Tag Archives: asthma triggers

When Getting Fit Does Harm than Good: Ways to Manage Exercise-Induced Asthma

To have a healthy mind and body, we need to have some kind of regular physical activity to keep your health in check. There are many reasons why we need to exercise. For one, we need to have an exercise to aid in weight loss. Regular exercise can also help in better heart health and strengthen our bones and muscles. It can also help in making us feel and look better than our actual age.

However, there are some people who dread exercise not because they do not like getting sweaty. Rather, it is because of the occurrence of exercise-induced asthma. This situation occurs when a person engages in certain physical activities and then experience difficulty in breathing. If you are one of those who experience exercise-induced asthma, you should consult an allergy doctor immediately.

What is exercise-induced asthma?

Also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), exercise-induced asthma can limit one’s physical capabilities. Like any other type of asthma, it can restrict one’s breathing that can cause complications if left untreated. It occurs when there is an obstruction in airflow, especially during exercise.

EIB does not occur immediately when you begin exercising. In fact, it usually manifests itself a couple of minutes after starting exercise and may begin to get worse about 5 minutes after you stop exercising. Some even experience another “wave” of EIB 12 hours after the last exercise. Once you feel breathing difficulties, it might be a good idea to visit an asthma doctor to help manage your condition.

What triggers exercise-induced asthma?

Contrary to popular belief, EIB does not happen due to exercise itself. Rather, it can be triggered by several factors. We tend to breathe harder, faster, and deeper when we do any intense physical activities.

Also, we tend to breathe more through the mouth when we exercise. In effect, breathing through the mouth can make the air cooler and dryer. In return, the cooler and dryer air can trigger bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. Apparently, EIB can be more likely to be triggered when you are doing physical activities with dry and cold air.

In addition, EIB can also be triggered by other factors such as pollution (smoke and fumes), pollen and dust, or colds. EIB can be more likely to occur if you have a history of asthma that runs through your family. In such cases, you should get asthma treatments to avoid further complications that can worsen your condition.

Symptoms and treatment

If you experience the following symptoms, you need to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment. If left untreated, the symptoms can last for about an hour or so. It can also lead to worse complications if you do not visit an allergy physician immediately. You should look out for the following symptoms if you think you’re having an EIB attack:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Fatigue especially after exercising
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Coughing/wheezing
  • Poor physical performance

People with a history of asthma and even professional athletes can be prone to EIB. Likewise, frequent exposure to dry and cold air, pollution, intense physical activities, and even chlorine from swimming pools can trigger EIB as well. If you are already struggling to breathe and no signs of improvement even using an inhaler, it is best to rush to the nearest allergy clinic immediately.

However, it doesn’t mean that you are already doomed not doing any kind of exercise anymore. After all, exercise is still one of the best ways to become healthy and free from certain diseases. However, you need to consider your choices when it comes to physical activities especially if you are prone to EIB.

For example, you can do some jogging or a relaxing walk instead of doing long-distance running. You can also engage in other sports and exercises that won’t take a toll on your breathing such as golf, gymnastics, or yoga. However, you can still do other intense physical activities just as long as you get the go-signal from an allergy specialist.

Keeping the mind and body healthy

Suffering from EIB does not mean you cannot do any physical activities anymore. It’s just a matter of choosing the right kind of exercise that won’t cause stress in your breathing. After all, we all need to have some kind of physical activity to be healthy physically and mentally. If you are experiencing the abovementioned symptoms of EIB, you should visit the best allergist in Germantown MD for proper treatment.

Life with Asthma: What It Feels Like, and How to Live Life Despite the Condition

It is said that asthma affects almost 4 million people around the world. It is often associated with frequent coughing and breathing difficulties. In the worst cases, some people die due to severe asthma attacks. If you or someone you know suffer from asthma symptoms, it is best to consult an asthma doctor and take asthma treatments as per prescription.

What you need to know about asthma

Asthma can be a potentially life-threatening condition if not managed well. It is a long-term medical condition that affects the airways. When the airways become inflamed due to certain triggers, it will tighten and cause breathing difficulties and the other common asthma symptoms we are familiar with.

Speaking of triggers, asthma can be due to allergic and non-allergic triggers. The former can be due to the presence of pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander among others. On the other hand, the latter can refer to air pollutants, intense exercise routines, and even uncontrollable emotions.

We might feel pity for seeing people experience asthma attacks. A lot of people might also think that it’s the end of the world for people with asthma since it can be a lifetime condition. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot live their lives to the fullest. For those who suffer from asthma, it is important to follow their asthma treatments religiously to help them manage their condition better.

How it feels like to have asthma

You cannot simply imagine what it feels like to have asthma until you experience it yourself. For one thing, it is said that no two people experience the same asthma symptoms. Each of them will experience varying symptoms – from mild to severe – depending on the gravity of the condition.

Nevertheless, you should not take asthma for granted. If you experience any asthma symptoms, you should visit an allergist immediately. As to what it feels like to experience asthma attacks, some of those who experienced it first-hand described it as gasping for air like a fish that has been out of water.

Others described having asthma as if a large object is sitting on their chest – it was definitely hard to breathe according to these asthma sufferers. Asthma is also associated with constant coughing once the triggers occur. As a result, you have a hard time catching your breath.

Some also compared asthma attacks like breathing into a squished straw and getting their chest squeezed too much. You will also hear wheezing, which is not a normal thing when you are breathing. Regardless of how one feels, it can be one of the scariest things that can happen to you. For asthma management, make sure to visit an allergy physician for proper treatment.

Living a normal life despite having asthma

Asthma can affect one’s quality of life especially if you get exposed to certain triggers. But as mentioned, this doesn’t mean you cannot already live a normal life as possible despite having this condition. Here are some ways that can help you live normally even if you experience asthma attacks from time to time.

Be aware of your triggers.

It is important to know and identify what usually triggers your asthma so you can manage it better. For example, you need to stay away from the outdoors if you are allergic to pollen or any air contaminants. If you are allergic to pet dander, it may be a good idea not to have furry pets to lessen the risk of having asthma attacks.

Always bring an inhaler.

Inhalers have saved a lot of asthmatics thanks to its quick relief effects. Inhalers are usually prescribed by an allergy physician to provide relief from asthma attacks.

Make sure to clean your house regularly.

Some people may be allergic to dust mites and pet dander. That is why it is important to ensure cleanliness inside your home at all times. Instead of wool carpets, you can use other types of flooring such as laminate, wood, or tiles. Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filter and clean every nook and cranny of your home.

Living life to the fullest

Even if you have asthma, it is still possible to live a normal life as long as you know how to manage it. Aside from staying away from triggers, make sure to follow your prescribed medications and visit an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA. Contact one today if you or someone you know have asthma symptoms.