Of the diseases that are caused by allergies, Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis have the most impact on a person’s quality of life. Symptoms may be both acute and chronic, and vary with each individual patient. There is clear evidence to suggest that Allergic Rhinitis is a major contributory risk factor to developing Asthma. An effective means of preventing Asthma is to treat the Allergic Rhinitis at its earliest stages.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition where airways become narrowed or swollen due to excess mucus production.
This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. For many people, this ailment is merely an annoyance. However, for others it can become a life-threatening issue due to potential severe asthma attacks. Although at present there is no cure, the symptoms listed below can be kept under control.
- Contraction of the muscles around the trachea (windpipe)
- Swelling and inflammation on the inner lining of the trachea
- Excess mucus present in the treachea
Asthma is different from other diseases in that some patients may have minor or minimal symptoms, while others will have more severe symptoms that could potentially be life threatening. The factors that cause the disease vary for each individual. Examples of stimuli include: the inhalation of toxins into the trachea, sinusitis, infection, scent of certain perfumes, pesticides, car exhaust, smoke, weather, allergic reaction to medication, coloring, various chemicals, and stress. Two-thirds of asthma that occurs in children is caused by allergies, adults however normally do not develop the condition as a result of an allergy. It is a common misconception that asthma is always caused by an allergy. This condition is found in 10-13% of children and adults; in children it is more prominent in boys than girls.
It is a common misconception that asthma is always caused by an allergy. This condition is found in 1—13% of children and adults; in children it is more prominent in boys than girls. Two-thirds of asthma that occurs in children is caused by allergies; adults however do not develop this condition as result of an allergy.
The diagnosis of asthma in children is generally more difficult than in adults. This is because of the nature of the symptoms in children; some children may not show any conventional asthma symptoms at all. Important symptoms to notice are coughing in the morning, at night, while or after running and playing, blocked nasal passages, and a runny nose. In smaller children breathlessness/wheezing can be signs of conditions that are not asthma such as a heart condition, lung infection, a foreign object stuck in the wind pipe, or certain gastrointestinal diseases. A respiratory infection is a major cause that triggers asthma; for the most part this is contracted as a virus from the child’s environment.
Treatment for asthma will be different for each patient depending on the severity of the condition, the age of patient, and other possible complications such as allergies or sinusitis.
4 Proven Methods for Prevention and Treatment of Asthma
- It is recommended that patients take a lung-function test to indicate the severity of the condition and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in the future
- Medication to reduce or prevent infection of the inner linings of the trachea combined with muscle relaxants to relax the windpipe
- Control and monitoring of the environment, especially for patients with known allergies, includes treatment of identified allergies
- Ensuring that patient and family members are informed of vital data pertaining to asthma and what effect lifestyle can have such as quitting smoking, exercise methods, and proper medication
Consistent treatment and regular follow up is the best way to tackle asthma. Often patients will overlook the need for continual treatment and this can result in less positive outcomes.
