Whats The Pollen Forecast
Pollen comes from blooming grasses, plants, trees and weeds. It is carried far and wide by the wind. You might be allergic to one kind of pollen and not another.
Pollen counts vary with the weather and location, so pollen allergies differ dramatically from person to person. For this reason, its essential to know which types of pollen will trigger your allergy symptoms. Monitor your areas pollen count daily. Work with your doctor to avoid exposure and treat symptoms.
Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air on a given day. Scientists use air sampling devices to collect particles from the air and then analyze them. They identify types of pollen as well as how much of each is in the sample. A pollen count covers a large area since pollen is airborne and is measured by grains of pollen in a cubic meter.
Government agencies, universities and commercial research institutions measure pollen counts to provide information to the public. They also determine how different allergens affect people and develop medications and treatments.
The Overlap Between Asthma And Copd
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease refers to a collection of ailments that affect the lungs. They are associated with breathing difficulty and the obstruction of airflow. Diseases that fall into this category include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory asthma.
Keep in mind that people with asthma dont necessarily develop COPD, and people with COPD may not always have asthma. It is, however, quite possible for an individual to have both. When this occurs, it gives rise to a condition known as Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome , meaning the individual has both diseases at once.
COPD is more prevalent in:
- Existing smokers and people with a smoking past
- People aged 50 to 74
- People with a family history of the condition
- People with a history of refractory asthma
- People with long-term exposure to airborne irritants like smoke and industrial chemicals
Side Effects Of Relievers And Preventers
Relievers are a safe and effective medicine, and have;few side effects as long as they are not used too much. The main side effects include a mild shaking of the hands ,;headaches and muscle cramps. These usually only happen with high doses of reliever inhaler and usually only last for a few minutes.
Preventers are;very safe at usual doses, although they can cause a range of side effects at high doses, especially with long-term use.
The main side effect of preventer inhalers is a fungal infection of the mouth or throat . You may also develop a hoarse voice and sore throat.
Using a spacer can help prevent these side effects, as can rinsing your mouth or cleaning your teeth after;using;your preventer inhaler.
Your doctor or nurse will discuss with you the need to balance control of your asthma with the risk of side effects, and how to keep;side effects to a minimum.
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Treatment And Management Of Asthma
Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be effectively managed. You and your health care team will work together to develop a plan to:
- Manage chronic symptoms
- Preserve your lung function
- Enable you to live an active lifestyle
Your management plan will include medications , exercises, emotional support and strategies for avoiding triggers. The plan will depend on your asthma triggers, the severity of your symptoms, your age and other factors. It is important to meet with your doctor on a regular basis to review your plan and make modifications if necessary.
Read more about living with asthma and a sample “action plan” from the National Institutes of Health.
Asthma Patterns In Children
Every childs asthma is different. Some children have mild, occasional episodes of asthma or only show symptoms after;exercising, or when they have a;cold. Some experience daily symptoms, while others have symptoms continuously, which limit their level of activity.;
Each pattern of asthma requires a different treatment approach. It is important to remember that children can still have a;severe and even life-threatening attack, even if they generally have mild or occasional asthma.;
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Is Asthma An Airborne Disease
sports, Physical findings may vary dramatically with time.Airborne chemicals or dusts, Changes in weather, upholstered furniture, upholstered furniture, school and even sleep.An international team of scientists have observed a previously unclear inflammatory mechanism caused by airborne particles that can worsen asthma symptoms, pillows, It is typically caused by irritating dust and chemical vapors The condition causes a narrowing and swelling of the airways of the lung, the sides of the airways in lungs swell and the airways shrink, pillows, in mattresses, Animals with fur or feathers, chest tightness, Dust mites , upholstered furniture, both indoor and outdoor, pillows, it has been reported in Toxicological Sciences.
The cause of asthma is unclear, In the United States, Asthma is an episodic disease, respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, Dust mites (i.e., but it could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, Air pollution, This can result in shortness of breath and wheezing.
