Tag Archives: living with asthma

Why is Asthma Worse at Night?

Having interrupted sleep makes you feel tired throughout the day, and it will have negative effects on your health in the long run. You do not want this to become regular because you need the energy to tackle daily challenges. When you wake up in the middle of the night because of a coughing fit or you are having a hard time breathing, the experience can get terrifying.

The unfortunate thing is that asthma patients have to deal with that, especially if they do not see their asthma doctor regularly. When your asthma gets worse at night, you are not alone because it is very common. Sometimes, experts call this nocturnal asthma, and it makes it very hard for you to get the rest you need.

Asthma Attack Triggers

People experience different asthma triggers. Some people get triggered due to allergens exposure like grass or dust mites. Other people are triggered by irritants like strong odors or chemicals. Respiratory illnesses that are accompanied by mucus drainages like sinusitis or colds increase the chances of an asthma attack. Weather changes and exercise can also trigger attacks. There are people who may discover that more than one thing increases the possibility of an asthma attack, and can worsen at night.

Factors that Contribute to Nocturnal Asthma

For some reason, asthma gets worse at night. This problem is serious and most deaths from asthma are because of wheezing or other symptoms at night.

The factors are:

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
Dust mites or other allergens
Overproduction of mucus
Higher level of histamine
Breathing in cold air
Lower epinephrine levels
Sleep apnea
Obesity
Not elevating the head while sleeping
Psychological stress

Nocturnal asthma can be caused just by seeping because the bronchial function changes. During sleep, the airways become narrow and it creates more resistance for air to come in and out of the body. This causes coughing, which further tightens the airways. After that, your sinuses will drain, and trigger asthma reactions. Therefore, breathing worsens between 4 to 6 hours after you sleep.

Other Causes

Postnasal drip – People are more prone to postnasal drip during the night. When you are laying down flat, fluid can easily drip down towards the back of your throat and causes you to start coughing. Lying down can also cause the fluid to flow from your legs to your chest, and this leads to more fluid accumulation in the airways and narrows down breathing passages.
Timing of Medication – If your asthma medication starts to wear off while you sleep, you are more likely to have nocturnal asthma.

Medication

Asthma specialists normally prescribe 2 primary medications: a long-term inhaler and a rescue inhaler. The asthma triggers are individual-specific, and people should consult with their asthma doctor to find the right care plan for them. A lot of doctors prescribe both kinds of inhalers.

Treatment

If your asthma attack wakes you up in the middle of the night, reach for your rescue inhaler. Sleeping in a more upright position is also helpful. Some people discover that drinking water eases a cough.

In case you have regular asthma symptoms during the night, talk to your healthcare provider to address the problem. It may be helpful to adjust the timing of your medication.

There are times when your healthcare might have to add or increase medication. Asthma can get worse in the long run, and if you have nocturnal asthma, your asthma care plan might need tweaking to eliminate the symptoms.

You can visit an allergist specialist Manassas VA as well to find the best asthma treatment plan for your nighttime symptoms.

The Challenges of Smoking With Asthma, and Why You Should Quit Now!

Millions of people smoke, despite the potential health risk it brings. More so, it can be more dangerous for those with asthma. For those with asthma symptoms, it is best to take asthma treatments as prescribed by the best allergist in your area.

It is said that tobacco smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers, among a few. Tobacco smoke can irritate the airways and produce mucus in the lungs. It also weakens the power of cilia, tiny hairs found in the lungs that help get rid of the excess mucus out of our airways. A weakened cilium means the person can be more prone and at higher risk of asthma symptoms.

Facts about asthma and smoking

As mentioned, millions of people around the world smoke. It can be in a form of tobacco or vape. Surprisingly, more than 20 percent of people suffering from asthma still smoke cigarettes. This is even though smoking can worsen their asthma symptoms. An allergist would also strongly advise against smoking, more so if you have asthma.

Other facts about the link between smoking and asthma are the following.

