Past Present And Family History
- Atopic eczema, asthma and hay fever tend to run together in individuals and in families.
- Ask about medication the patient may have been started on a beta-blocker recently or taken anti-inflammatory drugs. The association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including aspirin, and the precipitation of asthma is well documented but, in reality, it is not often seen.
- Ask about smoking, including passive smoking.
Vaping And Lung Damage
- Talk with your teen about the dangers of vaping.
- Vaping can cause severe lung damage. It can become permanent.
- Vaping can even cause death .
- Vaping tobacco also causes nicotine addiction.
- For these reasons, the legal age to purchase vaping products is 21 in the US.
- Encourage your teen to not start vaping or to give it up.
- Warning: home-made or street-purchased vaping solutions are the most dangerous.
Additional Medication For Severe Asthma
In addition to a reliever and preventer inhaler, severe asthmatics may be prescribed other treatments. You may need to try several options before your healthcare provider finds the right choice for your needs.
In addition to inhalers, treatment options include:
- Long-acting bronchodilators these can be added to a preventer inhaler and help keep the airways open for at least 12 hours.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists a non-steroid tablet that helps to calm inflamed airways, block the effects of leukotrienes and help with allergies.
- Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists a form of long-acting bronchodilator that can work for 12-24 hours.
- Long-acting beta-agonists another form of long-acting bronchodilator that is used to relax the muscles in the airways.
- Slow-release theophylline a non-steroid tablet that helps to relax the smooth muscles in the airways, enabling air to more easily flow through.
- Short-acting beta 2-agonists a form of quick relief medication that can be used when asthma symptoms occur.
- Daily steroids these are prescribed in tablet or liquid form and are a type of anti-inflammatory medicine. They work by helping to reduce the sensitivity in the airways.
- Monoclonal antibodies a newer form of medication for severe uncontrolled asthma. They work by blocking the activity of immune system chemicals that trigger airway inflammation.
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When Its Asthma And Acute Bronchitis
Its particularly concerning when people who already have asthma develop acute bronchitis, explains Richard Castriotta, MD, professor of medicine and associate director of the division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas in Houston. It makes their asthma much worse.
In these cases, physicians may call the bronchitis asthmatic bronchitis, though thats not a clinical term, Shamiyeh adds and other physicians use asthmatic bronchitis when a case of acute bronchitis may cause asthma symptoms, like wheezing.
People with asthma who get bronchitis are often treated with inhalers that dilate the bronchial tubes , and over-the-counter painkillers and cold medication for other upper respiratory cold symptoms, similar to treatment for acute bronchitis in people who are nonasthmatic, Shamiyeh says. Patients with asthma who get bronchitis may also be prescribed inhaled or oral steroids on a case by case basis.
What Are Common Side Effects With Asthma Medications
Inhaled asthma medications are usually well-tolerated with few side effects when used as prescribed however, there are a few precautions.
- Inhaled corticosteroids can cause oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.
- Rinsing your mouth with water after using the inhaler or using a spacer device might help prevent thrush.
- Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, which could be the beginning of a thrush infection.
Inhaled quick-acting medicines like albuterol can also cause side effects like: shakiness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping or a fast heartbeat, among others.
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Signs Of Asthma Absolutely Everyone Should Know
You might think you know the signs of asthma because hey, it seems like one of those health conditions that is absolutely unmistakable. Its kind of obvious if you justcant really breathe, right? Sure, but asthma symptoms can present with a lot more complexity and subtlety than that. Many people do not realize they have asthma and deal with daily symptoms, Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, tells SELF. Because of that, you should be aware of the signs of asthma so you dont write them off for months or even years without realizing you have this persistentand ultimately treatablehealth condition.
And Heres What You Can Expect With Treatment Which Is Generally Either Long
One of the most important ways to treat asthma is to avoid being exposed to your triggers, Dr. Wilgus says. Of course, that can feel impossible if your trigger is something thats seemingly everywhere, like dust or pollen. Though you can definitely take steps to reduce your exposure to those, avoiding them entirely is tough. Luckily, there are medications that can help when youve done everything you can trigger-wise.
Asthma medications generally fall into two categories: long-term preventive medications and fast-acting drugs that can help when youre having an asthma attack or on your way to one. Long-term preventive medications like allergy medications and inhaled anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are designed to help control your asthma so youre less likely to have an asthma attack in the first place, the Mayo Clinic says. Quick-relief medications , like short-acting beta agonists that you use via an inhaler, can help relax your airways when theyre acting up enough that your asthma is noticeably worse.
Whatever you do, dont resign yourself to living with asthma symptoms like trouble breathing and coughing all the time. Asthma is a very controllable illness as long as the signs and symptoms are not ignored, Dr. Parikh says.