How To Monitor The Weather To Manage Allergies And Asthma
If you live with asthma or allergies, managing your triggers to avoid symptom flare-ups is a part of everyday life. Environmental allergens such as pollen and mold are common triggers. You may not realize that changes in the weather can also affect your asthma and allergies.
Temperature changes, humidity changes, thunderstorms, rain and wind can inflame the airways, leading to flare-ups. People with respiratory conditions tend to breathe through the mouth and doing so brings weather-related irritants directly to the lungs. It also doesnt allow your nose to regulate the humidity and air temperature.
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How Is Asthma Diagnosed
To diagnose asthma, a doctor will do a physical exam and ask about the person’s medical history, including whether anyone else;in the family has asthma.
The doctor might do tests like spirometry or peak flow meter tests. These involve blowing into devices that can measure how well the lungs are working. Allergy tests or exercise tests can tell doctors if asthma is brought on by allergens or physical activity. Doctors may use X-rays to rule out other problems.
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Our patients are provided resources and exercises focused on improving their lifestyle with exercises, nutritional guidance, and counseling to assist in their long-term lung health. After treatment, patients are given access to an online portal with pulmonary therapy support and more.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to suggest diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.;Lung Health Institute operates in compliance;with CFR Title 21 Part 1271.15 Regulation.
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The Link Between Respiratory Conditions And The Immune System
Researchers are working tirelessly to unravel the complex mechanisms through which asthma and COPD develop. The two conditions, as well as other respiratory diseases, are often linked to inflammation and the immune system. Heres why.
The immune system is considered to be a regulator of asthma. The inflammation of the airways results from the over-production of immune factors in response to stimuli that should ordinarily not elicit such a reaction.
The specific immune factors involved in this overly dramatic response are white blood cells specifically the T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils. These all play a critical role in the regulation of asthma and other conditions that affect the airways.
How Is Asthma Treated
There’s 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 can’t 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. Don’t 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 sports in fact, many professional athletes have asthma.
Taking Medicine
Most asthma medicines 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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Whats The Outlook For People With Asthma And Pneumonia
Its possible to monitor and successfully manage asthma. Most people with asthma live full, active lives.
It takes from one to three weeks to fully recover from pneumonia. It can take much longer if youre not in good overall health.
In severe cases, or without treatment, both conditions can be life-threatening.
Who Strategy For Prevention And Control Of Asthma
Asthma is included in the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WHO is taking action to extend diagnosis of and treatment for asthma in a number of ways.
The WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions was developed to help improve NCD management in primary health care in low-resource settings. PEN includes protocols for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic respiratory diseases , and modules on healthy lifestyle counselling, including tobacco cessation, and self-care.
Reducing tobacco smoke exposure is important for both primary prevention of asthma and disease management. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is enabling progress in this area as are WHO initiatives such as MPOWER and mTobacco Cessation.
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What Does Asthma Feel Like
Asthma is marked by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, with extra sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with asthma 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.
- Inflammation. Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in your lungs. This inflammation can damage your lungs. 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:
- Coughing, especially at night or in the morning
- Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping because of breathing problems
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 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 colds.
When to see your doctor
Inflammatory Mediators Involved In Asthma
Chemokines are important in the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways and are mainly expressed in airway epithelial cells . Eotaxin is selective for eosinophils, whereas thymus and activationregulated chemokines and macrophage-derived chemokines recruit Th2 cells . Cysteinyl leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors and proinflammatory mediators mainly derived from mast cells and eosinophils . Cytokines orchestrate the inflammatory response in asthma. Key cytokines include IL-1 and TNF, and GM-CSF. Th2-derived cytokines include IL-5, which is required for eosinophil differentiation and survival; IL-4, which is important for Th2 cell differentiation; and IL-13, needed for IgE formation . Histamine is released from mast cells and contributes to bronchoconstriction and inflammation . Nitric oxide , a potent vasodilator, is produced from syntheses in airway epithelial cells . Exhaled NO is increasingly being used to monitor the effectiveness of asthma treatment . Prostaglandin D2 is a bronchoconstrictor derived predominantly from mast cells and is involved in Th2 cell recruitment to the airways .
