Can Asthma Go Away And Come Back

Can You Outgrow Asthma

Those who have asthma are aware that the condition is incurable. However, there may be stretches of times where asthma attacks and other symptoms dont flare up. While these are nice periods of relief, this doesnt mean your asthma has disappeared. Instead, going months between episodes is a testament to your asthma management plan. Avoiding asthmatic triggers, taking your medication or a combination of the two is working well for you.

You may have heard of instances where children with asthmatic symptoms seemingly stop experiencing their symptoms, out of the blue. The children dont report any further breathing difficulties and go on with their lives. Is there some reality to this or is it just a myth? It is possible to outgrow your asthma? If so, how? Does everyone outgrow their asthma or is it just certain people? Why?

In this article, well answer all those questions and more.

The Workplace Makes You Sick

There is a type of asthma triggered by things related to your job, and it’s called occupational asthma.

Some adults may find that their symptoms revolve around their work schedule, or could be triggered by workplace exposure to irritants like chemicals, dust, or mold.

You may feel sick during the workweek but the symptoms may go away on the weekends or when you are not at work. However, prolonged exposures may also cause asthma symptoms that don’t necessarily resolve when you leave the workplace.

The Tricky Thing About Asthma

• By Monique Tello, MD, MPH, Contributor

In mid-January, health headlines announced that nearly one-third of adults diagnosed with asthma dont actually have this respiratory condition at all. This announcement appeared everywhere from Fox News Health to the Chicago Tribune.

As a primary care doc, a medical writer, and an asthma sufferer, I was very skeptical of these dramatic announcements, and with good reason. An editorial that accompanied this study provides important perspective that suggests the news headlines were exaggerated and misleading.

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Do Kids Outgrow Asthma

While scientists are not exactly sure why, as many as half of all kids with asthma see a significant improvement, or total elimination, of their asthma symptoms with increasing age.

It is nearly impossible to determine which kids will outgrow their asthma or have significant reduction in symptoms. However, symptoms can come back at any time so it is more appropriate to think of it as a period of remission. In fact, many of these patients who appear to have outgrown their asthma will have a return of symptoms as an adult.

Asthma Is Becoming More Common

Asthma is on the rise worldwide. It affects 15% to 20% of the population in Western countries, say Sears and colleagues.

Cases can vary in severity. For many people, asthma is mild, but it can still hinder quality of life and the ability to work, the study shows. The researchers say that some authorities even recommend that people without symptoms, yet who have a history of asthma, should be screened out on the grounds of increased risk.

Asthma symptoms aren’t always constant. Up to a third of patients get at least a four-year break from it by age 26, say the researchers, citing another study.

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Underlying Inflammation Is A Hallmark Of Asthma

For instance, they understand that asthmatics have some degree of underlying airway inflammation that makes their airways hypersensitive when exposed to asthma triggers, causing asthma attacks. They also know that asthma attacks are completely reversible with either time or treatment.2,3

The inflammation present in most asthmatics is eosinophilic inflammation, and this is very responsive to corticosteroids. This is why most asthmatics respond well to inhaled corticosteroids and are able to obtain ideal asthma control.2,3

Acute Exacerbation Of Asthma Risk Reduction

One of the most important steps that may be taken to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations is to learn what triggers symptoms and avoid them. For example, if dry, cold air causes symptoms, it may be useful to cover your nose with a scarf in cold weather. Other strategies that can help to reduce the risk of acute asthma exacerbations include:

• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face to prevent getting colds or other respiratory infections.
• Make sure you take each asthma medication as prescribed by your physician.
• Regularly monitor your lung function using a peak flow meter and record your results.
• Use your rescue inhalers as soon as you develop symptoms of an asthma attack.
• Identify whether your use of quick-relief inhalers has increased lately. This could mean that your doctor needs to modify your treatment or adjust your doses. Never modify your treatment or self-medicate without talking to your health care provider first.
• If a physical activity triggers an attack, stop immediately and use your rescue inhaler as prescribed.
• Dont stop taking your treatment or reduce your doses without discussing it with your doctor first, even if you feel that your symptoms are improving.

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Children May Be Able To Outgrow The Disease Or Some Of The Triggers

Children who have been diagnosed may be able to outgrow the disease. This isnt always the case, but it is possible. Unfortunately, the disease can return when they are an adult or when serious triggers are involved.

In most cases, however, it is not outgrown. There is always a chance that it will happen, but it cannot be counted on.