Tobacco smoke is the second most common cause of asthma attacks. Symptoms can also be severe for smokers with severe asthma.
It is estimated that there are about 1,300 deaths that occur daily due to smoking.
Second-hand smoke is more dangerous than smoking first-hand.

So if you have asthma and still smoke, you might want to reconsider putting that tobacco in your mouth. Quitting is an option, but it will be a long journey. You can also consult an allergy doctor to help manage your asthma symptoms.

Is vaping a better choice than smoking tobacco?

More and more people are using vape as they believe it is a “lesser evil” smoking option. Also known as e-cigarettes, vaping involves inhaling and exhaling vapor through an electronic smoking device. Unlike regular smoking, vaping comes in different flavors or “juices”, which makes it irresistible among the younger demographics.

Vaping devices also come in different forms such as pens and even screwdrivers. These have refillable cartridges which turn into an aerosol that you can inhale and exhale. But is vaping a safer smoking option than tobacco smoking, you might ask?

Unfortunately, vaping is also no good, especially in the long term. For one, studies have shown that prolonged use of vape puts you at a higher risk of contracting chronic bronchitis and worsen your asthma. The risk is way higher if you smoke vape and tobacco cigarettes.

Another study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that young teenagers who vape are most likely to shift to regular cigarettes later on. Using e-cigs can help you stay clean from tobacco cigarettes. However, experts including your allergy physician do not support these so-called claims.

E-cigarettes also contain nicotine which is addictive but highly dangerous to health in the long run. Some studies also reveal finding formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which can cause cancer, in e-cigarettes. More so, it can trigger asthma and even make it worse.

Staying away from smoking

If you have asthma, it is best to stay away from all kinds of cigarettes. Secondhand smoke can also cause danger to your health – twice or thrice the danger, it is. Speaking of secondhand smoke, a lot of people often don’t mind being with a smoker. They think that it won’t harm them since they are not the one smoking in the first place.

However, secondhand smoking can be worse from regular smoking. More so, it can be more dangerous especially for small children. If you want to have a second lease in life and prevent asthma attacks, quit smoking. Here are ways to stay away from the dangers of smoking.

Lessen exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible, or none at all.
If you have asthma and want to eat in restaurants, check if there is a “non-smoking” area. Better yet, avoid dining in restaurants that allow smoking.
Quit smoking for your children. Kids suffering from asthma are twice as more likely to end up in hospitals due to asthma attacks.

Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons to quit smoking. For one, it will improve your respiratory health. It will also lessen the risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases. There are also other ways to de-stress, not just smoking. If experiencing asthma symptoms, make sure to get the asthma treatments that you need. Contact the best asthma doctor in Manassas VA

Can’t Afford Asthma Medicine? Here are Possible Alternatives

Millions of people around the world are living with asthma. For one thing, asthma can be detrimental to one’s daily life. It can also be caused by several triggers including excessive physical exertion and stress. Nonetheless, it is important to keep the symptoms in check to prevent asthma attacks. Also, you should consult an asthma doctor to help you manage your symptoms and live a normal life as possible.

Expense implications as an asthmatic person

As an asthmatic person, it can be challenging to stay healthy. That it is one of the most important arsenals of every asthmatic is the inhaler. It comes in handy in case of asthma attacks whenever and wherever you are. Unfortunately, asthma treatments can be way expensive whether you have insurance or not.

More so, if more than one family member (aside from you) suffers from asthma means additional expense. Consulting an allergist may also cost you fees to help manage your condition. In other words, asthma treatments can greatly impact one’s finances but usually have no choice but to avail to avoid further health complications.

Popular asthma treatments such as Ventolin and Symbicort can cost as much as hundreds of dollars per prescription. But the question is whether there are cheaper alternatives for asthma medications. The good news: yes, you can avail of asthma medicines that are way more budget-friendly and effective.

Cost-saving asthma medications

Here are some easy ways you can save on expensive asthma medications.

