How Do Healthcare Providers Diagnose Asthma
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including information about your parents and siblings. Your provider will also ask you about your symptoms. Your provider will need to know any history of allergies, eczema and other lung diseases.
Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray, blood test or skin test. Your provider may order spirometry. This test measures airflow through your lungs.
Asthma Symptoms May Lead To Fatigue
Response from Lyn Harper, MPA, BSRT, RRT:
Yes! A person may be fatigued from the strain caused by labored breathing and shortness of breath. Quite simply, being unable to catch your breath is exhausting! However, you may also experience fatigue from lack of sleep due to other asthma symptoms; coughing, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Fatigue is also a symptom of oxygen levels in the blood being low, which can happen when were experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms.2
Response from John Bottrell, RRT:
Asthma affects every asthmatic differently. For some of us, feeling tired is an early warning symptom. When you feel it, you know it’s time to take swift actions to prevent a full-fledged asthma attack. This is true even when you have controlled asthma.
Fatigue may be more common when asthma is poorly controlled. In such cases, asthma can affect your sleep. And, just feeling short of breath can make you feel tired, even exhausted. So, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to what your body is saying earlier rather than later.2
The earlier you take action the easier it is to reverse this and other symptoms, so you can feel normal once again. It’s also a good idea to work with your doctor to develop a daily treatment regimen so you don’t feel this symptom very often. Plus, it’s also a good idea to work with your doctor on developing a plan so you know what to do when you feel this and other asthma symptoms.
Can Asthma Cause Fatigue
Fatigue is a very common challenge people with asthma face. Breathing may be labored, you might not always eat well, and your sleep may be frequently interrupted. If you have an infection or exacerbation of symptoms, your fatigue may be profound.
While it is important you respond to your bodys need for rest so it can heal and function, excessive fatigue is draining and interferes with your ability to live life to its fullest.
Don’t Miss: Does Smoking Weed Cause Asthma
Asthma Sufferers Often Have A Number Of Unusual Asthma Symptoms So Talk To Your Doctor If You Experience These
Asthma can develop at any time in life. You aren’t necessarily born with it. In fact, a study showed that almost half of people with asthma developed it as an adult. If you don’t recognize the symptoms of asthmaand treat them properlyyour lungs can suffer damage. If you experience any of the following symptoms and they don’t go away, work with your doctor to investigate their cause.
1. You have a chronic, persistent cough. This is probably among the the least surprising signs of asthma. A cough is your body’s normal defense system at work. It’s trying to expel irritants, such as pollen, smoke and mucus from your lungs. A cough could stem from a cold or sinus infection that led to post-nasal drip, which can last up to several weeks. If your cough just doesn’t seem to be letting up, talk to your doctor.
2. You’re constantly getting bronchitis or had it frequently as a child. When you have bronchitis, your bronchial tubes, which carry oxygen to your lungs, become irritated and inflamed. When this happens, they make mucus and you cough because your body is trying to get rid of it. Having bronchitis often as a child may increase the likelihood of developing asthma as you get older. It’s not known, though, whether bronchitis as a child causes asthma as an adult or just increases susceptibility to lung issues. Studies are underway to clarify the relationship between bronchitis and asthma.
Medically reviewed in May 2018.
Recommended
How To Treat Asthma Cough
Treating an asthma cough involves taking controller medications. Corticosteroids for inhaling will help reduce the inflammation in the lungs, which is said to be the biggest cause of an asthma cough. Inhaled corticosteroids are usually a long-term solution for cough variant asthma. For getting relief in the short term, oral corticosteroids are usually prescribed. Quick-relief inhalers are recommended to keep handy to take care of coughing and wheezing incidences. These quick-relief inhalers, though, are only meant for using once or twice in a week. You may also use them before exercising or if you are suffering from a disease and are generally feeling unwell, triggering a bout of coughing.
Oral medications for relieving asthma cough include leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast, brand name Singulair. These drugs work by treating the symptoms of asthma which are associated with allergic rhinitis.
