This blog will give you insights on asthma, its tests and symptoms and certain tips to reduce asthma attack.
As air pollution is rising, asthma problems are also rising in India. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) reports have shown that there are over 30 million asthma patients in India, which accounts for 13.09 % of total cases and a mortality rate of 42% approximately. Asthma is not a communicable disease. It affects adults and children (more common among children). Inflammation and muscle tightening causes which occur around air passages. Breathing gets tough as a result. The symptoms of asthma can worsen due to asthma.
Symptoms can be wheezing, coughing, and breath shortness. The smoke and other particles in the air can irritate your respiratory tract. It makes breathing harder for asthma patients. If you have these symptoms, then consult your doctor immediately. Based on the status of your health, you might be ordered with certain tests including Asthma Rhinitis Allergy Panel test
How Does Pollution Impact Asthma in People?
During high-pollution days, it becomes hard to breathe. The symptoms of this may vary from one person to another. Symptoms may worsen after heavy exercise or during the night. The symptoms might be triggered due to smoke, dust, fumes, pollen, grass, animal fur and feathers. Perfume might also trigger such attacks. Its symptoms can be:
- Asthma
- Persistent cough, during the night especially
- Fainting
- Chest tightness
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Breathe shortness
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Tachycardia- Faster heartbeats
How Do Pollutants Affect Breathing and Cause Asthma Attacks?
It is a chronic respiratory disease. It causes narrowing of airways and inflammation. Asthma attacks might be triggered by pollutants or allergens. Bits of dust particles and smoke can cause breathing problems as they irritate the lungs.
Common factors that can cause asthma attacks include:
- Allergens: Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mould are allergens that may trigger asthma attacks.
- Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections including flu or common cold, can cause asthma attacks.
- Irritants: Tobacco smoke, fumes, air pollution, or chemical irritants can increase asthma attack risk.
- Heavy Exercise: You will be asked to avoid heavy exercise, especially during cold, dry air as they might worsen asthma conditions in already asthmatic patients.
- Stress: Strong emotions can trigger asthma attacks.
- Medications: Certain medications can also induce asthma symptoms.
- Weather changes: high humidity, Cold air, and other weather changes can cause asthma attack risk.
Who Should Take the Asthma Rhinitis Allergy Panel?
The test is suggested for people having symptoms like asthma, allergies, or rhinitis. It helps identify specific allergens triggering the conditions. These include:
- People have symptoms including itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing or nasal congestion due to allergens like mites, pollen, pet dander, certain food or insect stings.
- People having asthma
- People have allergic rhinitis which may cause symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing.
Tips to Avoid the Risk of Asthma Attacks During Pollution
Below are certain tips that might help reduce asthma symptoms impact:
- Use an inhaler to keep asthma symptoms controlled
- Read medicine precautions to know if it suits you or not
- Do not smoke (It may worsen the symptoms)
- Do exercise that so not trigger asthma.
- Take a balanced and healthy diet.
- Avoid high pollution days (fine particles might trigger asthma attacks)
- Wear a mask while outside.
- Avoid closed and crowded places.
- Practice breathing exercises to increase the lung capacity. It helps reduce allergies due to pollution.
Takeaway
Management of asthma might require avoiding certain triggers and following tips given by your doctor including taking avoiding pollutants, prescribed medications, and eating a balanced and healthy diet. Avoiding symptoms can sometimes worsen your condition and might induce serious asthma attacks. You should consult your doctor if you are having asthma symptoms.