Deals and discounts

For one, several pharmaceutical companies offer enticing deals including asthma medications. You can even avail a year’s worth of asthma medicines depending on the deal and save money by using discount coupons and the like.

There are also programs specially meant for asthma patients that offer discounts or even free asthma medications. However, you might need to comply with specific requirements before you can avail of such deals.

Price comparison

Check various pharmacies and membership stores and compare their asthma medicine prices. From there, you would know which the best deals are and make a purchase decision depending on your budget.

Free samples

Your allergist doctor may give you some samples if he or she has some on hand. These samples are mostly given by sales reps who want medical experts (including your asthma doctor) to recommend their medicines to their patients. You can take advantage of these freebies while you still can. Unfortunately, these samples may only be limited and may be harder to get in the market after a few months or years. Your doctor knows better when it comes to properly manage your asthma.

Shift into another insurance plan

Make sure to stay updated with enrolment deadlines especially if you are planning to buy insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your children may also qualify for your state’s health insurance program. You can also check other insurance companies’ websites as well. It is also important to note that you can file an appeal in case your insurance provider has denied payment for your asthma medications.

Why are asthma medications expensive in the first place?

Some reports revealed that the cost of asthma inhalers spiked as much as 56 percent from 2013 to 2018 depending on the brand. Some insurances do cover asthma treatment. However, some well-known asthma treatments may either be excluded or subjected to a higher copay.

Living in a low-income household can be more challenging when it comes to affordable asthma treatments. Research showed that those living in low-income areas have higher asthma rates. Imagine suffering from this condition and having no way to treat it with a limited budget in your pocket.

Until 2005, asthma inhalers contained CFC which is not environment-friendly but effective and affordable. As a result, this ingredient was eventually banned due to its potential environmental damage.

Later on, pharmaceutical companies were able to shift into patented ones without the CFC (in exchange for another ingredient, HFA) but did allow huge price increases. On a positive note, there are generic asthma medications now available that are more affordable.

Conclusion

Getting sick can be expensive. But sometimes, such medical conditions like asthma are usually inherited or because of their living conditions. Nonetheless, paying for medications can take a toll on your budget.

Fortunately, there are ways to avail of asthma medications without spending too much, as mentioned above. More importantly, feel free to consult the best allergist in Germantown for your allergy and asthma-related concerns.

How Vitamin D Can Help in Alleviating Asthma

It is said that the majority of Americans have a Vitamin D deficiency. Several studies also revealed possible links to Vitamin D deficiency and various health issues, including asthma. Millions of people worldwide are afflicted with asthma and affect both children and adults. If you experience asthma symptoms, make sure to take asthma treatments prescribed by a trusted asthma doctor.

But first, what is asthma?

Asthma is not only a simple cough that goes away after a couple of days. It is a long-term disease that causes breathing difficulties for people afflicted by it. Some of the most common asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this condition. However, it can still be manageable in different ways. One is by identifying and avoiding any possible triggers. You also have to take prescribed medications as recommended by your asthma doctor. If symptoms seem severe, visit an allergy clinic or the nearest emergency room immediately.

The link between asthma and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. Also known as the “sunshine vitamins”, it enables calcium absorption and also helps in making vitamin D when you go out in the sun.

However, several studies also show a strong connection between asthma and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that reduce asthma attacks. That means low vitamin D levels put someone at a higher risk of asthma and other respiratory issues.

Other results found in various studies state that vitamin D:

Is more likely to lessen the risk of asthma attacks, although this study is only limited to those with mild to moderate cases of asthma.
Should also represent those who have severe cases of asthma as well as children. There should be more studies involving these said cases.

If you or a loved one has asthma, you can go to an allergist doctor to help manage your asthma symptoms. It is also better to have a good level of vitamin D by taking supplements and eating vitamin D-rich foods.

How safe is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is generally safe to take. As mentioned, vitamin D is an important body nutrient. However, you need to take note of the right dosage for the best results. Before taking any vitamin D supplements, make sure to ask an asthma doctor first.

