Asthma

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Asthma

 

While most people consider €œwheezing€ the key sign of asthma, there are also

other, more unusual asthma symptoms. For instance, a dry, hacking cough that

persists may actually be a symptom of asthma. Chest tightness and difficulty

breathing in the early morning hours can also be asthma symptoms. Likewise,

constant sighing may be associated with asthma.

Unusual asthma symptoms may include:

· rapid breathing

· sighing

· fatigue; inability to exercise properly

· difficulty sleeping

· anxiety; difficulty concentrating

· chronic cough without wheezing (cough-variant

asthma)

To complicate matters, asthma symptoms are not consistent and often vary from

time to time in an individual. As an example, you might experience asthma

primarily at night -- known as nocturnal asthma -- rather than during the day.

Furthermore, episodes of asthma can be triggered by many different factors such

as allergens, dust, smoke, cold air, exercise, infections, medications, and acid

reflux. Finally, other health conditions such as heart failure, bronchitis, and

dysfunction of the vocal cords can cause symptoms that mimic those of asthma,

yet these conditions are not asthma. For these reasons, accurately diagnosing

asthma and effective asthma treatment can be a challenge for you and your asthma

doctor.

Causes & Triggers

Causes of Asthma

What makes you wheeze or cough? Learning more about asthma triggers can help you

reduce the chances of having asthma.

Allergies and Asthma

An allergy can make you sneeze, cough, itch, and wheeze. Most people with asthma

also have allergies. Read more about common allergens and how to prevent these

from triggering your asthma symptoms.

Sinusitis and Asthma

Do you suffer with sinusitis or postnasal drip? Many times, these problems

trigger asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. Learn how you can

prevent serious problems by treating symptoms early.

Food Allergies and Asthma

Discover which foods are most likely to cause a serious breathing problem, and

take preventive steps to avoid these asthma triggers.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Do you cough or wheeze shortly after starting to exercise? If so, you may have

exercise-induced asthma. Learn how treatment can help prevent exercise-induced

asthma.

Heartburn and Asthma

About 75% of patients with asthma also have frequent heartburn or

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Find out about some self-care strategies

you can take to prevent GERD.

Smoking and Asthma

Smoking is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. Even secondhand smoke is

associated with asthma. Read more and protect your lungs from further irritation

and inflammation.

Infections and Asthma

If you have asthma, even the slightest respiratory tract infection can trigger

an asthma attack. Read more about good hygiene and preventive care so you can

reduce infections and the chance of serious breathing problems.

Aspirin and Other Medications That May Trigger Asthma

Do you know which medications may trigger a life-threatening asthma attack?

Aspirin and other medications can cause wheezing and increased mucus in

sensitive people. Read more and find out if you€™re at risk.

Coughing. In some people, the first symptom of asthma is a nonproductive

cough. Some patients find this cough even more distressing than wheezing or

sleep disturbances.

Chest tightness or pain. Initial chest tightness without any other

symptoms may be an early indicator of a serious attack.

Neck muscles may tighten, and talking may become difficult or impossible.

Rapid heart rate.

Sweating.

Chest pain occurs in about three-quarters of patients. It can be very

severe, although the pain's intensity is not necessarily related to the severity

of the asthma attack itself.

James Thompson, MD

Board Certified Allergist and Internist

" When Can I Stop My Asthma Medication? "

 

This is a common question in my office and invariably leads to several minutes

of discussion with asthma patients and parents. There is no cure for asthma and,

contrary to widely held belief; people do not " outgrow " asthma. It took a long

time for me to convince my asthmatic wife that asthma is life-long but, with

good treatment, it may go into remission (our two adult children have asthma

too). The good news is that more than 95% of the time it can be well controlled.

Most asthma medications are categorized as either asthma symptom relievers (for

example, brands of albuterol) or asthma " controllers " (for example, Flovent,

Intal, Advair). Controllers should be taken regularly to prevent symptoms. The

most effective controllers are inhaled steroids which have anti-inflammatory

characteristics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for asthma

treatment recommend periodic assessment of asthma control and subsequent

adjustment of asthma medications based on the level and duration of control. The

NIH guidelines recommend three or more months of well controlled asthma before

stepping down or off inhaled steroids.

The above prompted me to write on €˜Asthma€™ and work on many astrology charts

of those affected by €˜Asthma€™, before I wrote the article. However, very many

seem know more than me and I leave it to them my reasoning as €˜take it or leave

it€™. I am not getting into further discussions on this subject.

 

Pathi

 

 

A.V.Pathi,

Astrologer,

.

(consultation fees charged for direct detailed studies)

Pl. contact 'kountinya29'

" ........When there is uncertainty, He gave us hope;

When there was indecision, He gave us clarity.... "