3 Causes of Asthma Attacks and How to Prevent Them

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how flu impacts asthma patients
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Asthma is a common chronic condition that impacts people of all ages and walks of life. With effective asthma treatment and management, people can still enjoy a healthy life with minimal symptoms. However, first identifying a person’s asthma triggers is vital to this process. With causes ranging from allergens to respiratory illnesses, working with an experienced Atlanta health professional is essential.

What Are the Common Asthma Triggers?

Asthma symptoms can become worse in a particular environment or after contact with a substance. The airways will become swollen and inflamed, leading to breathing difficulties.

1. Asthma Triggered by Allergens

Allergies are among the most common triggers for asthma symptoms. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander leads to inflammation, excess mucus and difficulty breathing. With these allergens found both outside and at home, there is a high likelihood of exposure. For example, a study published by the National Library of Medicine found that 72% of participants reported that dust or dusting acts as an asthma trigger.

How to Treat Allergic Asthma

Treatment for allergic asthma typically starts by targeting the trigger that causes the reaction. By preventing an immune system overreaction to allergens, an individual will be less likely to experience constricted airways. Treatment approaches range from using air purifiers and cleaning regularly to taking antihistamines or corticosteroids, along with possible immunotherapy.

2. Asthma Caused by Medication

Certain medications like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can intensify asthma symptoms. Known as AERD – aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease – it can lead to nasal congestion, watery eyes – and severe asthma attacks. While NSAIDs are an important drug used to treat many conditions, potential health concerns could impact their use. A study on AERD published by the National Library of Medicine found that 14.89% of patients with severe asthma also suffered from this condition.

How to Treat Aspirin Allergies

Initially, avoidance of NSAIDs is crucial for avoiding asthma attacks. However, your health provider may use an alternative approach over the longer term. Understanding how to treat common asthma triggers requires a personalized approach that’s dependent both on symptoms and health risks. Consequently, treatment could vary from avoidance to aspirin desensitization therapy.

3. Asthma Triggered by Respiratory Infections

Flu season can be especially problematic for individuals with asthma. The influenza virus causes inflammation and swelling in the lungs that create additional concerns for asthma sufferers as compared to individuals with otherwise healthy lungs. Adhering to your asthma action plan, and taking the following precautions can help you avoid severe complications if the flu should strike.

Why Should I Be Concerned by Asthma Triggers?

The swelling and inflammation in the lungs triggered by the flu can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Asthma patients are also more likely to develop pneumonia and other acute respiratory conditions while suffering from the flu. Children and adults with asthma are more likely to be hospitalized as a result of these respiratory infections than individuals without asthma.

How to Prevent Asthma Complications

The first step in avoiding the flu and its potential complications is to get annual flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccines as recommended by your physician. If you do get the flu, you should see your doctor as soon as possible after your symptoms develop to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Medication for Asthma Symptoms

A class of drugs known as antivirals is used to treat the flu and can be very effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Depending on the strain of flu, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following antivirals:

  • Tamiflu/oseltamivir
  • Relenza/zanamivir
  • Flumadine/rimantidine

As a general rule, antivirals are most effective if started within 48 hours after symptoms develop; however, asthma patients may still benefit from the therapy even after 48 hours.

What Can I Do to Prevent Asthma Symptoms?

If you come in contact with someone infected with the flu, you should see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t have symptoms. While asthma symptoms are often relatively mild, they could potentially cause life-threatening reactions that might develop from a severe asthma attack. Asthma patients can reduce their chances of developing the flu if they receive the same antiviral medications used to treat the flu within 48 hours of exposure.

Specialized Asthma Management and Treatment in Atlanta

As soon as you know you have come in contact with someone with the flu or are having flu-like symptoms, you should see a doctor. Make an appointment at one of the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek to get started on an antiviral medication. Call us at (678) 668–4688.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589246271665{padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”inside-sidebar-right”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1589920311046{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”recent-reviews”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”map-section”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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