More than 300 million people worldwide have asthma (excluding childhood wheezing). Doctors diagnose millions of new cases each year. Although it’s not fatal like other childhood breathing disorders, living with asthma can be difficult.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, affecting the air we breathe to the food we eat. Multiple forms of asthma exist, each characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction.
Fortunately, whether you or your child has this condition, you don’t have to struggle alone! Read this guide to discover the key factors to consider when living with asthma.
The Different Types of Asthma
The term “asthma” is a broad one that applies to many types of conditions. Before we discuss asthma in detail, let’s take a second to discuss the types of asthma that exist.
One common type of asthma is exercise-induced asthma (or bronchoconstriction). This asthma type causes your airways to narrow as a result of physical activity. Roughly 90% of people with asthma also have this bronchoconstriction.
Another type of asthma is occupational asthma. Usually, this condition causes people to experience wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness at work.
Your workplace may have particles that trigger this response, such as high dust levels. Fortunately, you can usually treat these attacks with asthma inhalers.
Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Some people have asthma attacks on rare occasions. Others have symptoms at specific times, such as when they exercise.
Still, more people may experience asthma symptoms daily. So, how can you tell whether you’re suffering from asthma symptoms? First, determine how many of these apply to you:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or tightness
- wheezing when exhaling
- sleep troubles caused by coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- coughing or wheezing attacks that get worse when you contract a respiratory virus
Experiencing multiple symptoms in this list could indicate you have asthma. However, remember to visit your doctor before jumping to conclusions. These symptoms could also indicate other conditions.
Living With Asthma
Living with asthma starts by receiving the best asthma treatment. This treatment involves several steps.
First, doctors teach you to recognize your triggers. Then, you can take steps to avoid environments containing those triggers.
Next, doctors usually prescribe long-term treatments for asthma patients. The most common treatment is buying an inhaler.
Inhalers contain medications that can help your airways to expand and allow air through them. Two common medications include inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers.
Inhaling these medications can cut your asthma attack short and help you catch your breath. Some of the best inhalers include this Symbicort inhaler.
The best inhalers act fast and provide the medication you need. So, ask your doctor which product they recommend!
Find the Best Resources for Coping With Asthma
Living with asthma becomes more manageable for many people with this information. You can use this information to identify your symptoms and triggers.
This ability can prove lifesaving, especially when coupled with long-term medication. So, ask your doctor about the best medicine for your condition. Before long, you can resume living your everyday life without asthma attacks!
Asthma is just one condition that affects men’s health. Fortunately, we have several other pieces with the best men’s health tips available. Check out our other content today to get the information you need!
