What Should I Do If I Think I Have Asthma
If you think that you have asthma, the best thing you can do is see your healthcare provider as soon as possible for proper testing and diagnosis. Many people normalize their symptoms, without ever realizing that a symptom-free life could be possible. Its crucial to never ignore or downplay your asthma symptoms, you never know when something could trigger a potentially fatal asthma attack.
The sooner that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, the sooner you can take control of your asthma and live life to the fullest.
How Do You Know If You Have Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory problem usually occurs due to the inflammation of bronchial tubes but how do you know if you have asthma? Normally, people experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, tight feeling in chest and allergies as well. These symptoms simply points to the asthma. Are these symptoms enough to find out whether you have asthma or not? Its a no. Some people will not experience in the same way.
Symptoms for asthma attack can be mild to severe. Mild attacks are common. Mild asthma attacks might cause during exercise or due to the cold. Sometimes mild asthma attack tends to last longer. Well, in this case, immediate treatment is required. Seeking medical treatment at prior will keep asthma under control. But how do you know if you have asthma? Here are some signs and symptoms that will help you to know about it.
Contents
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.
Don’t Miss: What Happens If You Have Asthma And Smoke Weed
How Do You If You Have Asthma Know Your Asthma
How Is Childhood Asthma Treated How do I know if I have asthma? There isnt a cure for asthma, so the goal for asthma treatment is to keep symptoms under control and prevent asthma attacks. Ideally, treatment allows the child to be able to participate in physical activities as if they didnt have asthma. Infants;
Question : Are Your Symptoms Worse When You Are At Work
You answered yes.
You answered no.
- Someone who works in an environment where they are exposed to dust, fumes, certain chemicals or animals, and finds their symptoms flare up at work, may have what is known as occupational asthma, which affects around one in ten people who first develop asthma in adulthood.
- Bakers, vets, nurses, hairdressers, engineers and woodworkers are just some of the jobs that can lead to occupational asthma.
Read Also: Inhaler Before Running
Warning Signs Of An Asthma Emergency
Some warning signs of asthma are more serious. They include:
- Symptoms that keep getting worse, even with treatment
- Difficulty catching your breath or talking
- Sucking in your chest or stomach with each breath
- Trouble walking
- A bluish or grayish tinge to your lips or fingernails
- Flaring your nostrils as you breathe
If you have any of these asthma symptoms, call 911.
Tips For When You Dont Have An Inhaler
Mild to moderate asthma attacks can occur at inopportune times. You may be able to manage your asthma more effectively with these tips. If these dont work CALL AN AMBULANCE.
Also Check: What Are Some Home Remedies For Asthma
Also Check: What To Do When Having An Asthma Attack
Question : Do You Have A Cough That Wont Seem To Go Away
You answered yes.
You answered no.
- Coughing is an involuntary reflex action to clear the airways, and may be worse because of the excess mucus production engendered by asthma.
- For someone who has asthma, their coughing might be particularly bad at night as they are lying down and their airways become narrower during sleep.
- If you have a cough that lasts for longer than a couple of weeks or keeps returning over a period of time, this might be a symptom of asthma.
Occupational Asthma Is Triggered By An Irritant Youre Exposed To At Work
If your asthma started when you changed jobs, improves when youre away from your work environment, or is triggered by chemicals that make it difficult to breathe, then you may be suffering from;occupational asthma.
Occupational factors are associated with up to 15 percent of disabling asthma cases in the United States. An estimated 11 million workers in a wide range of industries are exposed to at least one of the numerous agents known to be associated with occupational asthma.;
More than 250 manufacturing substances have been known to exacerbate occupational asthma, such as:
- Paints
Recommended Reading: What To Do When Someone Has An Asthma Attack
Would You Know If Your Child Has Asthma
Asthma affects as many as 10 to 12 percent of children in the United States and is the leading cause of chronic illness in children.
For unknown reasons, the incidence of asthma in children is steadily increasing.
While asthma symptoms can begin at any age, most children experience symptoms by age 5.
Breathing Problems During Exercise
If you have chest tightness, cough, wheeze or shortness of breath during exercise, your doctor may perform extra tests to see if you have a type of asthma called, exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm. For some people, they will only have asthma symptoms during exercise. There are many benefits to exercise, so work with your doctor to find the best management steps and treatment options for you.
