Asthma Inhalers And Weight Gain
Although extremely effective in controlling symptoms, asthma inhalers and weight gain may go hand and hand. Documentation to support this connection is thin however, experts may have found what links the two and why. The weight gain may be due to steroids. Many of these lifesavers contain steroids and steroids are associated with increased appetite. Thus, if you arenât watching what you eat, weight gain may be inevitable. Unlike other side effects to these drugs, weight gain is reversible. Commonly prescribed asthma inhalers with steroids are Advair, Asmanex, Qvar, Flovent Diskus and Pulimicort Flexhaler.
Another reason for this direct link to weight gain and certain asthma inhalers is people with asthma may not exercise for fear of causing an attack. No exercise and eating more is a recipe for weight gain. Because weight gain can cause pressure on the lungs, losing weight is an opportunity to help improve asthma.
Question : Do Your Symptoms Get Worse When You Go Out In The Garden Or Are Near Pets
You answered yes.
You answered no.
- A worsening of asthma symptoms is known as an asthma exacerbation, or more commonly, as an asthma attack. These are induced by triggers stimulus that cause increased severity of symptoms.
- Triggers are often something airborne that inflame the bronchi when they come into contact with them.
- Common triggers include allergens such as pollen, pet hair, or dust, but an asthma attack can also be triggered by non-allergic reactions, such as to cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, certain foods or medicines, or an abrupt change in the weather.
- An attack can even be brought on by stress a number of changes in the body take place when were under pressure, which can lead to increased chest tightness and heavy breathing.
- The body also releases chemicals in periods of stress, such as leukotrienes and histamines, which can cause inflammation of the airways.
Severe Asthma Typically Requires A Combination Approach To Treatment
If someone experiences asthma symptoms more than twice a week, their asthma is termed persistent. And among those with persistent asthma, doctors further categorize the condition as mild, intermediate, or severe.
The symptoms of severe asthma are similar to those of mild asthma, theyre just more frequent and more severe, and require more medications to keep them under control, says Emily Pennington, MD, a pulmonologist and asthma specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Often, if someones symptoms require a combination of asthma medications such as high-dose inhaled corticosteroids as well as longer-acting drugs that persons asthma is termed severe. The same term applies to people who dont respond well to treatment.
We dont entirely understand why some people dont respond as well to medication, Dr. Pennington says. Genetic and underlying molecular factors are likely explanations, she says, but the exact causes of severe asthma are complex and likely vary from one person to the next.
Theres also an informal term, uncontrolled asthma, that refers to people whose asthma symptoms are not well managed. This can happen for a number of reasons:
- Other conditions, such as heart disease, that make asthma hard to manage
- Lifestyle choices, such as the decision to smoke cigarettes, that exacerbate asthma symptoms
- Not following a doctors advice or guidelines when taking medications
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There Are Four Key Symptoms That You Should Monitor To Help You Keep Your Asthma Under Control:
- Daytime SymptomsHow often do you have asthma symptoms during the day, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath?
- Nighttime SymptomsDo you wake up at night with asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath?
- Quick-Relief or Rescue Inhaler UseHow often do you use your quick-relief or rescue inhaler to relieve asthma symptoms?
- Activity LevelDo you have difficulty performing normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, daily chores or playing with the kids?
What Is Severe Persistent Asthma
People with severe persistent asthma have asthma symptoms every day, throughout the day. As a result, your daily activities are extremely limited. You might wake up every night because of your asthma symptoms. You must use rescue medicines several times a day. Your lung spirometry tests will show severely decreased lung function.1
If you have severe asthma, you may need to see a team of specialists in addition to your regular asthma doctor. You might also seek mental health support for asthma, such as seeing a therapist or joining a support group for people with asthma.2
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Childhood Vs Adult Symptoms
Children and adults generally have similar symptoms. But, identifying asthma symptoms in children can be more difficult, especially in younger children who may not be able to tell you how they are feeling.
Here are some things to watch for in your child that could indicate asthma:
- Not being able to keep up with other children while running around
- Having a hard time catching their breath or breathing faster than other children who are doing the same thing
- Looks like they have a cold, which could actually be asthma
- Coughing, especially at night
- Feel restless, irritable and/or very tired
What to do:
STEP 1: Immediately use a fast-acting reliever inhaler . Use a spacer if provided.STEP 2: Check your symptoms. If they are gone, you can go back to your normal activities. If they symptoms get worse or do not improve within 10 minutes, this is an emergency. Follow the steps below.
When Should You Call A Doctor For An Asthma Attack
If you think you or your child may have asthma, make an appointment with your health care provider. Some clues pointing to asthma include the following:
- wheezing,
- pain or tightness in your chest, and
- recurrent, spasmodic that is worse at night.
