Is Asthma The Same For Everyone
Everyone with asthma has their own personal set of triggers and symptoms. Using a is the best way to keep a record of your individual treatment plan.
You can have a certain type of asthma too. For example, occupational asthma is caused by triggers in your workplace. Around 4% of people with asthma have a type of asthma called severe asthma, which needs specialist treatment because the usual medicines dont keep symptoms under control.
What Are Common Asthma Attack Triggers
An asthma attack happens when someone comes in contact with substances that irritate them. Healthcare providers call these substances triggers. Knowing what triggers your asthma makes it easier to avoid asthma attacks.
For some people, a trigger can bring on an attack right away. Sometimes, an attack may start hours or days later.
Triggers can be different for each person. But some common triggers include:
- Air pollution: Many things outside can cause an asthma attack. Air pollution includes factory emissions, car exhaust, wildfire smoke and more.
- Dust mites: You cant see these bugs, but they are in many homes. If you have a dust mite allergy, they can cause an asthma attack.
- Exercise: For some people, exercising can cause an attack.
- Mold: Damp places can spawn mold. It can cause problems for people with asthma. You dont even have to be allergic to mold to have an attack.
- Pests: Cockroaches, mice and other household pests can cause asthma attacks.
- Pets: Your pets can cause asthma attacks. If youre allergic to pet dander , breathing in the dander can irritate your airways.
- Tobacco smoke: If you or someone in your home smokes, you have a higher risk of developing asthma. The best solution is to quit smoking.
- Strong chemicals or smells.
With asthma, you may not have all of these symptoms. You may have different signs at different times. And symptoms can change between asthma attacks.
Physical Symptoms Of Asthma
Asthma symptoms and severity vary substantially from person to person. Most people with asthma do not have symptoms constantly. Bothersome asthma symptoms can mean that asthma is not controlled sufficiently or that an acute asthma episode may be starting. Common asthma symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Awakening in the night from coughing or wheezing
If you do not have asthma, you can help yourself imagine what it feels like to have an asthma episode:
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Which Of These Medicines Or Supplements Can Cause Kidney Problems
- Painkillers
- Injections of contrast dyes before an x-ray or CT scan
- Bowel preparations for colonoscopy
Painkillers
Excessive use of painkillers containing ibuprofen , naproxen , or others have been linked to kidney damage. It is usually safe to use painkillers as directed, but you should always talk to your doctor about any use of medicines, whether they are prescription or not.
Reactions to Antibiotics
Reactions to certain antibiotics or other drugs may also cause kidney damage.
Drug Abuse
Use of certain drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, can damage the kidneys. You should tell your doctor about past or current use of drugs. Methamphetamines can also damage the kidneys. Excessive alcohol use can also cause kidney problems.
Injections of contrast dyes before an X-ray or CT scan
Serious kidney damage can be caused by the iodine-containing dyes that doctors use to enhance the quality of medical scans. These dyes are called contrast agents, and are usually given intravenously before a CT scan, angiogram or other test. Contrast-induced nephropathy is the medical name for kidney damage caused by contrast agents. When this develops, it can cause acute kidney failure. Sometimes acute kidney failure will get better, but it may lead to CKD. People with CKD should ask about this when their doctor orders a CT scan, angiogram or angioplasty. If you aren’t sure if you have chronic kidney disease, ask your doctor.
Bowel preparations for colonoscopy
Asthma Symptoms In Children
Children are not always able to express in words that their asthma symptoms are worsening. They may have noticeable coughing and wheezing, but these are not always the first indications of breathing distress. Different children show asthma trouble in different ways.
Some possible indications of the beginning of an asthma episode include:
- Unusual tiredness or restlessness
- Frequent symptoms at night
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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 .
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.
How Does Stress Affect Asthma
depicts our working model of stress and asthma. It highlights the importance of both social and physical exposures in the exacerbation of symptoms. The basic premise of the model is that psychological stress operates by altering the magnitude of the airway inflammatory response that irritants, allergens, and infections bring about in persons with asthma. It is important to note that the model suggests that stress on its own is NOT capable of modifying immune functions in a way that leads to asthmatic symptoms. Rather, stress is viewed as a process that accentuates the airway inflammatory response to environmental triggers and, in doing so, increases the frequency, duration, and severity of patients’ symptoms.
Model depicting the interaction of psychological stress with environmental triggers in influencing asthma exacerbations. The basic premise of the model is that stress operates by altering the magnitude of the airway inflammatory response that irritants, allergens, and infections bring about in persons with asthma. The figure provides an overview of the relevant biological pathways to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary axis, and the sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system.
