During an asthma attack, individuals experience their airways becoming inflamed and swollen which can make breathing difficult or even impossible. Asthma attacks also cause the production of extra mucus which can trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and the need for an inhaler. While there is no cure for asthma, you can manage the condition by recognizing and avoiding triggers that lead to asthma flare-ups.
Risk Factors
There is no single cause of asthma. However, there are several risk factors associated with asthma. Depending on if you have these risk factors, you may have a higher chance of developing asthma than other individuals. Let’s take a look at the most common asthma risk factors.
– Family History – Most patients with asthma have a parent or close blood relative who also had the condition. Your risk of developing asthma increases tremendously if you have a parent with asthma.
– Allergies – Some allergic conditions such as eczema and hay fever increase your risk of also developing asthma. Oftentimes, individuals will have allergies to their asthmatic triggers, leading to a double bodily reaction when they are exposed to the trigger.
– Smoking – Smokers have a higher risk of developing asthma because cigarettes are irritants for the lungs and airways. Even individuals who are exposed to second hand smoke have a higher risk of developing asthma. Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk that their unborn babies will have asthma, as well.
– Air Pollution – Certain places in the world have worse air pollution than others. If you live in a place with very poor air quality, you are at a higher risk of developing asthma.
– Chronic Respiratory Infections – Individuals (especially children) who have chronic respiratory infections are more likely to develop asthma later on in life.
Triggers For Asthma Attacks
An important way to manage your asthma is understanding what your triggers are and avoiding them as much as possible. If you avoid your triggers, you will have less asthma attacks. Here are the most common asthma triggers.
– Airborne Particles – Common triggers include pollen, dust, spores from mold, and pet dander. Even particles of cockroach waste can cause a person with asthma to have an attack.
– Respiratory Infections – Catching a common cold, developing bronchitis, getting pneumonia or having the flu can also be triggers that exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause an attack.
– Air Quality – Poor air quality due to pollution can also be a trigger. If you are traveling in areas where air pollution is bad, you may experience more asthma attacks.
– Sulfites and Preservatives – Certain foods and drinks like beer, wine, shrimp, dried fruit and processed potatoes that contain sulfites can also be asthma triggers.
Asthma Treatment in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
If you think you may have asthma, it’s important to get tested and diagnosed right away. It is also important to figure out what your triggers are and get proper medication to ensure you manage the condition well. Patient Care Now Urgent Care in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania has a lot of experience diagnosing and treating patients with asthma. You are welcome to walk-in without an appointment at any time for quick, efficient, and effective treatment. Call (267) 202-6433 for more information. For faster service you can check-in online.
