Asthma
Is Your Asthma Acting up?
Asthma Symptoms, Triggers, & Treatment Options
Asthma is a very common medical condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrowed, or produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. It can also cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma affects millions of people in the US and cases range from a minor nuisance that interferes with daily activities to a life-threatening condition.
Asthma symptoms include:
- Chest tightening - a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest
- Pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Coughing & Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Increased mucus production
- Difficulty speaking
- Rapid heart rate - heart rate may increase during an asthma attack
Symptoms & Environmental Factors
Recognizing and Responding to Asthma Flare-Ups
Asthma symptoms include chest tightening, pain, and trouble sleeping in addition to coughing and wheezing. Symptoms vary from person to person and can flare up or worsen with a respiratory virus, such as a cold or flu, exercise, or change of season. Rescue inhalers are often used to treat symptoms and controller inhalers are used to prevent asthma symptoms. Oral steroids are also used when a patient needs longer-acting medication. Since asthma can’t be cured, it’s important to track your symptoms, see a doctor regularly, and adjust treatment or medications as needed.
Many environmental factors can cause asthma symptoms to flare up. Exercise-induced asthma can be worse if the air is cold and dry. Workplace irritants can make occupational asthma worse. And allergy induced asthma can be made worse by airborne irritants like dust and mold. Contact your physician if asthma symptoms are occurring more frequently, if breathing is becoming more difficult, or if it is necessary to use a quick-relief inhaler more often. Asthma changes in people over time, so it is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor symptoms and adjust the treatment plan.
Alternative Treatment Options
Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Because asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition, acupuncture can be an effective treatment. It may help reduce inflammatory cell production and improve the immune function in people with asthma.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