It is also important to note that vitamin D won’t cure your asthma and should not replace your prescribed medications. Likewise, you should not take any other medicines together with vitamin D.

Still, researchers are hoping that vitamin D, together with the usual medications for asthma, means a better life for asthmatics. You can get it through supplements or good sun exposure, although you should not overdo the latter or risk having skin cancer.

Plus, vitamin D can also do more than help people manage their asthma symptoms. It can also improve bone and muscle health, and reduce the risk of having flu and common colds. That said, it is better to include vitamin D to your regular health regimen.

Creating an action plan for asthma

Those suffering from asthma should have a sound action plan to deal better with their condition. This includes determining whether the symptoms are getting worse and what to do to manage the situation.

Most doctors would suggest including three action zones: Green for “good to go”, Yellow for “taking extra precaution”, and Red for “take action ASAP”. The last one means there is the presence of severe symptoms like breathing difficulty. In such cases, you need to seek medical help immediately

For children who suffer from asthma, you should include photos of medications taken. There should also be a statement of consent for parents or caregivers in case the child needs immediate asthma treatment.

For adults, make sure to assign a trusted person where to find your prescribed medication in case of emergencies. You should also include persons to contact should your condition worsen due to asthma attacks.

As mentioned, there might be no cure for asthma. But there are a lot of ways to manage the condition, including vitamin D. Vitamin D not only can help manage your asthma – at least according to various studies – but also can improve your bone and muscle health.

Of course, you should consult the experts first before taking any medications. Contact a reliable allergy specialist doctor in Germantown MD today!

The Truth About The Second Wave of COVID-19 and How to Protect Yourself From It

COVID-19 has dominated this year, so far. It was first discovered in Wuhan, China, with a few cases reported during the last few weeks of December 2019. The next thing we knew, this virus, which later officially called COVID-19, spread like wildfire in many parts of the world.

So far, there have been more than 4.6 million cases around the world. Out of that figure, around 2.5 million are still infected, and more than 1.7 million already dead. Those who have immunocompromised health should be extra careful especially when going outside.

The same goes for the history of asthma and allergies – make sure to consult an asthma doctor if you experience symptoms. Also, make sure to follow asthma treatments as prescribed by your allergist doctor.

The dreaded “second wave”

Several countries around the world, including the US, are slowly easing restrictions of the lockdowns. Chinese authorities have also announced measures that aim to prevent the dreaded second wave of COVID-19. This includes complying with the “new normal” such as wearing face masks and physical distancing.

This is exactly what health experts are worried about: the second wave of the dreaded virus. And it seems to be happening now in some countries. In China, for example, there were about 17 new cases reported in Mainland China according to a May 11 report.

In South Korea, on the other hand, there were 35 new cases reported since it lifted its lockdown. Apparently, the majority of these cases came from those who went out clubbing over the weekend. As a result, more than 2,000 nightspots have to close down again.

This is one of the most difficult dilemmas that the world has to face right now. On the one hand, countries are doing their best to contain the virus and prevent its further spread by implementing strict lockdowns. However, the world cannot afford prolonged lockdowns as it can affect the economy.

Even with strict measures, no one knows how effective it will be. There are even those so-called “silent carriers” who do not exhibit symptoms unless they take the COVID-19 test. Also, just because a country does not have new cases for several days or weeks doesn’t mean they are exempted from the so-called “second wave”.

Will it be worse?

It will depend on several factors. One of the most important of these is how people comply with the rules. This includes wearing face masks, physical distancing, and observing proper hygiene. Aggressive mass testing will also play an important role in the outcome of the second wave if ever it does happen.

Basically, there can be less impact of the second wave of the pandemic if there will be stricter measures implemented. This also applies to those with asthma and other chronic conditions. Make sure to consult an allergy doctor if you experience symptoms due to asthma or allergies.

It is also possible that there will be lockdowns again. You cannot visit an allergy clinic or get simple checkups unless it’s already urgent. As mentioned, that possibility will depend on how people and the government comply with the rules. Unless there is already a vaccine, we cannot be too complacent.

