Asthma is a fairly common disease that I see in my patients at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington. It affects the lungs and can result in continuous wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness. It is one of the most common long-term diseases found in children, with 7 million children suffering from the condition and also impacts many adults. As of now there is no cure for asthma, and it can be hereditary.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma attacks are caused by triggers. These triggers are often caused by such things as smoke from burning wood or grass, mold, pets, cockroach allergens, outdoor air pollution, tobacco smoke and dust mites.
I recommend to my patients that they learn their triggers and know how to avoid them. By learning and avoiding these triggers, people are less likely to experience an asthma attack. When asthma is controlled, people will have reduced symptoms such as wheezing or coughing. A person will also experience a decrease in visits to the doctor, an increase in physical activities and will be able to sleep better.
Other triggers can be infections linked to the respiratory system such as influenza, sinus infections, allergies and acid reflux. Burning candles, physical exercise and fragrances could also trigger an asthma attack. In some cases strong emotions can lead to rapid breathing, called hyperventilation, which can result in an asthma attack.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, when an asthma attack takes place a person’s airways become smaller. The sides of the lungs also swell and the airways in the lungs become smaller. As this continues, a smaller amount of air is able travel in and out of your lungs. It also becomes harder for you to breathe.
A physician will treat a patient with asthma by prescribing medication to lessen or prevent an attack. Medicines for asthma are available in two types: quick relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines help control symptoms during an asthma attack. If there is an increase of use of quick-relief medicines, it is recommended the patient see his or her doctor. It is also encouraged to develop an asthma action plan and discuss it with a physician.
Some signs to watch for include:
• Symptoms start to occur more often, are more severe, or bother you at night and cause you to lose sleep.
• Your normal activities are limited and you miss school or work because of asthma.
• Medications don’t seem to work well anymore.
• Quick-relief inhalers are used more often.
• You have to go to the emergency room or doctor because of an asthma attack.
As always, if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms outlined, please contact your primary care physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your primary care physician will diagnose asthma based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam and test results.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center