If you or your child has asthma, you should have an asthma action plan worked out in advance with your health care provider. This plan should include instructions on what to do when an asthma attack occurs, when to call the health care provider, and when to go to a hospital emergency department. The following are general guidelines only. If your provider recommends another plan for you, follow that plan.
- Take two puffs of an inhaled beta-agonist , with one minute between puffs. If there is no relief, take an additional puff of inhaled beta-agonist every five minutes. If there is no response after eight puffs, which is 40 minutes, your health care provider should be called.
- Your provider also should be called if you have an asthma attack when you are already taking oral or inhaled or if your inhaler treatments are not lasting four hours.
Although asthma is a reversible disease, and treatments are available, people can die from a severe asthma attack.
If you are having an asthma attack and have severe shortness of breath or are unable to reach your doctor in a short period of time, you must call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Have a friend or family member drive.
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How Can I Be Better Prepared To Manage Asthma What Is An Asthma Management Plan
Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured. This makes it crucial to have your doctor create an asthma action plan to help you stay in control of your asthma.
Your asthma action plan will outline:
- What medication do I need?
- How can I tell if your asthma is getting worse?
- What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
- What can I have an asthma attack?
If your doctor develops an asthma action plan for you, its important to follow your asthma action plan closely. Make sure you carry and take your medications, such as an asthma inhaler.
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What Is Moderate Persistent Asthma
People with moderate persistent asthma have asthma symptoms every day.1
Some of your daily activities are limited by your asthma. You wake up at least once a week because of asthma symptoms. You use rescue medicines every day to control your asthma symptoms. Your lung spirometry tests will show decreased lung function.1
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Is There Any Difference Between People With Nonallergic And Allergic Asthma When It Comes To Covid
Its likely theres no difference.
Some research has suggested that nonallergic asthma might lead to more severe disease, but really were not sure whether those study participants had true asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
We definitely know COPD is a risk factor for more severe COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health guidelines is enough for people with asthma to stay safe.
Strict isolation may harm people psychologically. We know that with this pandemic theres definitely also a parallel pandemic of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. Both of these conditions can make asthma worse.
I dont think theres any reason for people with asthma in general to be extra cautious.
In general, everyone should just be smart. At the end of the day this disease is very unpredictable.
Everyone should be following guidelines. Those guidelines are already strict, and I think going into complete isolation is dangerous for your mental health.
How To Treat Asthma Attacks Without An Inhaler
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Like clockwork, a 2 a.m. asthma attack shut down my airways and jolted me out of sleep. The sweet relief of breath was at arms length, in the emergency inhaler on my night table. One quick spray and within seconds I felt my bronchial tubes begin to relax, allowing precious air to enter.
The next development was all too predictable. The drug made my heart race, and I couldnt fall back asleep until just moments before the alarm clock rang, ending my brief respite.
Scenarios like this are typical of the hold asthma exerted on my life for many years. Episodes came and went, with spasms gripping my bronchial tubes, inflammation swelling the mucous membranes, and phlegm choking the breath out of me.
The attacks were at their worst when I lived in Florida, where the intense humidity caused mildew to flourish, aggravating my condition. I often felt like I was trying to breathe under water. Nor did my job as a tech writer in an old airplane hangarfull of mold, chemical fumes, and cigarette smokehelp matters. I cant count the times when it seemed impossible to think clearly enough to get through the day. I tried allergy shots, but hated having to poke myself with a needle, so I quit the job instead. When a doctor told me my only option was to take medicine for the rest of my life, I finally found the courage to say enough.
Clearly, I needed to coax my body into staying calm.
via justnaturallyhealthy.com
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How To Cure Asthma Without An Inhaler
We are wondering just how to heal asthma permanently without an inhaler? We Have attracted you to some home treatments for asthma that cure Asthma without an Inhaler. Asthma is a chronic illness that consists of the airways of the lungs. These bronchial tubes or airways allow air to enter and out of their lungs.
When you have asthma, your airways are almost always inflamed, they become more bloated, and the muscles around nerves may elongate when something causes the symptoms. This makes it challenging for air to enter and out of their lungs.
Infection is a type of respiratory disorder that occurs because of the bronchis response within somebodys lungs. The bronchial airways and sacs begin filling with mucous and secretion, making breathing difficult for the victim.
Asthma attacks may vary from moderate to severe. The strikes Are usually triggered by several environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and animal dander. A present respiratory disease like chilly may also actuate them.
One of the most frequent methods of therapy for asthma attacks would be an inhaler. Are you thinking about how to take care of asthma with no inhaler? There are specific things which can assist you in curing asthma strike without an inhaler.
