Asthma can be triggered or exacerbated by certain materials, events or circumstances. It is important for those who suffer from this disorder to know what they are, how to avoid them and how to treat it.
Asthma can be triggered or exacerbated by certain materials, events or circumstances. It is important for those who suffer from this disorder to know what they are, how to avoid them and how to treat it.
If you happen to have other conditions at the moment that affect the respiratory system, that could be one of the primary triggers for asthma. Infections of the respiratory system happen to be the most common asthma trigger in children considering that their lungs are not developed and therefore could put at an increased risk for contracting a disease. These respiratory conditions are but are not limited to pneumonia, sore throats, sinus infections, colds, and influenza.
Being in a poor environment where there are frequent irritants or pollutants in the air can also easily trigger an asthma episode. These materials can bother an inflamed airway and bring about the exacerbation of symptoms.
Some of these potential air irritants include chemicals, dust, wood fires,, cigarette smoke, charcoal grills, and strong fumes such as gasoline and paint. Since one cannot control the particles in the air at a given time, this situation could be particularly difficult to tolerate. It is usually advised to get away from the area of it is possible.
Environmental hazards may also be present at your workplace, as there have been over 400 substances exposed to have caused work-related asthma. That list continues to grow each day as well. Some of the substances that can affect asthma at work include plant materials, animals, and certain chemicals. You could consult with your supervisor or boss to see if any specific arrangements could be made to accommodate a respiratory condition.
This is another potential trigger that cannot be influenced as this involves the environment once again. Cold air, dry wind, or sudden changes in the weather can bring about asthma and make symptoms worse. Cold, dry air in particular can cause flare-ups, and this is especially seen during the winter.
As for air that is hot and humid, the elevated heat levels can combine with pollutants that are already in the air that can create a form of ozone that can trigger asthma. Windy and wet weather encourages mold growth, and this pollen can be blown throughout the air and come into contact with those who have an allergic reaction.
If the weather happens to satisfy any of these conditions, it is advised to stay indoors. If you have to be outside during weather that is cold, a scarf should be worn covering the mouth and nose. When indoors, windows and doors should be shut to keep allergens and pollen out.
Believe it or not, our emotions can also exacerbate asthma or at least bring about an episode. This is because our breathing changes to a more rapid pace when we are dealing with strong emotions. Whether this is anger, excitement, fear, crying or even intense excitement, our respiratory system undergoes a level of stress when we engage in these behaviors. Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath could result in those emotions, and those symptoms exacerbate asthma.
While it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, physical activity can bring about exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. When you exercise, you have to breathe faster because your oxygen demands are gradually increasing.
The shortness of breath that is associated with exercise can make the shortness of breath associated with asthma worse. Typically, with the proper preventive measures and asthma medications, physical activity will not have to be restricted and one can remain active.
Unfortunately, medicines can also bring about side effects that can trigger asthma. The most common drugs that are known to have asthma as a possible side effect are aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Another class of drugs that can cause asthma are blood pressure-lowering drugs known as beta-blockers. These lines of drugs in particular can also make asthma difficult to control. It should be consulted with a medical professional about what lines of drugs you are taking to see if alternative options are available to avoid a crossover effect.
Unfortunately, man's best friend can also prove to be your respiratory system's worst nightmare. Furry pets can trigger an asthma attack due to fur or other materials that they carry along in their systems. It may be difficult to part ways with a pet, but if there is a clear allergic reaction that causes an exacerbation in asthma, you may want to consider finding the pet another home. If parting with the animal isn't an option on the table, then you will have to expedite how often the pet is bathed and ensure that the floor is vacuumed to remove any excess fur lingering around.
Gastroesophageal Reflux is a condition in which stomach contents travel backward into the esophagus. For kids, some of these contents can be aspirated into the lungs and exacerbate asthma that is already present due to the irritation.
The first step in minimizing the impact of asthma and the triggers is to understand what specifically is causing the triggers to begin with. If you notice a pattern of behavior associated with a certain object, behavior, condition, or material, you should refrain from exposing yourself to it.
Next, you should take asthma medicine as prescribed by a medical provider. Asthma is usually treated using nebulizers and metered dose inhalers. There are also dry powder inhaler alternatives as well.
There are a lot of people who do not understand how to use an inhaler properly, so ensure that you gain enough practice so that you can use it in case of an attack. The key is to ensure that it is taken when you feel the slightest sensation that the asthma is getting worse.
Ensure that you keep in close contact with a medical provider to understand which medicine you have to take when you have to take it, how much has to be taken and when you would have to seek emergency care.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.