It is possible to outgrow some of the triggers, as well. Certain things that used to trigger an asthmatic attack may not be a problem anymore.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed In A Baby

It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose asthma in infants because it is not easy to measure lung function in children who are of preschool age or younger. Diagnosis will rely on the parents and the symptoms they report, as well as the familys medical history.

The doctor will ask about when your baby coughs or has trouble breathing. It may be helpful to take notes at home about the time of day and what your baby is exposed to when symptoms are present. Tell the doctor about any family members that have asthma or allergies.

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Cannabis Is Both An Expectorant And Anti

The ability of cannabis to act as an expectorant is somewhatcontroversial. It has been used as such for thousands of years, and appears in the ancient pharmacopoeia of China and India, but modern research has beensparse and has thus far yielded only ambiguous results.

Countless people throughout the world report anexpectorant effect after smoking or vaporizing cannabis. If it were noted only in smokers of cannabis, it couldeasily be dismissed as a result of the irritation caused by smoke particles. Thefact that an effect is experienced even when inhaling vapour suggests that anactive substance in cannabis is causing it.

However, most existing research actually points to thepropensity of cannabis to cause production of mucus. For example, a studypublished in 2014 observed increased mucus secretions in habitual cannabissmokers, along with damage to the tissues of the airways. Thus, further research into theexpectorant and decongestant effects of cannabis could be advantageous.

These were the top four benefits of cannabis for asthmatics as far as medical research is concerned. Next up are five dos and donts when it comes to using cannabis as asthma patient. We spoke to one asthma patient, Mark, about his experience using cannabis with his medical condition.

The Tendency For Asthma

Most people who have asthma were born with a tendency toward the condition. Once you have developed sensitive airways, your respiratory tract tends to stay sensitive to asthma triggers for life. That doesnt mean that youll always be bothered by your asthma. But it does mean that if you had it as a child, even if you seem to have outgrown the condition, you very well may experience symptoms again as an adult.

Experts have studied the condition enough to now know that we dont really outgrow asthma.

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The Link Between Mental Health And Asthma

Around two to five of every 10 individuals who have asthma also struggle with depression. Since asthma is a difficult condition to manage, this is understandable. With asthma, you may feel anxious about engaging in physical activity, and this could mean missing work or school. But anxiety or depression can increase your risk for asthma.

One study with over 18,000 adults found that those who experienced severe depression, anxiety or stress in their childhood had a greater risk of having asthma. According to researchers, experiences like these could harm a childs immune and nervous systems, resulting in asthma later in their lives.

Since mental health problems like anxiety or depression can affect every aspect of your life and make it difficult for you to take care of yourself and manage your asthma effectively, they require attention.

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What Causes Asthma Symptoms To Get Worse

Triggers are those things that cause asthma symptoms to get worse or cause asthma flare-ups. Each child has different triggers. A very important part of asthma management is identifying triggersand then trying to stay away from them. Asthma triggers include:

• Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pets

• Upper respiratory infections such as colds or the flu

• Inhaled irritants such as secondhand smoke

• Certain weather conditions such as cold air

• Exercise or physical activity

• Emotions such as crying, laughing, or yelling

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Vaccine Distribution In Canada

As part of the Canadian Thoracic Societys COVID-19 Respiratory Roundtable panel representing Canadians living with lung disease, Asthma Canada signed a joint statement titled Prioritization of Canadians with Lung Disease in COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout. Alongside other lung health organizations, Asthma Canada is urging federal, provincial and territorial governments to prioritize people living with lung disease who are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 complications in the vaccination rollout. From Canadians living with a lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and pre- and post-lung transplant, there is widespread concern regarding when in the vaccine rollout in the provinces and territories they will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine.

We will continue to advocate for our community on this subject and will share more information as it becomes available.

Read the full statement here:English | French

How Can I Stop My Asthma Getting Worse Over Time

The best way to stop your asthma getting worse over time is to stick to a good routine of taking your preventer medicines as prescribed.

And if you notice your symptoms are getting worse, see your GP or asthma nurse as soon as possible so they can review your treatment.

You can also cut your risk of frequent asthma attacks, and your asthma getting worse, by stopping smoking.

Having an asthma review at least once a year, gives you a chance to talk through any symptoms or new triggers. You can check youre on the right medicine and that youre using your inhaler in the right way to get the most benefits.

You can also talk to your GP or asthma nurse about whether you need a higher dose or an add-on treatment to help with symptoms.

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Getting Diagnosed As An Adult Can Be More Difficult

There are several reasons that adults may be less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis, says pulmonologist Anthony Gerber, MD, a professor of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at National Jewish Health and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Denver.

