Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. It is characterized by airway restriction, mucus production, wheezing and difficulty breathing. A variety of substances and circumstances may trigger an acute asthma attack, including allergens in your environment. Here is information about asthma and how to identify allergic triggers so you breathe easier.
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is one of today’s most prevalent chronic respiratory conditions. During an asthma attack, the affected child, teen or adult experiences symptoms such as:
- Cough
- Wheezing upon exhalation
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Retractions at the top and bottom of the breastbone
- Pallor
- Fatigue
- Difficulty speaking beyond a few words
Asthma attacks can range in severity–that is, they may be mild, moderate or severe. Some are life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment and hospitalization.
What Can Cause Asthma Symptoms?
A number of substances and circumstances may gradually or suddenly bring on an acute asthma attack. These triggers, as medical professionals call them, include:
- Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, smoke and mold
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu
- Vigorous exercise or physical activity
- Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke, fragrances, cleaning products and strong odors
- Changes in weather or temperature extremes
- Emotional or psychological stress, including laughing and crying
Frequent consultation with your healthcare provider is key to managing your asthma symptoms. You will undergo chest exam where your provider listens to breath sounds with a stethoscope. You may also get aa chest X-ray and blood work, along with spirometry. Spirometry measures how much air you breathe out in one exhalation.
With these findings, along with a physical exam, medical history and review of your symptoms, your healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis.
How Can I Know What Allergens Trigger My Asthma?
Your healthcare provider may want you to undergo skin prick testing to identify possible allergens. People who have hay fever and other allergic conditions, such as eczema, often have asthma as well. Both conditions have a strong hereditary component. In other words, allergies and asthma run in families.
That said, in-office skin prick testing involves placing a small amount of a possible allergen under the skin of your forearm or other area of the body. If you are allergic to the substance, your skin will become red and swollen at the site. Your provider will evaluate each skin prick site for evidence of a positive reaction.
This in-office evaluation usually takes about 20 minutes. Multiple allergens can be tested at once.
The results of skin prick testing help determine what substances may be triggering or exacerbating your asthma symptoms. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan will include medications to use for short-term relief and long-term control. Also, you should avoid triggers as much as possible.
Avoiding Allergic Triggers
While it is not always possible to avoid allergic triggers completely, you can reduce your exposure by taking some simple steps, such as:
- Closing your windows during high pollen count days
- Vacuuming and dusting your home regularly
- Showering after being outdoors
- Keeping pets out of the bedroom
- Using fragrance free soaps and cleaning products
- Using a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep the right air moisture level in the home
- Covering your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf during cold weather
Keep a Journal of Asthma Symptoms
Finally, your healthcare provider may recommend you keep a journal of your asthma symptoms, possible triggers and relief measures. A journal is a useful tool in identifying patterns in your asthma attacks and any triggers which were not detected with skin prick testing. It also can help you track medication usage and any changes in your asthma symptoms.
Asthma Attack Management in DeSoto, TX
At Pivot Healthcare Company, our lead provider is family nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler. She and her team deliver healthcare services to help people manage both acute and chronic disease conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and others. It is her desire that our office be the true medical home for all our patients–from children through to adults in their senior years.
If you would like to learn how to manage your asthma symptoms effectively and to avoid their triggers, we can help. Call us today for a consultation with Crystal Capler: (214) 242-9316 or request a visit here.
We have the experience, skill and compassion to help you feel your very best. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
