Overview
Many people are aware of Asthma, it affects many people and how they live their day to day lives. Asthma is a condition where breathing is made difficult due to constriction of the airways. Muscle tightening around the bronchial tubes as well as increased mucus production makes it difficult for someone experiencing an asthma attack to breathe. Asthma can be major or minor and attacks can vary from mild to severe. Asthma is not curable, but by working with your doctor you can develop a treatment plan that works for you and can keep your symptoms under control.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
An asthma attack can be triggered by a variety of things including but not limited to: stress, pollen, pets, exercise, tobacco smoke, upper respiratory infections, or breathing cold dry air. You can be at an increased risk of asthma attack if you have had a severe asthma attack before, you use more than 2 rescue asthma inhalers a month, you’ve been admitted to the hospital for an asthma attack, or if your asthma symptoms sneak up on you before you notice your symptoms are worsening.
Common symptoms of asthma attacks include: chest tightening and pain, shortness of breath, a whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe out, or trouble sleeping due to any of these symptoms.
Asthma Treatment
If you think you may have asthma talk to your doctor and discover what treatment options are best for you. Asthma is classified based on many criteria including lung function tests, age of onset, types of cells involved in inflammation, your medical history, and a physical exam. Once you’ve determined the type of asthma you have, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan. Different types of asthma inhalers work for different symptoms, your doctor may prescribe rescue inhalers for severe asthma attacks, as well as asthma inhalers for daily use to control your symptoms. If your asthma symptoms are well controlled the likelihood of a severe attack is reduced.