Recommended Reading: Ibuprofen And Asthma Warning
What You Should Know About Asthma In Older Adults
If you are an older adult, or if you are the caregiver for an older person, this information will help you better understand asthma and how it should be managed in individuals age 65 and above.
Imagine all of the sudden having the feeling that you are suffocating.;Youre gasping for air but are unable to catch your breath. You feel like your lungs are being squeezed and you begin to panic.;You could be having an asthma attack.;For millions of Americans, this is an all-too-frequent occurrencea nightmare that cant be fully appreciated by those without the disorder.
Today, more Americans than ever before are suffering from asthma, making it one of the most common and costly illnesses in the U.S.;;Although many cases of asthma go undiagnosed, its prevalence has been increasing since 1980.;And while asthma shows no bias to age, sex and racial groups, the occurrence is higher among children, African-Americans and Hispanics.
Early Signs And Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of asthma are those that will notify you about the very beginning of the asthma attack. Early signs and symptoms symbolize the changes that take place prior to the asthma attack. These signs and symptoms includes
- Coughing and wheezing
- Problem in proper functioning of lung
- And somewhat insomnia as well
These types of signs and symptoms are seen before the worsening of asthma. Knowing these signs, it would be easy to know if you have asthma attack. Underestimating these symptoms may put you in very difficult situation. Seeking medication would be better after knowing these symptoms.
Read Also: What To Do When Having An Asthma Attack
Signs Of Poor Asthma Control
- You have frequent breathing difficulties and find yourself coughing or wheezing most days
- Your asthma impacts your sleep; if your asthma symptoms wake you up or keep you up at night your asthma isnt controlled
- You cant exercise or exert yourself physically without experiencing breathing difficulties
- You frequently miss work or school due to asthma
- You use your reliever medication more than 3 times per week
Recommended Reading: What Can Help Asthma Without An Inhaler
What Are Asthma Triggers
Various factors that trigger an asthma attack, and it can be different from person to person.;
- Physical activity.
- Irritants and air pollutants such as smoke or airborne particles.
- Stress and strong emotions.;
- Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a sibling or parent.
- Exposure to occupational triggers such as chemicals in manufacturing, hairdressing, or farming.
You May Like: Steroid Inhaler And Smoking
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Donât have written asthma action plan from your doctor
- Use an inhaler, but donât have a spacer
- Miss more than 1 day of school per month for asthma
- Asthma limits exercise or sports
- Asthma attacks wake child up from sleep
- Use more than 1 inhaler per month
- No asthma check-up in more than 1 year
- You have other questions or concerns
Asthma Peak Week: How To Exercise Safely With Asthma
The third week of September is known as Asthma Peak Week, the week with the highest numbers of asthma attacks and hospitalizations every year. Allergen levels are at their highest this week, particularly common allergens like ragweed pollen, dust, and mold, and this can make any activity difficult. You might be reluctant to work out, but regular exercise can improve asthma symptoms by increasing lung capacity and reducing inflammation. A well-considered exercise plan guided by a medical professional is vital to ensuring you can exercise safely with asthma, so read on to learn what to discuss with your doctor about creating an exercise plan for you!
You May Like: What Helps Asthma Without An Inhaler
What We Know About Asthma And Covid
Asthma is a pre-existing lung condition affecting 1 in 13 people in the U.S. It can cause wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be controlled by taking medications and avoiding triggers.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus affects cells in the airways, from the nose and throat down to the deepest parts of the lungs. In the nose and throat it might cause symptoms of a cold. In the upper airways, it might cause some breathlessness and cough. When the coronavirus lodges itself deep in the lungs, this is when things can start to get serious. Here, the coronavirus commonly causes a double lung infection, or bilateral pneumonia.;
Interestingly, research so far does not suggest any link between having asthma and getting a more severe COVID-19 illness, or between asthma and coronavirus deaths.;
Whether this is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesnt affect people with asthma in the same way as other respiratory viruses, or because there simply isnt enough data yet, remains to be seen.;
Recommended Reading: How Often Can You Use A Nebulizer For Asthma
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.
Don’t Miss: What Helps Asthma Attacks Without An Inhaler
What Kind Of Physician Treats Adult Onset Asthma
Many older patients are treated for asthma by their internist or family physician; however, if your asthma symptoms are not under control within three to six months, or if you have severe persistent asthma, or if you are having asthma episodes that need emergency treatment, it may be time to see an asthma specialist. Allergists/Immunologists or pulmonologists are specialists who treat asthma. Those who have completed training in those specialties are usually called board-certified or board-eligible.
