Asthma is a serious pulmonary condition that causes trouble with breathing. The lungs consist of airways that help in transporting the air during inhale and exhale. In people with asthma these airways can get narrow and it makes air movement highly difficult and leads to gasping of breath.
What are the common signs and symptoms that indicate asthma?
Asthma can show various signs and it can be quite visible. The signs include:
- Tightness around the chest
- A sound like wheezing while breathing in or out.
- Severe coughing
- Shortness of breath
- These signs get worse during the night and early in the morning
- When affected with viral infections, asthma can get serious
If you are experiencing any of these signs seek asthma treatment in Coimbatore to avoid severe attacks.
What is meant by adult-onset asthma?
Children affected with asthma may improve their condition over time. And gradually asthma reduces in many people, but in few people the asthma-symptoms may arise leading to adult-onset asthma.
What are the common causes and risk factors of asthma?
In children the immune system will be in the developing stage hence making them at high risk of asthma. Few things include:
- Infections caused by virus that affect breathing
- Few germs
- Exposure to smoking
- Genetic history of asthma
The risk factors that increase the chances of developing asthma:
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Occupational chemicals
Seek medical help from the best lungs specialist in Coimbatore to ensure expert care and treatment.
What are asthma triggers?
Triggers can be anything that is found in day-to-day life, once the person comes in contact with the triggers the airways can get narrowed and breathing can become difficult. Not all people with asthma have the same type of triggers, it can differ from person to person.
What can lead to the onset of asthma in adults?
Usually about 30% of the adult asthma cases are triggered by various allergies. People who have allergies against cats or dogs may develop asthma after adult-onset asthma. The initial asthma symptoms in adults can be prompted by exposure to allergens or irritants commonly present in their surroundings, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold, dust, and other substances found at home or the workplace.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to specific materials in the workplace can trigger asthma symptoms in adults.
Hormonal changes in women could be involved in the development of adult-onset asthma. Some women may experience the onset of asthma symptoms during or after pregnancy, while others might encounter asthma symptoms for the first during menopause.
Various illnesses, viral infections, or infections can also contribute to adult-onset asthma. Instances like a severe cold or flu can often be associated with the emergence of asthma symptoms in adults.
While smoking itself does not cause adult-onset asthma, individuals who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke may experience the triggering of asthma symptoms. Reach out to an asthma specialist in Coimbatore if you are noticing any signs of asthma.
What are the common asthma triggers seen in adults?
Viral infections:
A viral respiratory infection is among the primary triggers that causes an asthma flare-up, with any virus having the potential to cause a flare up. Among these viruses, rhinovirus that is known to cause common cold is the most common trigger for most individuals.
Tobacco:
Inhaling pollutants can lead to lung irritation and escalate airway inflammation. Among these pollutants, tobacco smoke is particularly harmful to the lungs and has the potential to trigger asthma flare-ups. Children who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke may experience more frequent wheezing, heightened asthma severity, and prolonged symptom duration.
Various outdoor allergens:
Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by seasonal exposure to outdoor allergens, with pollens and molds being the most prevalent culprits. Outdoor allergens encompass various types of pollens, such as those from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Few indoor allergens:
Children with allergies often experience asthma flares due to exposure to indoor allergens. These allergies frequently include pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and mice.
Pet animals:
Many households have pet animals like dogs and cats and allergies related to them. These allergens that trigger asthma are usually present in the fur and saliva.
Heavy exercise:
A considerable number of individuals with asthma experience cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath when they engage in physical exercise. These symptoms can become particularly intense and may arise within 5-20 minutes after starting the exercise.
Stress:
At times, stress and anxiety can lead to heightened airway inflammation and act as triggers for asthma symptoms. Children with asthma are more susceptible to asthma attacks following challenging life events.
Insects:
Children with asthma who have insect allergies face a heightened risk of experiencing an asthma flare-up following a sting. Common culprits for causing symptoms are flying venomous insects, such as honey bees, wasps, as well as fire ants. Asthma symptoms tend to manifest rapidly after a sting occurs.
What are the prevention tips for asthma that can help?
Although not everyone can prevent the development of asthma as few cases can due to genetic issues. But there are a few tips that can help to prevent asthma for a certain extent,
Get vaccinated for flu and infections:
Getting vaccinated for flu and other infections can help in avoiding any asthma triggers and also in developing asthma.
Identifying the triggers and avoiding them:
Several outdoor allergens and irritants, including pollen, cold air and various air pollutants, can act as triggers for asthma attacks. Identifying the specific factors that cause or trigger the asthma condition, and taking appropriate action can help manage and improve the condition.
Treat asthma attacks early:
Prompt action can reduce the likelihood of experiencing a severe asthma attack. Additionally, acting swiftly may help decrease the amount of medication required to control your symptoms.
Important Takeaway:
Adult-onset asthma can begin in people irrespective of age. But to avoid asthma attacks it is important to identify them and manage them effectively as they can help in avoiding the triggers. Consult the best pulmonology hospital in Coimbatore to seek medical help and treatment for asthma.