General

Recognize and Understand Asthma Symptoms

It is easier for an adult to recognize and understand asthma symptoms. Adults can also communicate better with medical personnel regarding what symptoms they are having so that doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. It is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis for asthma so the correct treatment plan can be started and relief from the symptoms can be on the way.

Asthma, once diagnosed is usually a chronic condition and must be treated consistently in order to control the symptoms. Asthma often begins in childhood so by the time a person reaches adulthood they are usually adjusted to life with asthma and understand well when they are experiencing symptoms and can start treatment immediately.

The first thing many adults notice when they are having an asthma attack is they are coughing, feel tightness or pain in the chest area, and having difficulty breathing. They may experience shortness of breath when being physically active if their airway is starting to become inflamed with mucus or becoming restricted as the smooth muscles along the airway contract in reaction to swelling and inflammation in the bronchial area.

Adults can have many triggers for their symptoms of asthma. Some triggers are environmental in nature such as particles in the air that they breathe in and irritate the airway. These particles include dust, pollens, and pet dander. Irritants include pollution, tobacco smoke from cigarettes or cigars, fumes from the exhaust or harsh chemicals, and breathing in airborne triggers like mold spores or mildew.

There are many medications that can help control asthma symptoms in adults such as rescue inhalers to take during an asthma attack, and oral medications taken on a daily basis that help to control asthma symptoms from occurring, or that lessens the frequency of asthma attacks. Some medications work by controlling the inflammation in the airways or helping to reduce the sensitivity to asthma triggers.

Adults who understand what triggers asthma symptoms have an easier time controlling the condition and can enjoy life more without frequent asthma attacks. It is important to understand the symptoms, what causes them and how to avoid the triggers if at all possible in order to really feel that you are in control of your asthma. If you would like to know more about Asthma and its remedies, see post to find more great tips and information.

When an adult has a firm grasp and understanding of the asthma symptoms they are experiencing they can inform the doctor treating them and a treatment plan can be devised. Symptoms can change over time however especially if the person changes environment at work or home. For instance, a move to another city can expose you to different allergens and environmental pollutants that may increase or decrease your asthma symptoms. Whenever you experience a change in asthma symptoms you need to notify your doctor so your treatment plan can be adjusted to enable you to remain in control of your asthma.

It is very rare for asthma to just go away. If your asthma symptoms decrease it is usually because you are managing your condition better, you have improved your lifestyle or your environment has changed for the better (fewer pollutants). It is important that adults learn to pay close attention to asthma symptoms, making note of increases in the frequency of symptoms or duration of the presence of a certain symptom, and then make the doctor aware of these changes.

Your body may become more sensitive to a trigger and you will notice more symptoms than you had previously. For instance, using a new laundry detergent or a new shampoo may trigger symptoms. You may be eating at restaurants or shopping in different locations where others are wearing strong perfumes and suddenly you notice an increase in symptoms.