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Association Between Lung Function And Mortality
During follow-up over 5 years, the overall mortality rate was 24% among the 404 individuals. As almost half of the G-5 individuals underwent renal transplantation during the follow-up period, competing-risk regression models with transplantation as a competing risk were used for survival analyses.
Among all 404 GFR categories 1-5 individuals, 1-SD higher %FEV1 and 1-SD higher %FVC associated with lower mortality risk with crude sHR = 0.49 and crude sHR = 0.56 respectively. After adjusting for tertiles of Framingham CVD score , the survival benefits associated with 1-SD higher %FEV and 1-SD higher %FVC remained significant, sHR 0.62 and sHR 0.63 respectively.
The highest tertiles of %FEV1 and %FVC respectively associated with lower all-cause mortality after adjustments for tertiles of Framingham CVD score , presence of CVD and PEW, and albumin, BMI, hsCRP, and albuminuria, sHR of 0.49 and sHR of 0.56 respectively .
Fig. 3.
After applying the same adjustments, the highest tertile of %FEV1 associated with lower CVD mortality with sHR of 0.16 . The association of the highest tertile of %FVC with CVD mortality was not significant data not shown).
Restrictive lung dysfunction associated with increased mortality risk while the association with obstructive lung impairment was not significant after adjusting for Framingham CVD risk score presence of CVD, PEW and albuminuria and levels of BMI, plasma albumin and hsCRP, as well as %HGS, .
What Does Control Of Asthma Mean
- The ability to deal with acute exacerbations of asthma so that the need for urgent medical care is prevented
- Prevention of hospitalization for asthma
- Tolerating all normal activities up to and including competitive athletics if otherwise able
- The avoidance of symptoms that interfere with sleep.
- Normal pulmonary physiology .
- These goals should be reached safely and with the least interference with a normal life-style. The risks and bother of the treatment must be carefully weighed against the risk and bother of the asthma. The benefit obtained from the treatment must be worth any inconvenience and potential medication risks imposed by the treatment.
In other words, it is the goal of treatment to determine the simplest, safest therapeutic measures that minimize disability, normalize lung function, avoid the need for acute medical care of asthma, and permit a normal life.
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What Else Should I Know
The best way to manage asthma is to prevent flare-ups. Do that by following your asthma action plan and avoiding triggers, taking any medicines your doctor prescribes as directed, and getting a flu shot each year.
Your doctor also may ask you to keep track of your asthma symptoms in an asthma diary. This can help the doctor track how you feel after taking medicines. Your doctor might also ask you to use a peak flow meter as a way to monitor your asthma.
Caring for asthma takes a bit of work. But if you follow your asthma action plan, take your medicines properly, recognize your symptoms and triggers, and check in with your doctor regularly, you can do anything that people without asthma do.
The Role Of Treatments
Itâs important to know why medications for high blood pressure and asthma donât always work together. If you know what you and your doctor should avoid, it can help you feel better.
Some drugs used to lower high blood pressure can make asthma symptoms flare up.
Beta blockers lower your blood pressure because they cause your heart to beat slower and with less force. They also open your arteries and veins to help your blood flow.
Beta blockers can make asthma worse. If not used properly, they can cause problems in your airways and make your asthma treatments less effective.
Medicines this can happen with include:
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What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure. People with PKD can also have cysts in the liver and problems in other organs, such as the heart and blood vessels in the brain.
What Body Systems Are Affected By Asthma
Fact Checked
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your ability to breathe. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing are common asthma symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an asthma attack or episode can affect your respiratory system, immune system and nervous system .
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Symptom And Quality Of Life Scores
These tests involve filling out questionnaires to find out what symptoms youre experiencing and the different ways asthma may be affecting your life.
In an Asthma UK survey, 91% of people said their severe asthma had an impact on everyday things, such as their ability to exercise, their family and social life, their work or school life and their holidays. In the same survey 82% of people said theyd experienced sleep loss and 66% had gained weight.
If your asthma symptoms mean you cant do things you used to be able to do, such as exercise or play with your children, these scores will help your asthma specialist find out how asthma is affecting your life, says Dr Andy. Theyre also a useful way to monitor how well your asthma treatments are working.
Asthma specialists use these tests to:
- give them a clearer picture of your asthma symptoms
- show them how asthma may be limiting your activities
- reveal how youre coping with the challenges of having frequent asthma symptoms
- work out your response to longer-term treatment trials.
