Asthma is a chronic illness which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, the passageways that allow air to enter and leave the lungs. People with asthma are exposed to a substance to which they are sensitive or situation that changes their regular breathing patterns, the symptoms can become more severe. The substances which trigger allergic asthma can be any type of allergens. Symptoms of asthma are as follows:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
There are different types of allergens which can trigger asthma and symptoms can become more severe.
- There are patients who are allergic to many people which can trigger asthma. The common allergens such as house dust mites, animal dander, molds, pollen and cockroach droppings. Your physician can identify the substances from which you are allergic and can recommend the ways to avoid these substances.
Also Read: The Important Daily Asthma Action Plan for Adults
- Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates asthma and symptoms can become very severe. Asthma can also be irritated by air pollution, strong odors or fumes.
- There are some asthma medications whose side effects worsen the symptoms of asthma. The medicines which can worsen the asthma symptoms are aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and beta-blockers, which are used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches or glaucoma.
- Psychophysiological factors such as emotional anxiety and stress may also increase asthma symptoms and trigger an attack.
- Exposure to cold, dry air or weather changes can also trigger asthma.
- There are many food products and food additives which can trigger asthma. Food allergies can cause mild to severe life-threatening conditions and they can rarely cause isolated asthma without other symptoms. The patient with food allergies may exhibit asthma as part of food-induced anaphylaxis. The most common foods associated with allergic symptoms are-
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shrimp and other shellfish
- Salads
- Fresh fruits
Food preservatives can trigger isolated asthma. Sulphite additives such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, etc. are commonly used in food processing or preparation may trigger asthma in those people who are sensitive.
There are many things which you can do to avoid getting affected by the allergies and preventing asthma attacks.
The asthma medications can work quickly to stop coughing and wheezing. Learn more about asthma cure and the various asthma treatment methods for managing the condition.
Also Read: Effects of Asthma in Long and Short Run
Prevention
- Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia.
- Identify the allergens which trigger asthma and stay away from them. Consult your doctor and your physician can help you to identify the allergens and can suggest you the ways to stay away from them.
- Monitor your breathing- if you can learn to recognize the warning signs such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath and then try to maintain your breaths it can help you in preventing the worsening of the situation.
- Take proper asthma care by taking medications on time- take your medicines as prescribed by the doctors and don’t miss your asthma medicine or overdose the medicines as it can worsen the situation. If you ever miss the dosage consult your doctor and follow the instruction.
- Don’t overdo any exercise, avoid going outside during cold weather or if pollution is very high.
- Do exercise regularly.