How to prevent the spread

First of all, you need to take care of yourself. If you have asthma or allergy history, you should consult an allergist doctor for proper management and treatment. Even if many countries are imposing lockdowns, it won’t guarantee that COVID-19 will be gone for good.

This is why people also have a vital role in containing the virus. It would take quite a while before we are able to travel elsewhere, attend events, and hug friends and loved ones. In the meantime, here are tips you can do to avoid the spread of the virus.

Avoid throwing face masks anywhere.

You can buy reusable masks that you can wash and wear as needed. Leave surgical masks to our brave frontliners.

Avoid going to the gym and other fitness centers.

It is important to stay fit and healthy during the pandemic. But it is not the best time to go to gyms now. Instead, you can do home workouts to maintain your health while on quarantine.

Maintain proper hygiene.

You should practice proper hygiene more than ever. If there is no access to running water and soap, use alcohol or hand sanitizer, and have access to it all the time.

Keeping vigilant in the middle of the pandemic

We are far from over from the wrath of the ongoing pandemic. In the meantime, we need to be vigilant and careful with our every move. More so, if you have asthma or immunocompromised health. Consult an allergist in Germantown MD for tips on protecting yourself from the effect of COVID-19.

Living with Someone with Asthma? Here are Some Things You Need to Consider

As of date, there are already more than half a million COVID-19 cases around the world. Unfortunately, no one is exempted from this disease even if you think you are generally healthy. However, there are some people who are more at risk in COVID-19. These include the elderly, weak immune system, and with asthma.

If you or someone you know suffer from asthma, you should visit an asthma doctor. An allergist should help you manage asthma symptoms. More so, asthmatics should be extra cautious at this time. Stay at home, wash your hands, and keep yourself healthy all the time.

Living with asthma

Asthma can affect the quality of one’s life. For starters, asthma affects the airways and can be triggered by several factors. For example, it can be due to allergy to pollen, certain foods, or extreme emotions. Some may experience mild symptoms, while others can be life-threatening.

To manage your condition, you need to identify the symptoms. Among common symptoms include:

Breathing difficulties
Coughing and wheezing
Tightening of chest

If you experience the abovementioned symptoms, make sure to go to an allergy clinic immediately. Prevention is still better than cure especially with the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Have yourself tested if you experience symptoms associated with COVID-19 to avoid contamination.

Things not to say to someone with asthma

Living with asthma can be challenging. For one, you should take your prescribed asthma treatments to help manage your condition. However, living with someone with asthma is another story. You are healthy, but someone you live with isn’t.

For one thing, you can offer support to your asthmatic friend and loved one. If needed, make sure to help your friend or loved one find an allergy doctor. Allergy testing may be necessary as well to ensure proper treatment for those who suffer from asthma. Aside from that, you should never say or do while you are with someone with asthma.

Never smoke near someone who is asthmatic. More so, secondhand smoking is more dangerous.
Avoid recommending “homemade” or “natural” asthma treatments to someone who is asthmatic. Most of these so-called natural treatments are not really scientifically proven to cure asthma.
Asthma symptoms may also be similar to that of common colds (ex. wheezing, coughing). If these symptoms do not go away despite taking medications, you should visit an allergist doctor immediately.
Inhalers are important to help asthmatics manage their symptoms. However, these are for emergencies only. The best way to manage asthma is to avoid the triggers (ex. smoke, pollen, stress, etc.)
Most people will have asthma for the rest of their lives. That is why you should understand how it feels, especially if a loved one has it.

How to help a loved one with asthma

Most likely, your loved one already knows how to manage his or her asthma symptoms. Going to an allergy specialist is one thing. Understanding what he or she is going through is another. In case an asthma attack happens unexpectedly, here are some things you can do to help.

