Wellness Digest

Methods to Treat Asthma in Adults and Children

Asthma is a very serious condition affecting both children and adults. The effects of an Asthma  attack are disabling if your doctor doesn’t know about your condition, leaving you improperly  cared for. Though treatments for Asthma are much more advanced than they were years ago, more  than half a million people every year, are in need of in-patient care while nearly four thousand  ultimately die. How your doctor or specialist chooses to treat your asthma is based on your age  and how severe your Asthma is. It’s possible to pass Asthma on to a child through heredity, but more likely asthma is caused by  your environment. An Asthma attacks happens when allergens infiltrate your respiratory system  causing your bronchiole airway to constrict which leads to over production of mucous. It’s also  possible to bring on an Asthma attack by merely laughing. There are plenty of warning signs to  indicate an Asthma attack is brewing. If you have a history of Asthma or suspect you or someone  you know might, watch for signs such as: Coughing (sometimes so severe it wakes you from sleep),  wheezing, tightness in the chest and the feeling of not being able to catch your breath. If you  experience these symptoms its imperative you seek medical attention immediately. If you have mild or intermittent Asthma, your doctor may suggest the use of over-the-counter  medication such as a bronchodilator. More severe Asthma may require the use of a prescription  medication or an inhaler containing corticosteroids, as treatment. Prescription medications used  to treat Asthma contain active ingredients used to decrease the inflammation in the lungs and  sensitivity to allergens. A bronchodilator is prescribed and used for immediate relief of Asthma  symptoms but has no long lasting effects. It’s possible your doctor will choose to use a  combination of treatments to relieve your Asthma symptoms and attacks. An ever popular and  effective treatment for Asthma caused by allergies in children and adults is Immunotherapy. This  method works by building antibodies in the system to the allergens that set off the attacks by  exposing the Asthmatic to ever increasing doses of said allergen. Eventually, the allergy is  resolved and with it, hopefully, the Asthma attacks.This article in no way should be taken as medical advice. As with any medical condition, its  important to speak with your doctor for the best course of action and prevention. If you are  currently under your doctors care for Asthma, and feel your symptoms are not improving, speak with him/her about alternate forms of treatment. If short term inhalers are being used often,  this is a good indication your Asthma is not effectively being controlled. Ask your doctor about  physical exercise, how much is too much and if there are certain activities you should avoid or  limit. Breathing should not be a chore, tell your doctor today if you suspect that you or  someoneyou love may e suffering from Asthma.

 

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