Top Seven Questions About Asthma Answered

If you or a loved one has asthma, you’re probably curious about why your body reacts the way it does. Many people have asthma for years without fully understanding the disorder because they are afraid to ask their doctors for answers. If you’re confused about the basics of asthma, here are the top seven questions about asthma answered.

1. How can I prevent asthma attacks?

This is probably the most pressing question because, even though you can treat an asthma attack, it’s far more convenient not to have one at all. While there is no foolproof way to prevent them, there are a few things you can do to stave them off as often as possible. First, make sure you take your medication as recommended by your doctor. This will reduce inflammation in your airways and will reduce your chances of having an attack. One missed dose, however, can prove critical.

If your asthma is caused by an allergy, you should do whatever you can to avoid coming into contact with it. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors when the pollen is covering your street. Stay away from known irritants like cigarette smoke, smog, pet dander and dust, and purchase an air purifier if your find that your symptoms occur at home.

2. Why does my asthma medication induce attacks?

Some unlucky asthma sufferers have learned that certain asthma medications can actually cause attacks rather than prevent them. This is because the patient is allergic to the components of the medication, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or to aspirin. If this is the case, you will need to talk to your doctor about alternative medications, both for asthma and for regular aches and pains. Unfortunately, the same components can be found in Motrin and Aleve.

3. What are the side effects of bronchilators?

Side effects of bronchilators are generally mild, but asthma sufferers should be aware of them. First, rapid heart rate is the most common side effect, and may last for several hours following a dose from the bronchilator. You might feel a slight pounding in your chest that can be alarming, but is generally benign. Headaches are also common side effects, which can last for up to twenty-four hours, and you might develop nervousness or paranoia. The good news is that these side effects usually diminish over time as your body gets used to the medication.

4. Can I take asthma medication when I’m pregnant?

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, you might be worried about the effects your asthma medications might have on your unborn child in-utero. This is a common fear since doctors advice pregnant women to avoid most medications during pregnancy. However, if you were to have an asthma attack, you could cause unnecessary stress for your baby, sometimes sufficient to induce miscarriage. Talk with your doctor about your concerns, but in most cases, the benefits of taking your asthma medication far outweigh the risks.

5. How can I avoid an asthma attack during and after exercise?

Many asthma sufferers avoid exercise entirely because they are worried about an attack. The reality, however, is that your body needs exercise, so your best bet is to do all you can to prevent an attack. Warm up slowly before exercising and get your body prepared for the work-out. You might also want to take an inhaled asthma medication before you head out to exercise. When you are finished, allow your body to slowly cool down by stretching or taking a slow walk. Never just STOP.

6. What if there are irritants at work that induce asthma attacks?

This is another common worry for asthma sufferers, and unfortunately it is a real possibility. Workplace environments are rife with irritants and substances that can worsen asthma, so you’ll need to take precautions with regard to occupational asthma. Talk to your doctor about any occupational therapy that might help to control and suppress your asthma symptoms.

7. What should I do if I have an asthma attack?

An asthma attack occurs when your airway experiences bronchospasms, which tighten the airways and make it difficult to breathe. This is sometimes compounded by a panic attack, which is common during the first few asthma attacks you experience. When you feel yourself start an attack, you should follow the instructions on your asthma medication immediately. If you think that you are in danger for your life -- especially if you have blue fingernails -- you should dial 911 for emergency medical attention.