Asthma Care
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children in the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10.6 percent of grade-school children have asthma. Sadly, there is no cure for this chronic and frightening disease. Prolonged asthma can lead to damaged lungs and worsened lung function over time.
Who is at Risk of Developing Asthma?
Children from birth to age 4 are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Women are more likely to have asthma than men, as some tests have shown that testosterone may help protect men against asthma. Elderly individuals are also at risk because their lungs become blunted with age, making it harder to fight off infections that can trigger an increase in the severity of asthma.
What Causes Asthma?
Sixty percent of what's going to determine whether or not you have asthma is going to be because of your genes. Environmental factors such as infections and exposure to bacteria (endotoxins) can create additional risk as well. Maternal smoking has been found to cause asthma. Diet and nutrition, stress, use of antibiotics and mode of delivery may also affect the early development of allergy and asthma.
What is Allergic Asthma?
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. People with allergic asthma are hypersensitive towards an allergen. When that allergen gets into a patient's airway, the immune system of the body overacts. Because there are allergens that are present everywhere, this overreaction is also termed as bronchospasm. If you have allergic asthma, you should avoid triggers by reducing your exposure to specific allergens - like cats and dogs - as well as stay away from tobacco smoke.
What Triggers Allergic Asthma?
The following list highlights the most common root causes of allergic reactions:
- Air pollution
- Molds
- Mildews
- Pets
- Perfumes
- Smoking
- Food
- Seafood like crab, lobster, crayfish, and shrimp
- Nuts such as peanuts and cashew nuts
- Vegetables like tomato and capsicum
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing
- Chest tightening
Which Season Poses the Greatest Risk to Asthma Sufferers?
Asthmatic attacks are more common during spring and fall - and fall is a high-risk time for children with severe asthma. We suggest that asthma sufferers of all ages get their flu shot when the fall season approaches. You should also take extra caution during the summer, as heat and humidity causes asthma. It is also recommended that you always carry any prescribed medication with you during high risk seasons.
How is Asthma Treated?
Once your doctor understands the kind of allergy you have, he or she will prescribe the appropriate asthma medications for your condition. During the time when your attack is at its peak, your doctor may even prescribe medication which may contain steroids, until the allergy subsides. These steroids can help reduce any allergic and/or asthmatic symptoms caused by your body and immune system. Your medication can be in the form of:
- Pumps
- Tablets
- Liquids, inhaled from the nebulizer
- Nasal sprays
If you are suffering from asthma, or are experiencing symptoms, please contact our offices or request an appointment online for preliminary evaluations. Our experienced immunologists would be happy to assist you in managing this condition.