10 Things You Should Know About Asthma

• by 13Cure
• Jun 15, 2020
• General Health

Take a Deep Breath - What You Need to Know About Asthma

Asthma is an incurable respiratory disease that affects the airways and the lungs. These become irritated and inflamed in response to environmental or biological triggers that can make it difficult for people with the condition to breathe. According to a 2018 study carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2.7million people are affected by asthma in Australia. While there isn’t currently a cure for the condition, there are a number of ways that asthma and its symptoms can be managed. In this article, we’ve put together an outline of some of the key things to know about asthma. Here are our top ten asthma information bites:

• There are several different causes of asthma

  Genetic links have been found in asthma research so you may be at higher risk of developing the illness if your family members suffer from asthma. Risk factors also include allergies, conditions in childhood such as bronchiolitis, smoking and hormones in women during menopause that can contribute to adult-onset asthma.

• Asthma can develop at any age

  The condition can develop in early childhood right through to later life depending on a person’s prevalence to risk factors and exposure to certain triggers.

• There are over ten different types of asthma

  Symptoms and their frequency can vary depending on the type of asthma you have. Seasonal asthma, for example, flares up at certain times of the year like winter whereas severe asthma sufferers exhibit persistent symptoms that require regular monitoring and management. Symptoms of childhood asthma can often reduce with age. Adult-onset and allergic asthma are usually induced by certain triggers like exposure to irritants in the workplace or adverse reactions to things like pollen.

• Certain triggers can make asthma worse

  Asthma symptoms can be worsened by a range of internal and external factors. Internal factors can include stress, anxiety and hormonal changes while common external factors can be things like the weather, pollution and consumption of alcohol or foods containing histamines such as mature cheese. Even cockroaches can be a trigger for asthma symptoms!

• Symptoms can be worse at night

  When you go to bed, symptoms can be aggravated for a number of reasons. Laying down can put extra pressure on your chest and lungs and your body produces fewer hormones at night that help keep asthma in check. Using extra pillows to prop yourself up slightly can help and use your inhaler as prescribed by your doctor is advised.

• Medicines are available to both prevent and relieve symptoms

  Inhalers are commonly used to treat asthma. Preventative treatments work by opening the airways and reducing inflammation while reliever inhalers are fast working and calm flare-ups making it easier to breathe.

• An asthma plan is highly recommended for sufferers

  This is a written document that records key information about your condition and helps with the day to day management of asthma. You can download a template asthma plan from the registered charity Asthma Australia online.

• Asthma won’t automatically stop you from being able to exercise

  If you’re managing your asthma in line with your doctor’s advice then light, regular exercise can actually help to alleviate symptoms. Low impact activities such as yoga are recommended and you can find more inspiration in this article.

• A healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle can make a big difference

  As with most medical conditions, symptoms can be greatly reduced with self-care and a healthy lifestyle. Government website Health Direct offers an advice hub covering a range of health and well-being topics.

• You’re not alone - there is support available

  Our doctors are on hand to visit you at home and help you manage your asthma symptoms so you can live well with your condition. Our services are available Australia wide and you can contact us today or book an appointment online.