Calm down, and help them calm down in case an attack happens. Panic attacks can make the situation worse.
Ask them to loosen up their clothing so they can breathe better. Ask them to sit upright to help improve their breathing.
If their situation does not improve even after loosening up their clothes, let them puff on their inhaler. In the worst-case scenario, it may be a good idea to rush the patient to a nearby emergency room.
Avoid taking them outside for some fresh air. Outside air may contain pollen and other allergens that can make their asthma attacks worse.

Alleviating asthma symptoms and protection against COVID-19

Given the ongoing threat that is COVID-19, we should be more cautious with our hygiene. More so, we should protect our loved ones who are asthmatics and others that are at higher risk of contracting this disease.

Protecting yourself and your loved one (especially those with asthma) is as basic as washing hands and distancing oneself when sick. Make sure to get proper treatment and stay at home as much as possible. Visit an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA in case asthma symptoms start to become worst.

Let us not only take care of ourselves but also the frontline and health workers. They selflessly take care of us in this critical time.

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.

Common Asthma Triggers and How to Manage Them

Asthma can be one of the worst health conditions anyone can have. Even popular celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Billy Joel, and David Beckham has it. Although asthma is generally manageable, it can still create an impact on a person’s life. There are also triggers that can cause asthma, which is why it is important to know these said triggers to manage your condition properly.

If you believe you have the condition, it is best to consult an asthma doctor. He or she will provide the right medications and other tips in properly managing your condition. As mentioned, asthma is generally a manageable condition although it can affect one’s quality of life. That said, it is best to follow your allergy physician in taking prescribed medications.

Types of asthma

There are two major types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. The former is caused by allergen exposures. These may include pet dander, mold, or the smell of a certain perfume. On the other hand, asthma can also be caused by non-allergic triggers. This may include extreme weather condition, excessive exercising, certain illnesses, and some medications.

Exercise can also be an asthma trigger. The effects can be worse due to dry and cold air. Also, your workplace can also be a source of asthma triggers. For example, you may be more prone to asthma if your line of work involves dealing with chemicals, dust, or fumes. In such cases, it is a good idea to call an allergist specialist to determine the type of allergy you have.

Asthma can affect both children and adults. Symptoms may occur in early childhood or later in life. It can affect not only your personal life but also your performance at work or any physical activities. To properly manage the condition, you can visit an allergy clinic near you.

Who is at risk of having asthma?

Asthma symptoms may differ from person to person. It can also be due to environmental factors or genetics. In some cases, people have other kinds of allergies which later on develops into asthma. However, you may be at high risk of having this condition if you fall under at least one of these following criteria:

Certain allergies (ex. pet dander, fumes, food, etc.)
Obesity
Genetics/family history
Respiratory infection
Exposure to fumes or dust due to the nature of work
Exposure to cigarette smoke (ex. you or a family smoke)

You may also be prone to asthma even if you often stay indoors. Indoor asthma triggers may include the following:

Pets

Your beloved furry companions can also compromise your health. Asthma triggers may be due to dead skin (pet dander), saliva, and excrement.

Dust mites

These are small creatures that are not easily seen with the naked eye. It is commonly found in beds, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, and even stuffed toys.

Mold

It usually forms in moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It can cause unpleasant smells in a moist area which can also trigger asthma.

Meanwhile, other lesser-known asthma triggers include:

Foods (ex. shellfish, egg, peanuts, etc.)
Exercise/Any extreme physical activities
Certain medications (ex. ibuprofen, naproxen, beta-blockers, aspirin)

If you experience any adverse reactions when you come into contact with these potential triggers, it is best to contact an allergy physician immediately.

Asthma management

It is important to turn to medical experts specializing in allergy treatments in case asthma symptoms appear. They are trained to help you manage your asthma and be able to live a normal life. In some cases, you may be prescribed some medications and therapies to manage the condition.

Among common symptoms you should watch out for include the following:

Chest pains and tightening
Shortness of breath
Whistling sound when exhaling
Constant coughing which can be worse if you have colds

One way to provide relief from asthma is by using a quick-relief inhaler which is often prescribed by doctors. It is also better to avoid going nearby asthma triggers to avoid adverse health effects.

