Asthmatic triggers

Almost everyone has heard about the well known lung condition called Asthma! What exactly is asthma? Well, it represents one chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway sometimes simply constricts and becomes inflamed. Besides all this- the respiratory lining produces excessive amounts of thick mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. This mechanism is responsible for all the symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

What triggers these asthma attacks? Well, it could be extremely difficult to answer this question because it isn't that simple! Theoretically, there are many possible triggers, and yet- every person reacts individually, so, the fact is that there are no rules! These attacks may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant, cold air, warm air, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress.  Good thing is that all these symptoms of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually, be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes. However, the most effective way of control is definitely avoiding the triggers!!!

Well, in the begging it is important to point out that while in some individuals asthma is characterized by chronic respiratory impairment, in others it is an intermittent illness marked by episodic. It is extremely widely spread disease! Approximately 14 million adults and 6 million children in the U.S. have asthma.  

An acute exacerbation of asthma is medically known as asthma attack. These attacks can be mild, symptomatic, asymptomatic and sometimes very serious and severe! The clinical characteristics of a most common form of an attack are:

·         shortness of breath (dyspnea)

·         wheezing

·         stridor

·         cough

Signs of an asthmatic episode include:

·        wheezing

·        rapid breathing (tachypnea)

·        prolonged expiration

·        a rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

·        rhonchous lung sounds (audible through a stethoscope)

·        over-inflation of the chest

Like we have mentioned- sometimes these attacks are extremely serious! During these kinds of attacks - the accessory muscles of respiration, especially sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles of the neck may be cramped.

During very severe attacks, an asthma patient can:

·        turn blue from lack of oxygen

·        experience chest pain

·        experience even loss of consciousness

According to the several asthma patients- asthmatic can predict when the attack will happen because he or she experiences something they call the “aura”. You see, just before loss of consciousness, sometimes patient will feel numbness in the limbs and palms may start to sweat. Feet may become icy cold.  

All patients are interested to find out more about one thing- asthma triggers! What exactly triggers asthma? Like we have already mentioned- every person has their own triggers. There are several asthma triggers and some of the most common are listed below:

·         Allergens

·         Irritants such as tobacco smoke, strong odors

·         Gastrointestinal Reflux disease -GERD

·         Emotional anxiety

·         Medications

·         Foods  

·         Weather changes

·         Viral or sinus infections

·         Exercise

 

 

What exactly are allergens? Well, these are different types of substances that can be found all around us! Some of the most common are:  

·         House dust mite

·         Pollens

·         Molds

·         Animal dander

·         Cockroach droppings

·         Foods

It is important to know that, if your asthma is triggered by allergens, simply avoiding them would be a much better plan then to use tons of medications to treat symptoms!   

 

It is extremely important to point out that asthmatic lungs aren’t as healthy as those in people who are not asthma sufferers! Because of this fact- inflamed asthmatic airways are hyper-sensitive to environmental irritants. Some of the most common environmental irritants are:

·         tobacco smoke, wood smoke, chemicals in the air and ozone

·          vapors, dust, gases or fumes

·         Strong odors or sprays such as perfumes, household cleaners, hairspray, cooking fumes, paints or varnishes

·         coal dust, chalk dust or talcum powder

It is also proven that sometimes, in rare cases- even simple changing weather conditions, such as changes in temperature and humidity, barometric pressure or strong winds can cause severe asthma attacks! It is important because it can hardly be avoided!

 

There is no doubt- proven fact is that some viral infections such as colds or viral pneumonia can trigger or aggravate asthma, especially in young children. Experts were not sure about this claim, but, after several studies done on this matter, it is now proven.  They say that, because these infections can irritate the airways and this added irritation often triggers asthma attack.  

 

Important information, especially for younger children, is that sometimes strenuous physical exercise can also trigger attacks. Some examples of activities which can trigger asthma are:

·         prolonged mouth breathing

·         diving for a long time

·         exercising in cold, dry air

·         medium- to long-distance running

 

Almost everyone has heard about the Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It represents a condition in which stomach acid flows back up the esophagus. It is proven that this via this act- asthma can be activated! What are the symptoms of GERD? Well, the most commons are:

·         severe heartburn

·         belching

·         night asthma

·         increased asthma symptoms after meals or exercise

 

It is proven that some types of medications can cause asthma attack in some patients! This is extremely important for those people because they have to avoid them! Some of the most common asthma trigger medications include aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen; and beta-blockers. It is the same case with food! It is proven that sometimes certain foods or various food additives can trigger asthma symptoms. Some of the most common asthma triggers are: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.  

 

For a long time –experts thought that asthma is in fact a psychological disorder. This is because it was noticed it happened to people who are under lots of stress. Now, it is known that this isn't emotional disorder, although emotions can trigger it! Anxiety and nervous stress probably cause fatigue, which may also increase asthma symptoms and aggravate an attack.  

If we talk about asthma medications we should know that these include medications to prevent and control asthma symptoms and to reduce airway inflammation. We can divide these medications into two big groups- quick-relief and long-term control medications.

Quick-relief medications include:

·         Bronchodilators

It is important to point out that these medications are also called the “rescue medications," because they are being used during the active asthma attack! Their purpose is to open up the bronchial tubes so that more air can flow through. They can be bought in several forms such as: inhalation medications, tablets, liquids or injections!

·         Corticosteroids

·         These medications are usually administered for short-term use orally or by injection to speed up the resolution of airway inflammation. Therefore, the purpose is same as bronchodilators!

 

Long-term control medications

These medications, as we can assume, should be taken daily to control the airway inflammation! Therefore, there is no purpose using them during the asthma attack! Some of the most commonly used are:

·         Inhaled corticosteroids

These are probably the most effective long-term therapy available for persistent asthma. 

·         Cromolyn or Nedocromil stop the development of inflammation in the lungs, as well as help to prevent it. Although they are not as effective as corticosteroids, they are generally considered much more safer!    

·         Leukotriene modifiers are also extremely effective medications which work to fight potent chemicals called leukotrienes. This of course reduces airway inflammation.  

·         It is also important to mention one medication called Methylxanthines. This drug usually provides mild to moderate dilation of the airways and may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. The most commonly used is Theophylline.

·         Anti-IgE-medications are also useful! Some of the most commonly used is called Omalizumab. It shows best results when used by patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. IgE is an antibody that we all have and it is responsible for causing allergic problems in some people. Another drug from this class is Xolair! Xolair is delivered by injection every two to four weeks. Like with any other medication- it can cause some side effects! Risks include the possibility of a severe reaction within two hours of receiving the shot, blood-clotting problems, and a possible link to cancer.