalizations and contribute significantly to healthcare costs, with annual medical costs in the US reaching around $82 billion.
This condition can be safely controlled with consistent treatment that allows you to lead a healthy and normal life.
Here are some tips to consider if you or a loved one has asthma:
– Consult your medical provider:
If you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness or pain, make an appointment with your doctor. To determine if you have asthma, your doctor may perform a physical exam, lung function tests, x-rays of the chest and sinuses, or blood tests and allergy tests. If you think your child has asthma, be sure to visit your pediatrician to get it diagnosed.
If you are diagnosed with asthma, there are many treatment options available to help manage your condition. Your doctor may advise you to stay aware of triggers and suggest the use of drug therapies.
Long-term maintenance medications are usually taken daily to control asthma in both children and adults. Examples are inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, and biologic medications.
Medicines can be administered through an inhaler or nebulizer. Some medications come in pill form or are given intravenously.
– Try to avoid triggers, especially during spring:
An asthma attack can happen after coming into contact with a specific trigger, including common allergens such as tree pollen, pollution, animal dander, fragrances, extreme weather changes, and dust mites. That’s why it’s important to identify your triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible.
Although there are different types of asthma, allergic asthma is a common type among children and adults, affecting around 60% of patients with this disease. (according to Cleveland Clinic).
Allergic asthma is a condition that causes the airways to narrow once an allergen is inhaled. During spring, there may be excess pollen and dust in the air, which can make symptoms worse.
If you notice your symptoms worsening during the spring months, talk to your doctor about medication seasonally to best support your health and monitor pollen levels in your area. If pollen is high, try to avoid spending a lot of time outside, especially doing vigorous physical exercise or gardening, which can increase your exposure to these environmental factors.
It is preferable to go outside after it rains as this will clear the pollen in the air. If you go out, be sure to shower thoroughly and wash your clothes to remove any allergens when you return.
Your doctor may consider allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, to help reduce your allergic reactions. (according to Mayo Clinic).
– Develop a plan for emergencies and stay on top of illnesses:
Although the best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, it is also important to be prepared for emergencies, especially during spring when allergens are difficult to avoid.
Take medication to prevent symptoms and be prepared to treat asthma attacks if they occur. Be sure to always carry your inhaler with you so you can act quickly in the event of an outbreak and reduce the risk of a severe attack.
A respiratory illness, such as the flu, can also increase the chance of an asthma attack, so talk to your doctor about how to best support your immune health.
If you get sick, monitor for flare-ups and prioritize your recovery. Mental health has also been shown to have an impact on asthma symptoms, with stress, anxiety and depression contributing to relapses.
It is important to consider your emotional well-being and look for ways to reduce stress, encourage relaxation, get good sleep, and seek support when you need it.
Although asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, it can be managed effectively by taking the right steps. If you or a loved one has asthma, there are many ways to support your respiratory health and live a full, active life.
