Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. By controlling the symptoms and avoiding triggers that can cause asthma exacerbations (asthma attacks), you can live a more comfortable life overall. Here’s what you need to know about asthma, triggers, and preventative measures.
Symptoms of asthma include a persistent cough, a tight chest, wheezing, and coughing throughout the night, and shortness of breath with or without exercise. The symptoms are typically worse at night or in the morning. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
There are various types of triggers that may cause asthma to occur. Learning how to avoid these triggers can help reduce asthma symptoms to occur or worsen. Some triggers are found in the outdoor environment such as humidity, extreme cold or warm climates, pollen, smoke, vapors, or other allergens such as oak, cedar, and mold.
It is best to tune into a weather channel that reports the air quality for each day. Wearing a mask, or scarf around your nose and face can protect you from breathing these allergens. If possible, stay indoors until the allergens are reduced.
It is best to avoid indoor triggers such as dust, pet dander, aerosol sprays, perfumes, cigarette smoke, and paint fumes. Keep the area clean as possible by cleaning daily and avoid products that may trigger asthma.
Lastly, respiratory illness that will cause inflammation in the lungs are prone to create an asthma attack. Chronic allergies, influenza, and Covid-19 are viruses that attack the respiratory system and place a person who has asthma a greater risk. It is best to vaccinate and to use medication as the provider directs.
Start by talking with your doctor about how to manage your symptoms or prevent asthma flare-ups to occur. It is important to be in close communication with your provider and school nurse about your asthma symptoms.
At Pediatric Heroes, we have the best specialists to provide an effective diagnosis and treatment for asthma. If you have questions or want more information, contact us at (210) 625-5708.
