Asthma is a kind of chronic lung condition. In this condition, the airways get narrow and swell and start producing extra mucus. Due to this, it becomes difficult for breathing. It triggers wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. This disease can’t be cured but the symptoms can be controlled with medication and other treatments. Asthma symptoms can be minor or major. Sometimes the major symptoms of this condition can be life-threatening. The patient should visit a doctor from time to time.
Causes of Asthma:
The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but it usually causes due to some environmental factor. It can also cause due to genetics. People with this genetic factor are more prone to asthma condition and the environmental factor may trigger this disease. People suffering from asthma have more sensitivity for air pollutions, dust mites, pollens etc.
Common triggers for Asthma:
The triggers of asthma vary from person to person. Here are some common triggers of asthma:
- Excessive physical activities
- Common infection like cold, flu
- Cold air
- Irritants like cigarette smoke
- Medications like ibuprofen, beta blockers, naproxen and aspirin
- Excessive stress or emotional breakdown
- Preservatives food items and beverages like dried fruit, shrimp, wine and beer
- Pollen, pet dander, molds mites etc. If you have allergy with pollens and dust, contact Allergies treatment Lyons for proper treatment.
Risk factors for asthma:
- Heredity, blood relation with a person suffering from asthma
- Smoking
- Overweight
- Passive smoking
- Exposure to air pollution, fumes etc
- Occupational triggers like working in paint or pesticide industry
Symptoms of Asthma:
- Coughing, usually at night
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- The frequent cold which settles on the chest
Treatment for Asthma:
If a person recognizes the triggers and avoids them from the very beginning, it can be very helpful. Medications are very helpful for controlling the triggers of asthma on daily basis. The medication of asthma depends upon the symptoms and the age of the patient.
- Medication for long term asthma: These medications are used for keeping the asthma symptoms under control. They are generally taken on a daily basis for avoiding asthma attacks. Some common medicines are:
- Leukotriene modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers include zafirlukast, montelukast, and zileuton. These are oral medications and provide relief for up to 24 hours.
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These are the anti-inflammatory type of drugs and need to be taken several days before they reach their peak benefit. Inhaled corticosteroids are safe for long-term use, commonly inhaled corticosteroids are budesonide, fluticasone, flunisolide, ciclesonide etc.
- Long-acting beta agonists: These medications should be taken with inhaled corticosteroids otherwise they may increase the risk of asthma. These include formoterol, salmeterol etc.
- Quick-relief medications: These medications are used for short-term symptom and rapid relief:
- Short-acting beta agonists
- Oral and intravenous corticosteroids
- Ipratropium
- Homeopathic medications: People dealing with asthma usually suffer from some kind of allergies. Homeopathic remedies can be a very good measure for minimizing the asthma triggers. Contact Holistic Doctor New Jersey and get the best treatment for your asthma.
Common homeopathic remedies for asthma are:
- Carbo Vegetabilis
- Arsenicum Album
- Chamomilla
- Nux Vomica
- Natrum Sulphuricum
- Allergy medications: These medications help to provide relief for asthma triggers from allergies:
- Allergy shots
- Omalizumab
The best way for keeping your asthma under control is avoiding the triggers from the very beginning. Eating healthy food, regular breathing exercises, avoiding cold etc can be a good way for minimizing your asthma symptoms.