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Teva’s Approvals: Airduo And Armonair
In January 2017, Teva’s AirDuo RespiClick was FDA-approved for adolescent and adult patients with asthma. In July 2019, the AirDuo Digihaler was approved.
- AirDuo Respiclick is a combination corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist. It is a breath-activated, dry powder inhaler formulations. AirDuo contains the same active ingredients as Advair Diskus.
- AirDuo RespiClick or Digihaler are available in three different strengths and are administered as one inhalation twice daily.
- AirDuo Digihaler, which can be used with a mobile app, contains a built-in electronic module that records data about inhaler events. It detects when the inhaler is used and measures inspiratory flow rates. AirDuo Digihaler does not need to be connected to the app in order to use the medicine.
- The most common side effects for AirDuo includes nasopharyngitis , headache, cough, back pain, and oral candidiasis .
ArmonAir RespiClick has been discontinued by the manufacturer, but ArmonAir Digihaler was approved in February 2020 to take it’s place. This Digihaler works similar to the AirDuo product.
- ArmonAir Digihaler contains only the corticosteroid fluticasone, the same active ingredient as Flovent.
- ArmonAir Digihaler is also available in three strengths and it is taken as one inhalation twice daily.
- The most common side effects for ArmonAir Digihaler includes nasopharyngitis , headache, cough, upper respiratory tract infections, back pain, and oral candidiasis .
What Is An Asthma Action Plan
Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an asthma action plan. This plan tells you how and when to use your medicines. It also tells you what to do if your asthma gets worse and when to seek emergency care. Understand the plan and ask your healthcare provider about anything you dont understand.
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What Is A Chest X
By viewing your lungs on an X-ray, your doctor can see if you have another health condition that may be causing asthma-like symptoms. Asthma may cause a small increase in the size of your lungs , but a person with asthma will usually have a normal chest X-ray. Patients with COPD will also have hyperinflation, but emphysema causes holes in lung tissue, called blebs or bullae, which are evident on a chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can also make sure you don’t have pneumonia or lung cancer, particularly in smokers.
How Asthma Attacks Happen
When you have an asthma attack, your airways narrow and it gets hard to breathe. This can result from spasms of the muscles around the airways, inflammation and swelling of the mucosal membrane that lines them, or high amounts of mucus inside them. You might have shortness of breath, wheeze or cough as your body tries to get rid of mucus.
Why do you have asthma and your friend doesn’t? No one knows for sure. Allergies play a role for many people, as do genetics.
If you or a loved one has asthma, it’s important to understand what your triggers are. Once you figure that out, you can take steps to avoid them. As a result, youâll have fewer and less severe asthma attacks.
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How To Prevent Bronchitis Whether You Have Asthma Or Not
Here are some steps you can take to prevent bronchitis for people who have asthma, as well as those who dont:
- Dont smoke, and avoid being around cigarette smoke.
- Get an annual flu shot.
- Get a pneumonia shot if you are older than 65, or if youre younger than 65 with any condition that puts you at risk, like emphysema or other breathing problems, diabetes, or heart disease.
If you do come down with acute bronchitis, remember that most cases will clear up on their own that goes for people with and without asthma. That means most people dont need treatment for acute bronchitis, but to relieve symptoms, OTC medication, such as Tylenol , can help ease pain and discomfort, and a humidifier can assist with breathing. More serious cases of bronchitis may require additional medication, such as the types of inhalers often used in asthma attacks , steroid drugs, and sometimes even oxygen.
Specifically, you should see a doctor about acute bronchitis if:
- You cant sleep
- Your cough lasts more than a couple of weeks
- Your fever lasts more than three days or is over 101 degrees F
- The mucus you cough up is green or bloody
- You took your prescribed asthma medication but did not get any relief
- You are having difficulty breathing
- You have a heart or lung condition and suspect you have bronchitis
Although bronchitis and asthma are two different lung conditions, theyre they are closely related. Knowing the difference can help ensure you get the best treatment for the condition affecting you.
How Should I Use My Rescue Inhaler
Work with your doctor and pharmacist to develop an asthma action plan, particularly for when you have an asthma attack.
- Be sure you are using your quick-relief inhaler correctly and keep it with you at all times.
- If you use the rescue inhaler more than two times a week, contact your prescriber your asthma may not be well-controlled and you might need to add or change a medication.
- If you aren’t sure how to use your metered dose inhaler , ask your pharmacist or learn more here.
You should be able to sleep at night without symptoms, like coughing or wheezing. Be sure a caregiver or your child’s school nurse understands your asthma action plan and inhaler use, too.
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How Is Your Lung Function Tested
Lung function tests can tell us how well our lungs are performing. If someone has , it’s important to know whether inhaled air can flow freely through their airways or whether their breathing is obstructed by narrow . This can usually be done using just two tests known as peak flow measurement and spirometry.