Treatment For Kidney Failure
The treatment choices for kidney failure include:
- dialysis
- kidney transplantation
- non-dialysis supportive care.
Dialysis or kidney transplantation is needed when there is less than 10 per cent of kidney function left. These options are also known as renal replacement therapy . Some people choose non-dialysis supportive care rather than dialysis or kidney transplantation.
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Medical History And Physical Exam
Your doctor will ask about your risk factors for asthma and your . They may ask also about any known allergies. This includes how often symptoms occur, what seems to trigger your symptoms, when or where symptoms occur, and if your symptoms wake you up at night.
During the physical exam, your doctor may:
- Listen to your breathing and look for of asthma
- Look for allergic skin conditions, such as eczema
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Answers To Quiz On Preceding Page
A right nephrectomy was performed. Microscopic investigation showed large areas of acute infarction of the kidney and surrounding fatty tissue with infiltration of broad and polymorphic hyphae compatible with mucormycosis . Subsequent fungal cultures showed growth of Saksenaea vasiformis. A few days after the operation the patient became critically ill and was treated in an ICU with lipidbased amphotericin B and continuous haemodialysis. After 6 weeks she was well enough to undergo left nephrectomy. This kidney also showed mucormycosis and areas of extensive acute infarction. No other organs than the kidneys seemed involved, and after both kidneys and surrounding necrotic tissue were removed, the patient’s condition slowly improved. One year after the kidneys were removed, she receives intermittent haemodialysis and is awaiting a kidney transplant.
Fig.3.
Necrotic perirenal fatty tissue with infiltration of broad polymorphic hyphae compatible with mucormycosis .
What Does Asthma Feel Like
is marked by of the bronchial tubes, with extra sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with have symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus.
There are three major signs of asthma:
- Airway blockage. When you breathe as usual, the bands of muscle around your airways are relaxed, and air moves freely. But when you have asthma, the muscles tighten. Itâs harder for air to pass through.
- . Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in your lungs. This inflammation can damage your . Treating this is key to managing asthma in the long run.
- Airway irritability. People with asthma have sensitive airways that tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with even slight triggers.
These problems may cause symptoms such as:
- , especially at night or in the morning
- , a whistling sound when you
- Shortness of breath
- because of breathing problems
Not every person with 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 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 long periods without having any symptoms. Others might have problems every day. In addition, some people may have asthma only during exercise or with viral infections like .
When to see your doctor
Get medical help right away if you have serious symptoms including:
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How Does Asthma Affect The Specific Groups Of People
1. Children
Children may not be able to tell that their breathing is worsening, and the coughing or wheezing are not always the first signs of distress. How does asthma affect the body of a child? Here are some indications of an asthmatic attack in children:
- Fast breathing
- Slouching
2. Elderly
Asthma can cause severe complications in the elderly. While a younger adult may only experience wheezing and coughing, symptoms may become severe as one gets older. Older people may have severe breathlessness and weakened body immunity. They may become more susceptible to infection, as well as anxiety or depression. With chronic asthma attacks, conditions such as bronchitis and other respiratory and cardiac problems may develop.
3. Pregnant Women
How does asthma affect the body of a mom-to-be? Pregnant women have an increased risk of complications when they have asthma attacks. These include vaginal hemorrhage, premature labor, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and stillbirth. Asthma attacks during pregnancy increase the production of acid in the blood, which may reduce oxygen supply both to the mother and the baby.
How Is Asthma Treated
Theres no cure for asthma, but it can be managed to prevent flare-ups. Asthma treatment involves two important components: avoiding triggers and taking medicine.
Avoiding Triggers
People with asthma need to avoid the things that might cause flare-ups. Of course, some triggers cant be completely avoided . But exposure to other triggers, such as pet dander, can be controlled.
Keep your environment clear of potential allergens, like dust or secondhand smoke. Dont smoke . Pay attention to the weather and stay indoors or limit your exercise to indoor activities when you know weather or air pollution may affect you.
Doctors help people with exercise-induced asthma manage physical activity, not avoid it. Exercise can help people stay healthier overall. Doctors can help people find treatments that allow them to them participate in their in fact, many professional athletes have asthma.
Taking Medicine
Most asthma are breathed directly into the lungs , but some are pills or liquids. There two types of medicines are:
Some people with asthma only need quick-relief medicine others need both kinds of medicine to keep their asthma in check.
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