Thousands of people worldwide suffer from asthma. If you don’t have it, you undoubtedly know someone who does. It’s a common condition, and fortunately it isn’t too severe in most cases. It acts by restricting the airways to the lungs, causing a great deal of discomfort. Although asthma attacks usually only last for a few minutes, in some cases they can be fatal.
If you have asthma it usually makes itself known in your childhood. Once you have been diagnosed with asthma it is rare that the condition will go away. However, it is possible. Scientists don't really know what exactly causes a person to become afflicted with asthma, but genetics is believed to play a large factor.
For the past several years, diagnoses of asthma have increased. There are now more patients than at any time in history. No one knows for sure why the increase, but some factors that may play a role are pollution, stress, and poor diet.
There are a variety of triggers for asthma attacks. A person can be affected by all of them or only some of them. The most common triggers for asthma attacks are exercise, smoking, dust, pollen, illness such as colds and flues, certain types of foods, and even sudden changes in air temperature.
The signs of an asthma attack become fairly apparent to a person who is afflicted with the condition. However, it is a good idea for those around that person to become familiar with the signs so they can assist should an asthma attack occur.
The signs are typically wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and a tightness in the chest area. Most asthmatics have an inhaler containing medication to help control their asthma and these inhalers should be carried by an asthmatic at all times. If someone is suffering a serious asthma attack and they either don't have their inhaler, or it isn't working, call 911 immediately.
If you have asthma your doctor has probably prescribed an asthma reliever in a the form of an inhaler. Other than using your inhaler when an asthma attack strikes what can you do to help ease your asthma? Be sure to discuss prevention techniques with your doctor as they are the best resource. You can also find a variety of asthma support groups that discuss what it's like to live with asthma.
Prevention is better than cure. One major step in this direction is to find out the culprit which gives you an asthma attack and steer clear of it. Suppose your attacks are caused by say your particular exercise then first and foremost stop the exercise. Next consult your doctor for an alternative exercise routine to continue with your physical activity.
Asthmatics need to take care of themselves and their health to avoid potentially dangerous asthma attacks. Informing those close to you of your condition if it is serious is also very important. Educating yourself and others about asthma is important to your well being. Being knowledgeable about asthma will help you to prevent attacks and deal with those attacks that do happen. Talk to your doctor about any concerns that you may have.
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