What You Need to Know About Asthma

If you think more people have asthma these days, you’re correct. According to the CDC, there was a 28% rise between 2001 and 2011. For black children, the rate has increased by 50%.

Most experts believe the causes are mostly environmental. That could be a combination of indoor and outdoor air pollution and higher levels of airborne pollens linked to climate change.

For the 25 million Americans with asthma, symptoms can be mild or severe, intermittent or persistent.

They include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and wheezing.

For now, it’s a long-term lung disease with no cure, but appropriate treatment can help you to enjoy a long and full life. Learn more about asthma and how to manage it.

Medical Care For Asthma

When you have asthma, it’s difficult to breathe because the airways in your lungs become narrower and inflamed.

Keeping your symptoms under control may help you to avoid more severe episodes.

1. Get diagnosed.

Asthma often starts in childhood. Your doctor will give you a physical exam and a variety of tests.

That includes procedures to see how well your lungs work, chest X-rays, and allergy tests.

2. Take medication.

There are two main types of drugs. Bronchodilators relax the muscles surrounding the airways, while corticosteroids suppress inflammation.

3. Use an inhaler.

You’ll need to carry an inhaler that can provide quick relief by delivering your medication directly into your lungs through your mouth.

Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the right device and show you how to use it.

4. Seek immediate care.

Go to an emergency room if you’re having a severe attack, especially if you’re experiencing panting, have pale or blue skin, or have trouble breathing.

You may be at risk for shock or dangerously low blood pressure.

5. Follow the news.

Research continues on longer-lasting treatments for asthma and allergies.

For example, one animal study found that blocking a certain protein might return airways to a near-healthy state.

Coping Strategies For Living with Asthma

There are a wide range of triggers for asthma. Once you understand your individual risks, you can take steps to avoid them.

1. Stay active.

Exercise-induced asthma is common, but physical activity is essential for your lungs and overall well-being.

Talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you, warm up slowly, and keep your inhaler within reach.


2. Mind the weather.

Limit your time outdoors on extremely hot or cold days and when the pollen count is high.

Pay attention to the air quality index too.

3. Quit tobacco.

Smoke from any source irritates your lungs. Studies show that nicotine replacement combined with counseling increases quit rates.

Stay away from secondhand smoke, and ask caretakers to refrain from smoking.

4. Change your diet.

The most common food allergies are dairy products, nuts, shellfish, and certain food additives.

An elimination diet that avoids one food at a time may help you find what’s aggravating your symptoms.

5. Check your medicine cabinet.

Let your doctor know about any over-the-counter and prescription drugs you use.

For example, you may need to avoid aspirin.

6. Blame your dog.

Dander from fur and feathers is another irritant.

If you love your pets too much to give them up, keep them out of your bedroom. It also helps to vacuum frequently.

7. Practice breathing.

Train yourself to breathe slowly and deeply through your nose.

Take Pilates classes, or find a therapist to teach you the Buteyko and Papworth techniques.

More effective remedies may be on the way.

Until then, you can help keep your asthma under control by following your doctor’s treatment plan and limiting exposure to your triggers.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Asthma guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over a decade and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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