For most of us, asthma is a manageable condition. However, there are those who suffer from frequent attacks that cause their lives to be disrupted and shortened. The symptoms of asthma can range from mild discomforts, such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and fast breathing, to severe conditions, which include shortness of breath, asthma attacks, and even death.
The reasons for the exacerbation and triggering of asthma are still not completely understood, but there are some things that we do know about when it comes to the triggers of asthma. Some of these triggers can be linked to our genes and others can be due to our environment.
There are a number of lifestyle choices that are strongly linked to the onset of asthma. These are things like the smoking of tobacco, air pollution, and exposure to pollutants. You should always consult your doctor before trying any new thing to ensure that you are in safe hands. Although cigarettes and air pollution can cause the severity of asthma attacks, other things like pollution can have a milder effect on your health.
However, if there is a genetic link to asthma, then the attacks are more likely to happen on certain days of the week or days of the month. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, and younger people seem to be more at risk for the condition than older people.
Asthma can be caused by allergens, such as pollen and pet dander. If you think that you have an allergic reaction to something, then you should not just go to your doctor for a prescription. Allergies are generally diagnosed when you have tried to find out what is causing the reaction and can identify the particular allergen that is triggering it.
However, medications such as antihistamines are used when the reaction is severe and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. These often do not produce results and often leave side effects that mimic the conditions of asthma.
When trying to find out what asthma triggers are present in your family, the severity of your asthma is going to be taken into account. This can determine whether you have to take more medication or if your doctor will recommend home remedies.
If your doctor has ruled out allergies as a cause of your asthma, then your next step is to try and understand why it is that certain triggers may be present in your environment. There are several factors that can cause asthma attacks, such as the chemicals that we use every day.
Other environmental factors that can cause asthma include excessive humidity, ultraviolet light, smoking, food, mold, pollen, drugs, dust mites, animals, cockroaches, pet dander, perfume, chemicals, poor ventilation, and even cold weather. Certain foods that contain certain ingredients can also trigger asthma.
Smoking, particularly heavy smoking, is known to cause asthma. Smoking can lead to a number of different problems, including the formation of plaques in the lungs, coughing, and blood-clotting. Smoking can also be an allergen itself, therefore exposing you to the elements of your own home.
Environmental causes of asthma include stress, exhaust fumes, chloroform gas, asbestos, formaldehyde, pesticides, herbicides, grease, chemicals, hydrogen sulfide, industrial fumes, home heating gases, heavy machinery, and anything else that cause air pollution to form in the building. This type of pollution can cause your body to become hyperactive, which can exacerbate the asthma condition. Avoiding these types of causes can help to improve your condition.