Peak flow measurement is an important lung function test that you can carry out on your own at home. The measuring device, known as a peak flow meter, is easy to use. After taking a deep breath, you blow into it as hard as you can. This measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. The peak flow reading indicates whether the are narrowed.
In spirometry , both the amount of air you breathe out and how fast you blow it out are measured. Here you blow hard into the mouthpiece of the device, called a spirometer. This measures the amount of air that you exhale in one second when blowing as hard as you can. Doctors call this the forced expiratory volume in 1 second . The test can usually be done by your family doctor, and can also be used to monitor the progression of the illness: By comparing old and new spirometry readings, you can see whether your lung function has improved or worsened over time.
How To Tell You Have Asthma
In this section: Diagnosis and Lung Testing | How To Tell You Have Asthma | Your Healthcare Team
Asthma is a complex disease to diagnose, and only a healthcare professional is able to make a proper diagnosis.
If you are concerned that you may have asthma, contact your healthcare provider. In order to confirm an asthma diagnosis, your healthcare provider will take into account your medical and family history, allergies, and conduct lung function testing such as spirometry.
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Are There Any Special Considerations For Adults Who Develop Asthma
People with multiple medical conditions need to be aware of how their illnesses and the medications they use may affect one another.
If you take more than one medication, talk with your physician about ways to simplify your medication program. Explore the possibility of combining medications or using alternate ones that will have the same desired effect. Be sure to discuss potential drug interactions with anything you take including vitamins or herbal supplements.
What Happens During An Asthma Attack
An asthma attack is exactly that – the muscles around the airways and the lining of the air passages quickly tighten and restrict breathing.
- Swelling reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airways and leads to a high-pitched, wheezing sound.
- Asthma attacks can become life-threatening if the airflow in the lungs becomes severely blocked.
- Quick-relief asthma inhalers like albuterol are often used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
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What Is Cardiac Asthma
Cardiac asthma is a collection of asthma-like respiratory symptoms caused by congestive heart failure. The term cardiac asthma was first coined in medical literature in 1833 by Dr. James Hope.
People with cardiac asthma typically experience symptoms such as coughing, trouble breathing, and shortness of breath due to pulmonary congestion. This is a buildup of fluid in your lungs that impairs your ability to oxygenate your blood.
Your heart has four chambers: the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle.
In people with congestive heart failure, the heart cant properly pump blood out of the left ventricle or the pressure in the ventricle is high. This disruption in blood flow leads to increased blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, which causes leakage and accumulation of fluid.
How Can You Tell If You Have Asthma
It can be hard to tell if someone has asthma, especially in children under age 5. Having a doctor check how well your lungs work and check for allergies can help you find out if you have asthma.
During a checkup, a doctor will ask if you cough a lot, especially at night. He or she will also ask whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or at certain times of year. The doctor will then ask about chest tightness, wheezing, and colds lasting more than 10 days. He or she will ask whether anyone in your family has or has had asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems. Finally, the doctor will ask questions about your home and whether you have missed school or work or have trouble doing certain things.
The doctor may also do a breathing test, called spirometry, to find out how well your lungs are working by testing how much air you can breathe out after taking a very deep breath before and after you use asthma medicine.
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What Is Asthma Symptoms And Causes Is Asthma Curable
What is Asthma? Asthma is a chest disease. It leads to problems typically the breathing passage associated with our lungs, also referred to as bronchioles. It is usually caused due in order to chronic, lasting, plus ongoing inflammation regarding the lung passage. The lung passage also called breathing passages from the influenced individual, becomes very delicate towards the triggers.
Typically the inflammation is brought on or triggered due to various internal and external aspects that fill typically the passage with nasal mucus as well as swells that. Muscle contract and reduce a passage rendering it challenging to breathe. This specific resistance of exhaling finally results in symptoms of a typical asthma assault.
he health care term for this specific factor that is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. It includes additional diseases as nicely.
Asthma is a reversible disease in contrast to other chronic lung diseases. Asthma cannot be ever totally cured nevertheless, you may always keep it in order.
What Causes Adults To Develop Asthma
At least 30% of adult asthma cases are triggered by allergies. People who are allergic to cats may have an increased risk for developing adult onset asthma. Exposure to allergens or irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold, dust, or other substances commonly found in the persons environment might trigger the first asthma symptoms in an adult.
Prolonged exposure to certain workplace materials may set off asthma symptoms in adults.
Hormonal fluctuations in women may play a role in adult onset asthma. Some women first develop asthma symptoms during or after a pregnancy. Women going through menopause can develop asthma symptoms for the first time.
Different illnesses, viruses, or infections can be a factor in adult onset asthma. A bad cold or a bout with the flu is often a factor in adult onset asthma.
Smoking does not cause adult onset asthma however, if you smoke or if you are exposed to cigarette smoke , it may provoke asthma symptoms.
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