Asthma Information For Childcare Kinder Or School
To assist childcare and preschool workers and school teachers in the care of your child with asthma:
- Tell them that your child has asthma .
- Provide them with a copy of your childs asthma action plan, including emergency contact details. Make sure you provide an updated plan every year, or if your childs medication changes.The school or childcare centre will require this for enrolment.
- Show staff members how to use the medication devices, such as spacers and puffers.
- Make sure your child has an up-to-date supply of medication and a spacer at the centre or school.
- Notify staff if your childs asthma changes.
- Tell the staff about any concerns you may have.
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Youre Using Your Inhaler More Than Usual
If youve been having to use your quick-relief inhaler more often than usual, or youve started to feel like it doesnt help as much when you do use it, your severe asthma may be getting worse.
It can be hard sometimes to keep track of exactly how many times you use your inhaler during a given week. You may want to start keeping track of your usage in a journal or in the note-taking app on your phone.
Keeping a log of your inhaler usage can also help to identify what may be triggering your severe asthma symptoms. For example, if you mainly use your inhaler after being outdoors, an outdoor trigger like pollen may be causing your asthma to flare up.
Managing An Asthma Attack
While waiting for assistance, things you can do during an asthma attack if you dont have your medication include:
Additionally, there are many things that you can do in general to lessen the likelihood and severity of asthma attacks.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take a fish oil supplement
- Take antihistamines if your trigger is an allergen.
- Wear protective masks if the pollen count is high or there are harmful fumes in the air.
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga breathing and meditation.
- Use a hot water humidifier
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What Is Mild Persistent Asthma
Persistent asthma means that you have symptoms regularly. People with mild persistent asthma have asthma symptoms more than twice a week, but not every day.1
Your daily activities are only slightly limited due to asthma symptoms. If you have mild persistent asthma, you will sometimes wake up at night because of your symptoms. You use rescue medicines more than twice a week, but not every day. Your lung spirometry tests will show near-normal lung function.1
How Do I Know What My Asthma Triggers And Inducers Are
To find out about your triggers and inducers, get allergy tests and pay attention to your symptoms. Skin prick testing, done by a specialist doctor called an allergist, can show what you’re allergic to. Learning your other inducers and triggers may be a little more difficult. It helps if you pay attention to when and where your asthma gets worse. Is it when the air is cold? When you are near your neighbour’s cat? Paying attention to your symptoms will give you clues about your triggers and inducers. Try using an asthma diary card to keep track of your symptoms and your surroundings. Show your asthma diary card to your doctor or certified asthma educator or certified respiratory educator for more help.
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You Swim In A Chlorinated Pool
Generally, swimming is a great sport for people with exercise-induced asthma, because it still requires cardio demand, but the humid environment makes bronchoconstriction less likely. However, too much exposure to chlorine can irritate your respiratory tract. In fact, a study published in the journal Environmental Health found that early life exposure to swimming pools that contain chlorine was linked to early-onset asthma in children.
What Asthma Treatment Options Are There
You have options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control symptoms. These include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways. They make it easier for air to enter and exit your lungs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them to take every day to control or prevent your symptoms.
- Bronchodilators: These medicines relax the muscles around your airways. The relaxed muscles let the airways move air. They also let mucus move more easily through the airways. These medicines relieve your symptoms when they happen.
- Biologic therapies for asthma when symptoms persist despite being on proper inhaler therapy.
You can take asthma medicines in several different ways. You may breathe in the medicines using a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer or other inhaler. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications that you swallow.
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Why Have Your Asthma Symptoms Got Worse
Before your appointment, have a think about your symptoms and why you think theyve got worse. Itll help you and your GP to work out whats going on with your asthma.
Ask yourself these questions to help you:
Have I been taking my preventer inhaler every day?
Preventer medicines stop inflammation building up in your airways. But they can only do this if you take them every day.
If you stop taking them you wont have full protection. And your symptoms will come back.
Have you been taking yours every day? Or have you found it hard to get into a good routine?
Do I know the best way to take my inhalers?
Even if youve been taking an inhaler for years, its easy to slip into bad habits. If you havent been taking your inhaler correctly you will have been missing out on the full dose of asthma medicine.
Are you confident youre taking your inhalers in the right way? Watch our inhaler videos to see if youre doing it right. And ask your GP or asthma nurse to check it at your appointment.
Have I been around more of my usual asthma triggers?
Maybe youve caught a cold, or its pollen season and your hay fevers bad. Think about your usual triggers and if they might be affecting you more.
Have I come across a new trigger?
Have you been around an animal or pet? Did you start a new job, or go on holiday? Tell your doctor if youve spotted a new trigger. They can help you deal with it.
What else has been going on in my life lately?
Have I noticed hormonal changes?