Different Types Of Asthma
Asthma has four levels of severity:
- Intermittent Asthma is felt less than two times a week and interrupts sleep less than two nights a month.
- Mild Persistent Asthma means you feel symptoms two or more days a week and wake up three to four nights per month.
- Moderate Persistent Asthma means you experience symptoms every day and wake up one or more nights per week.
- Severe Persistent Asthma symptoms occur every day and wake you up every night.
Don’t Miss: Asthma And Weight
How Can You Tell If You Have Asthma
May 10, 2019
In the U.S. an estimated 26 million people have asthma, a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the airways. The effects of asthma range from annoying to potentially dangerous, so its a good idea to talk to your doctor if you think you or someone in your family might have this condition.
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.
Don’t Miss: Does Asthma Cause Throat Clearing
When To See A Doctor
At the moment, theres no cure for asthma. However, there are many effective treatments that can decrease asthma symptoms. Lifestyle changes and medications can also help improve your quality of life.
If you havent been diagnosed with asthma but are experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, you should let your doctor know. You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
Once youre diagnosed with asthma, you should see your doctor at least once a year or more frequently if you have persistent symptoms after using treatments.
- feel weak
- cant perform daily activities
- have a wheeze or cough that wont go away
Its important to educate yourself about your condition and its symptoms. The more you know, the more proactive you can be in improving your lung function and how you feel.
Talk with your doctor about:
- your type of asthma
- what daily treatments are best for you
- your treatment plan for an asthma attack
What Types Of Asthma Are There
Healthcare providers identify asthma as intermittent or persistent . Persistent asthma can be mild, moderate or severe. Healthcare providers base asthma severity on how often you have attacks. They also consider how well you can do things during an attack.
Asthma can be:
- Allergic: Some peoples allergies can cause an asthma attack. Molds, pollens and other allergens can cause an attack.
- Non-allergic: Outside factors can cause asthma to flare up. Exercise, stress, illness and weather may cause a flare.
Recommended Reading: Can Asthma Cause Weight Loss
Recommended Reading: Does Smoking Weed Cause Asthma
What Asthma Feels Like
We will try to demonstrate and explain what asthma feels like.
First, make a tight fist and press it firmly to your lips. Then try to breathe in and then out through your mouth.; You should find it very difficult to breathe. That is exactly what asthma is like.
Another way to describe it is to breathe through a strawyou should be able to breathe easily. Think of the straw as one of the airways to your lungs. Now pinch the straw, so that it becomes narrower. Try breathing in and out through the pinched straw. You will find breathing again much harder that, too is what asthma is like.
Everybodys asthma is unique; some people may have annual asthma attacks each year, when they have real difficulty breathing and have to go to Emergency. For others, who never have an attack, asthma is merely an inconvenience. ; ;
Up to 10% of North Americans will suffer from asthma symptoms in their lifetime. For some, it can be a chronic respiratory condition, an issue they have to deal with most of their lives. On the other hand, children with asthma often lose their symptoms as they grow older.
In spite of the number of sufferers, the increasing numbers of new cases and the constant threat of attacks, asthma is still one of the most misunderstood health issues of the day. False claims about asthma abound: people believe its contagious, or is caused by anxiety, bad parenting, etc. This book dispels these myths and provides you with a positive, controlling outlook on this condition.
How Can Adult Onset Asthma Be Managed
If you manage your asthma, you can expect to lead a normal lifestyle. Basically, there are four key steps to managing asthma successfully:
1.;;;Learn about asthma and stay up-to-date on new developments.
2.;; Take prescribed medications. Dont make any changes until you check with your physician. Dont use over- the-counter medications unless prescribed by your physician!
3.;; Check your lungs daily at home by using a peak flow meter. Asthma patients often can detect lung changes with a peak flow meter before they actually experience any changes. Visit your physician regularly for further in-office tests. Lung testing is painless and provides valuable data that helps your physician make adjustments in your medication.
4. ;; Make an asthma management plan with your physician. A plan establishes guidelines that tell you what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse.
Recommended Reading: Homemade Asthma Remedy