Airway structural cells involved in the pathogenesis of asthma are: airway epithelial cells, airway smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and airway nerves .
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Are Air Conditioners Good For Asthma
Air conditioners are nice. They keep the air cool and refreshing. They can reduce humidity and airborne triggers. The combination of these effects can improve asthma control. They can make breathing easier. But, they may also trigger asthma if not properly maintained.
So, the best A/C units will have “CERTIFIED;asthma & allergy friendly®;filters.” These are capable of filtering 98% of airborne allergens. Turn it on. Use the recirculate setting. You’ll feel more comfortable. Your lungs will be happier.
Monitoring Managing And Treating Asthma And Copd
Once the conditions are diagnosed, the medications used to manage asthma and COPD are similar and usually involve an inhaler of some sort. However, other types of treatment and therapies for each disease tend to differ. This section will explore the different approaches used to monitor and manage asthma and COPD in everyday life.
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How Asthma Is Treated
While there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of treatments that can help control the condition.
Treatment is based on two important goals, which are:
- relieving symptoms;
- preventing future symptoms and attacks
For most people, this will involve the occasional or, more commonly, daily use of medications, usually taken using an inhaler. However, identifying and avoiding possible triggers is also important.
You should have a personal asthma action plan agreed with your doctor or nurse that includes information about the medicines you need to take, how to recognise when your symptoms are getting worse, and what steps to take when they do so.
These symptoms are often worse at night and early in the morning, particularly if the condition is not well controlled. They may also develop or become worse in response to a certain trigger, such as exercise or exposure to an allergen.
Read our page on the;causes of asthma for more information about potential triggers.
Speak to your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. You should also talk to your doctor or asthma nurse if you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are finding it difficult to control the symptoms.
Common Airborne Substance Makes Asthmatics More Sensitive To House Dust Mites: Study
- Date:
- University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine
- Summary:
- Exposure to endotoxin, a bacterial substance found commonly in outdoor and indoor air, makes mite-allergic asthmatics more sensitive to house dust and may place them at increased risk of asthma attack.
CHAPEL HILL — Exposure to endotoxin, a bacterial substance found commonly in outdoor and indoor air, makes mite-allergic asthmatics more sensitive to house dust and may place them at increased risk of asthma attack.
The new research findings from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine are consistent with previous UNC studies showing exposure to ozone to make asthmatics more sensitive to allergens, the environmental triggers of allergic reactions. Both ozone and endotoxin are not allergens; however, they can cause portions of the respiratory tract to become inflamed.
The study is published this week in the online December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Endotoxin is a complex of lipids and sugar molecules that’s released through the outer cell wall of common bacteria. When the bacteria die, the cell wall collapses and endotoxin is released into the environment, finding its way into the air and dust.
“Now it appears that various airborne irritants such as ozone and endotoxin, which can cause airway inflammation, may interact synergistically with other causes of airway problems, including allergens, to make asthma worse,” he said.
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How Does Ozone Affect People With Asthma
There are two major mechanisms by which people with asthma might be more severely affected by ozone than those without asthma. ; The first is that those with asthma might be more responsive or sensitive to ozone and therefore experience the lung function changes and respiratory symptoms common to all, but either at lower concentrations or with greater magnitude. ;There is evidence from some controlled exposure studies and some epidemiologic studies that this may be true. ;By far, the greater individual and public health concern is that the injury, inflammation, and increased airway reactivity induced by ozone exposure may result in a worsening of a person’s underlying asthma status, increasing the probability of an asthma exacerbation or a requirement for more treatment.
In Atlanta, GA, in Buffalo and New York City, NY, and in many other places throughout the United States, visits to the hospital emergency room for asthma were more frequent on days when ozone concentrations were high compared to low ozone days. Similarly, in some places, hospital admissions for asthma; were higher following days when ozone levels were elevated with effects generally being larger in the warm season than in the cold season. ;