There are also some alternative treatments that you can opt for treating an asthma cough. However, you should not stop taking your prescribed medications for other complementary treatments such as homeopathy. Your doctor will be the best person to advise you on whether the following options can provide relief in cough variant asthma:
- Pranayama
- Herbal therapy with gingko and dried ivy
Don’t Miss: Can Asthma Cause Weight Loss
Whats An Asthma Attack
When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:
- Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict . When they tighten, it makes the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways.
- Inflammation: The airway linings become swollen. Swollen airways dont let as much air in or out of the lungs.
- Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.
What Body Systems Control The Need For Sleep
The Body System that controls the need for sleep is the nervous system. There are two different sets of nerves in our brain: the nerves that are in control when we are awake, and the nerves that are in control when we are asleep. When we feel fatigued and are ready for sleep, neurotransmitters are passed to the wake nerves as a signal to turn off. Control is passed to the sleep nerves, which control automatic bodily functions and the three stages of brain activity involved in sleep: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM activity.
Don’t Miss: Diy Asthma Inhaler
Allergies And Body Aches
If you are suffering from joint pain, or any other type of general discomfort or pain, it could be caused by allergies. Remember that allergic reactions can cause inflammation. Inflammation can then cause joint and muscle aches. As a result, you can see that one sign of an immune system reaction can be chronic body aches.
There is often another issue at play as well: Allergies can cause physical symptoms from its symptoms. For example, one symptom is chronic coughing and sneezing. Both of these can lead to soreness if your body is repeatedly put through the paces.
Health Effects Of Smoke Exposure Due To Wildland Fires
How does smoke in the air affect my health?
How smoke conditions may affect your health is determined by a number of factors, such as the length of time you are exposed, how much air you breathe in, your health status and the concentration of smoke in the air.
Smoke is made up of a number of components. The unhealthiest material in wildland fire smoke is the small particles . They may make it harder to breathe or make you cough. These small particles can also make existing heart and lung conditions worse.
Who is most at risk from exposure to smoke?
Young children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions, like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and congestive heart failure are more sensitive to the adverse effects of exposure to smoke. People participating in sports or strenuous work outdoors may also be more susceptible, because they are breathing air deeply and rapidly. Risks increase when smoke becomes heavier and as the length of time a person is exposed increases.
What are the symptoms of smoke exposure?
Exposure to smoke can cause sore eyes, tears, cough and a runny nose. If the smoke lasts days to weeks or is very heavy, it can cause lung problems and a longer-lasting cough. Exposure to smoke can also make heart and lung conditions worse.
What should I do if Im concerned about smoke?
Manitobans who are concerned about smoke can take the following precautions:
People with heart or lung conditions, including asthma, can also do the following:
Also Check: What Happens If You Have Asthma
What Does Asthma Feel Like
Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes with increased production of sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with asthma experience symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus. Common asthma symptoms include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, pain, or pressure
Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms at different times. Your asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.
Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. In addition, some people may only have asthma during exercise, or asthma with viral infections like colds.
Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild asthma symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.
See More: 10 Worst Smog Cities in America
Alterations In Chest And Neck Movements
An asthma attack symptom that signals a medical emergency is called a retraction. It is the word used to describe the action of the chest and neck sinking in with every breath when it’s hard to breathe.
Retractions are symptoms of severe asthma that signal there’s not enough air reaching the lungs. It is a medical emergency. Call 911 and seek emergency medical help immediately.
Asthma symptoms in children that signify breathing problems may be getting worse include:
- Lack of appetite
- Not being as physically active as usual
Read Also: Can Asthma Cause Back Pain
Why Asthma Can Wake You Up At Night
If your asthma isnt under control, you might get more symptoms at night.
There are several reasons why this might happen:
- At night, your body produces fewer natural steroid hormones, which can affect your symptoms and more of the cells that cause inflammation in your airways.
- When you lie flat on your back, gravity places extra pressure on your chest and lungs, making it harder to breathe. This position can also trigger a cough, as mucus in your nose could drip down to the back of your throat.
- Your bedroom might contain triggers that can make your asthma worse, such as dust mites in your mattress, pillows and blankets.
