Management of Asthma.org

So you think you have may have or know someone that has just been told they have Asthma. Logically If it was me (and I actually do have asthma) I would want to know what are the possible things out there that can provoke asthma episodes.

As each person out there has their own unique group of triggers that initiate asthma attacks, making it essential to steer clear of these elements to minimize any possibility of an asthma attack.

It has been medically established that there are 2 main categories these provoking elements fall under. The first is the meat of the asthmatics issues and it is known as Allergy based inflammatory symptoms. It is this side of the coin that will narrow the airways and give that constricted feeling in the lungs.

Here are the most common symptomatic triggers. Small mammals such as cats, dogs, rabbit’s, or any of a multitude of fur based animals. The main issue with these creatures is their dander but it has also been noted that animal secretions can provoke attacks as well.

Not to mention cockroach poop (sounds far fetched but has been documented), dust mites who are found in mattress, bedding, carpets almost anywhere the human habitat is indoors.

There is also indoor mold such those found in musty basements.

And of course we can’t forget about the great outdoor triggers either, with air pollution, pollen from weeds, grass and even trees during the spring months. Then there’s my personal hot issue which is outdoor mold. Molds create attacks through tiny spores they release during its’ reproduction and the spores are breathed in.

Side note (true story), my first ever extreme attack came when I was in my 20’s and had only just moved into our 1st small apartment with my wife. She worked at a pet store and wanted a small pet that was quiet and not much to handle. She brought home a rabbit; no problem the little guy was great. No breathing problems at all, we had him for a month or so when my wife brought home as small 1lb package of straw for its bed. No sooner than she opened the bag in the other room to put the straw into the cage, literally from the time it took to take one normal breathe to the next I couldn’t catch my breath.

It took a couple attempts to get some air back into my lungs, it was marginally better but not at all the way as it was prior to the bag being opened. I had calmed down a little but my chest was still very tight. My wife came down a minute behind me (she had grabbed the rabbit put it back in the cage, found her keys) and said “we are going to the hospital” which was luckily only a few blocks away.

Once there we went to “emerge” told them what the problem was and was immediately admitted. They asked me if I had any know allergies (which at the time I did not) and was then given a mask attached to pure oxygen and another gas known as ventolin. This ventoiln I would find out later is what is known a as Rescue Inhaler. It took about what seemed like 20 minutes later and my breathing was back to normal. I was quite shocked that this had happened as there was no history of allergies or asthma in our family at that time.

It just goes to show you that one can develop asthma at any age you are not necessarily born with it. In fact many may not develop asthma until adulthood or even later. I consider myself very fortunate.

I have since used the following inhalers in trying to manage my asthma; beclaforte, salbutamol, flovent, and now simbicort.

Secondly, are symptomatic triggers which are not allergy based reactions and are more related to the creation of irritable air passages in the lungs. This type also doesn’t create the inflammation but will stress already tender passageways.

Here are the main things that have been known to cause asthmatic reactions which are not allergy related, smoke, exercise, certain air pollutions, perfumes (or other intense odors), cold dry air, even strong emotions can provoke an asthmatic episode.

All of these elements out there affecting a person with asthma make the living life challenging to say the least.

As I touched on earlier there are inhalers prescribed by doctors that provide relief. These inhalers which are taken (just as the name sounds) by inhaling the spray into your lungs open the inflamed air passageways in the lungs allowing one to breathe more freely.

The inhalers fall into two categories, preventers and rescue or relievers. The preventers are used to try to prevent an asthmatic episode from occurring by reducing the inflammation in the lungs, so they are used on a daily basis at the lowest dose possible.

The most important aspect of preventers is to realize they will need to be taken every day even if you feel that you are back to normal and noticing less asthma symptoms. Don’t make the mistake in thinking you can stop taking them as the inflammation in your lungs could return at any time.

The second of the two are known as rescue or relievers purpose is too immediately calm an attack or worsening symptoms such as the inability to breathe or shortness of breath, a wheezy chest or coughing fit. These are meant to be taken only in an emergency situation not on a daily basis.

These inhalers are mainly steroid based and extremely costly drugs especially if you don’t have a drug plan. If you find yourself taking these relievers on a daily basis then you can be certain that you don’t have your asthma under control or the type of preventer is not right for you and you should expand your search and seek further even less costly healthier solutions.