Some adults believe that they can’t get asthma if they’ve never had it before and so may be more prone to ignore or write off symptoms. It’s not uncommon for adults to have a chronic cough for months without considering it could be asthma, says Dr. Parikh.

Adults are also more likely to have other underlying conditions that can mask or complicate asthma symptoms. Those include heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD.

It’s not just the adults who are confused, though doctors often miss asthma symptoms in adults or misdiagnose other conditions as asthma.

“About one-third of the patients I see who have been diagnosed with severe asthma don’t really have asthma,” says Dr. Gerber. “Their symptoms are being caused by a different condition.”

For example, chest pain could be from gastroesophageal reflux disease or heart disease. A chronic cough could be due to vocal cord dysfunction.

“This leads to asthma being misdiagnosed in adults,” says Dr. Gerber. “I always recommend adults get diagnosed by a specialist.”

What Does Asthma Remission Look Likeand Can You Flare After Being In Remission

According to the NIH study, the small number of people who see their asthma completely clear up never experience asthma symptoms again, nor do they need required inhaled treatments. Other adults simply see their asthma symptoms become more and more infrequent, Dr. Li says. “The diagnosis may ‘stay’ with the patient as they are at risk of a recurrence of the symptoms, but they may not need daily controller therapy if their symptoms are intermittent or are mild,” she explains.

And sometimes, even in those who have technically experienced asthma remission, symptoms may reappear, according to a 2003 paper published in Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. The paper also shares that some adults can start to experience asthmatic symptoms even if they haven’t suffered from any since childhood.

Overall though, little is known about who is likely to see remission and who will likely need to stay on an asthma treatment for the rest of their life, so it’s a good idea to keep in contact with an asthma specialist and talk at length with them before quitting any treatments. according to Dr. Li. “My best advice is to see a specialist and understand what type of asthma ,” she says. “From there, with appropriate therapy and follow-up, that person’s asthma action plan tailored.”

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Can You Smoke Kratom Interactions With Other Smoking Products

What happens when someone consumes kratom together with cigarettes? What about weed? Are these combinations safe? Do they enhance the experience, detract from it, or is the effect neutral? We have researched the experiences of people who have written about their experiences, and compiled a short summary of what seems to be the consensus opinion, as well as other less common experiences:

Feeling Bogged Down By Your Asthma Come To Carolina Asthma & Allergy Care

If you or your child have not been able to outgrow your asthma symptoms, dont feel bad. As mentioned, asthma is incurable for most people. Here at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center, we can help you have more good days living with your asthma. Were specialists when it comes to allergies and asthma and have operated for more than 60 years in Charlotte and have many other offices throughout North and South Carolina.

If youre ready to get your asthma under control and take back your life, give us a call. We can come up with an asthma management plan, including avoidance of triggers and prescription to medications as needed. Just because you cant cure asthma doesnt mean you have to live every day with breathing difficulties. Today is the day to do something about your asthma. Contact Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center for help.

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Which Age Group Gets Asthma The Most Often

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute or NHLBI, asthma is more prevalent in adults than children. Of 25+ million asthma patients in the United States, a much smaller portion are children, only seven million. That leaves 18 million adult cases.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology or AAAAI supports these findings. They noted that children with asthma in the US were about 8.3 percent of the population in 2016.

Now, there are certain risk factors that boost your chances of developing asthma. For instance, children who are six years old and have had a lifelong history of respiratory infections or wheezing have greater chances of getting asthma. Those who have a family history of the condition as well as other conditions such as eczema and allergies are also more prone to having asthma.

Obesity in adults can bump up the chances of asthmatic symptoms, the AAAAI reports from its own data. They reviewed people of different weight groups between 2011 and 2014. Of those, asthma rates were 7.8 percent in overweight patients, 7.1 percent in patients of a regular weight, and 11.1 percent in the obese. Obese women are the most effected, as their chances of having asthma spike by 14.6 percent.

Finally, having influenza can also boost someones chances of getting asthma, as can working certain jobs. About 15.7 percent of adults with asthma in the US, or 1.9 million people, have occupational asthma.

Does Smoking Harm My Child

Children who live with a smoker and breathe in second-hand smoke are more likely to develop asthma and have more frequent and severe attacks. This is because childrens lungs have not finished growing and they have less developed airways, lungs and immune systems. Being exposed to second-hand smoke can irritate a childs lungs, making them produce more mucus and be more prone to infections which make asthma symptoms worse.

A study from the University of Cincinnati also found that non-smoking adolescents who lived with a smoker were more likely to be short of breath. They were also more prone to wheezing during or after exercise and have a cough at night.

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