- Pet hair is a common asthma trigger, so avoid letting your pet sleep on your bed, and ideally keep them out of your bedroom.;;
- Mould is another common asthma trigger, so check your bedroom for damp patches on walls and mould growing around windows.
- Lots of people find pollen triggers their asthma symptoms. When pollen is high, try using a fan to keep your bedroom cool rather than opening a window.
- Some people are triggered by cold air at night, or by sleeping in a cold room. If this is you, keep windows closed and keep the heating on low in the bedroom if you can.;
If your GP has prescribed steroid pills for your asthma, youll probably be advised to take them in the morning after food, as they might cause difficulty sleeping if you take them at night, but always take them exactly as prescribed.
How Is Asthma Prevented And Treated
There is no cure for asthma. Control symptoms by taking asthma medicines and avoiding your triggers. With proper;treatment;and an;asthma management plan, you can reduce your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
Talk to your health care provider about your asthma symptoms and be sure to discuss any changes in your asthma management or status.
Recommended Reading: Does Walmart Sell Over The Counter Inhalers
Early Warning Signs Of Asthma
Asthma attack symptoms do not usually come on without warning. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, your body may be gearing up for an asthma attack:
- Loss of appetite
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Heed the warning signs and act quickly if you experience any of the above symptoms to ward off an impending asthma attack. .
How To Cope With Asthma Fatigue
Fortunately, there are steps you can take today to reduce tiredness, give you energy, and enhance your overall health.
Take Your Medication
If you have medications prescribed, such as nebulizer treatments or rescue inhalers, ensure you use them they can open up your air passages and make breathing easier. Your oxygen levels may rise and you will not work so hard to breathe.
Do Breathing Exercises
Another strategy you can use to relieve fatigue is to simply take some energizing breaths. Do not strain while performing this exercise only do it to a degree comfortable for you.
This exercise is easy to perform and you can do it anywhere, whenever you feel fatigued. It is best performed in a sitting positon, but you can modify it and do it in bed or while upright if necessary.
- Get rest and exercise every day.
- Take a stress formula multivitamin/multimineral supplement daily.
Recommended Reading: Asthma Attack Recovery
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.
Related:
What To Do After An Asthma Attack
An asthma attack can be a learning experience if you and your doctor use it to refine your asthma action plan. Get some tips on what to do after an asthma attack.
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms that causes your air passages to become smaller and makes your breathing more difficult. Symptoms of an asthma attack may include difficult and painful breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Anyone with asthma needs to have a plan for what to do during an asthma attack. But you should also know what to do after an asthma attack.
You cant always avoid an asthma attack, but you can check in with your doctor and use an asthma attack as a way to improve your asthma management, said Jonathan Bernstein, MD, an associate professor in allergy and asthma at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center. In some cases, an asthma attack may be an indication that you need to make some changes.
Seeing your doctor after an asthma attack is especially important if you are newly diagnosed. Discussing the attack with your doctor can help you learn more about your asthma and empower you to manage your asthma better in the future, said Sumita Khatri, MD, co-director of the asthma center at the Cleveland Clinic.
You May Like: How To Make Inhaler At Home
Signs That Your Asthma Is Not Well Controlled
The benefit of asthma control is three-fold: to avoid an attack, to minimize its severity, and to prevent long-term damage to the lungs.
When asthma is not well controlled, it is often because a person has not adhered to the prescribed therapy. At other times, it may be that the treatment needs adjustment and that a person has been exposed to triggers they might otherwise avoid.
Whatever the reason, when asthma is not well controlled, you can likely expect to experience one or more of the following:
- You may become more aware of your wheezing.
- You may develop a cough that won’t go away.
- You may cough more at night or in cold weather.
- You may cough or wheeze with physical activity.
- You may get less relief from quick-relief medications.
- You may have more trouble falling asleep or getting a good night’s rest.
- You may get easily tired of tasks you can normally complete.
- Your allergy symptoms may worsen .
- You may be less able to identify when an attack is about to begin.
- You may have a downturn in your peak expiratory flow rate .
In experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor determine whether there have been significant changes in your respiratory health. Spirometry and other tests may be used to evaluate the extent of these changes and what, if any, revisions need to be made.