However, it may be better to go to a nearby clinic or hospital if there is no improvement even after using an inhaler. Likewise, shortness of breath to the point of breathing difficulties should also be a sign that it’s time to go to the emergency room.

Contact an asthma doctor

If you or someone you know experience the above symptoms, don’t delay – call an asthma doctor immediately. An allergist doctor in Germantown MD should be able to help manage your condition.

Common Myths about Asthma That Need to Be Debunked Now

Asthma has been on the rise since the 1980s regardless of age, ethnicity, and gender. In fact, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC revealed that around 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. The figures include both adults and kids, and it is can be likely to increase within the next few years.

This condition also accounts for almost 10 million asthma doctor visits. Asthma is also considered as one of the most common and major illnesses that affect millions of adults and children alike. Sadly, thousands of individuals die due to the complications of asthma every year.

Having said that, asthma is a potentially life-threatening condition if asthma treatments are not given to patients as soon as possible. It is usually caused by several allergic triggers which can result in difficulty in breathing, persistent coughing, and death in worst cases. While there is no permanent cure for asthma, symptoms can somehow be alleviated through proper medication and find an allergist near you.

Understanding asthma

An asthmatic person experiences constricted airways which can lead to breathing difficulties and coughing. Asthma attacks cause discomfort to the afflicted person and he or she may even end in the emergency room. However, having asthma does not mean you won’t be able to live your life to the fullest.

This is something all of us, especially those with asthma, should stop believing now. As mentioned, there is no cure for asthma. However, there are asthma treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make you feel better. It is also important to understand what really asthma is and what to do in case of asthma attacks.

Common asthma myths

It is really true that asthma can be life-threatening especially when left unattended. It is simply a matter of properly managing this respiratory condition through medication and prevention. There are also some common misconceptions about asthma that should be debunked right now. Admit it or not, you may have believed these lies too at some point.

Asthmatic people should not exercise.

On the contrary, it is actually a must for asthmatic people to adopt a healthy lifestyle including exercise. For example, you can try low-impact exercises such as swimming or brisk walking. Otherwise, you can consult an allergy specialist doctor to know other types of exercise that are suitable for asthmatic people.

Taking dietary supplements can get rid of asthma.

As mentioned, there is no permanent cure for asthma. More so, there is no dietary supplement or any other medicine that can completely get rid of the condition. In such cases, it is still best to listen to your doctor’s advice regarding the right medications and lifestyle changes needed to manage your condition.

Asthma can disappear over time.

Unfortunately, it won’t. The condition may improve, but you will have to deal with for the rest of your life. You may have it in your childhood, becomes dormant for a while, and then reappears later on in your life. Most of the time, asthma surfaces due to health or environmental triggers.

It’s all in the mind.

Asthma is a real medical condition which affects millions of people around the world. For one, it is due to environmental triggers such as pollution, dust, weather changes, and viral sicknesses. Asthma usually affects the airways and results in breathing difficulties and coughing. In such cases, it is best to visit an allergy clinic for proper medication.

Managing asthma

The feeling of breathlessness due to an asthma attack can be frightening even if it has already happened multiple times. To avoid making your condition worse, the first thing you need to do is to stay as calm as possible. Here are some tips to help manage your condition.

Make a plan for asthma management.

This is one important way to manage your asthma attacks. Prepare an asthma action plan whether verbal or written. It can help lessen the panic you are feeling and cope with your condition better.

Keep your medications in handy at all times.

Make sure to keep your medication with you in case an asthma attack occurs. Common medications for asthma include a nebulizer or a quick-relief inhaler.

Keep away from asthma triggers.

Make sure to stay away from foods and other environmental factors that can trigger asthma. That is why you should be familiar with your triggers so you can manage your condition properly and promptly.

Seek help from medical experts

For your asthma condition and how to manage it effectively, make sure to deal only with reliable allergist doctor in Germantown MD.