Table of Contents
I. Understanding Asthma Symptoms
IV. The Connection between Obesity & Asthma
V. Get to Know Your Asthma Routine
Understanding Asthma Symptoms
Many of us may feel winded when climbing stairs or participating in vigorous exercise, but does that mean you have asthma? Not necessarily. It’s not unusual to have trouble breathing when you try a new exercise, but you may want to talk to a doctor if you feel that way during normal activities.
Asthma varies significantly from person to person. It is a minor nuisance for some, but for others, asthma is a major part of life. Once diagnosed, nothing can cure asthma, so it is essential to get the proper medications needed for your treatment plan. Many people are diagnosed with asthma as children, but if you notice the following symptoms, you may be experiencing asthma:
- Chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping due to shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing attacks
Asthma flare-ups may occur due to exercise, allergies, or workplace irritants. Asthma medications like Flovent HFA can help reduce asthma symptoms over time and decrease your likelihood of an asthma attack. Read on to learn more about possible risk factors for asthma. [1]
Pre-Existing Allergies
If you are prone to allergies, you are more likely to develop asthma. You may have atopy, which is a disorder that causes a heightened sensitivity to common allergies that are present in the air and the environment around you.
Atopy occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen that enters the body through the mouth, skin, or airways. The immune system treats these allergens like dangerous germs, causing the body to react with the throat, nose, lungs, or skin symptoms. Other conditions caused by atopy include:
Allergic rhinitis: An allergic reaction causes allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Pet dander and allergens in the air like pollen can cause the body to release chemicals that cause bothersome symptoms. Runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and a rash occur with this condition.
Eczema: Itchy, dry, red, and inflamed skin occurs with eczema (atopic dermatitis). The most common areas of eczema include the back of the knees, face, scalp, and the inside of elbows. Over half of people who have eczema also have asthma or allergic rhinitis.
If you have these conditions, you should keep an eye on your lung health to ensure that you notice any asthma symptoms before they become serious. You may want to identify your triggers with blood or skin tests to make it easier to avoid allergic flare-ups. [2]
Smoking & Asthma
All of us have a vice that we use to decompress and forget about the stressors of day-to-day life. For some, it’s a beer on a Friday night, but for others, it may be a daily habit like smoking cigarettes. Smoking irritates the airways and increases your risk of developing asthma and other serious health problems.
The nicotine and chemicals in smoking render this habit extremely addictive, making it very difficult for smokers to kick it for good. The good news is that your lungs will begin to heal once you stop smoking. Asthma causes the airways to constrict, which is worsened by the presence of smoke in the lungs. Smoking irritates the airways, making them swollen and filled with sticky mucus. These are the same as asthma symptoms, so smoking can trigger asthma in your body or make your asthma more severe and harder to treat.
Even if you do not smoke, being around those who do can also impact your lung health. If possible, avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. If you cannot avoid it in your household, you may need more medicine and frequent visits to the doctor’s office or ER. [3]
The Connection between Obesity & Asthma
Many of us may struggle with weight, but it is important to know that obesity affects our internal organs as much as our outer appearance. Around 38 percent of adults in the United States are obese, meaning they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, and overweight is classified with a BMI of 25-29.9.
Those who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing asthma. Doctors are not exactly sure why this connection exists, but they think it is due to a combination of factors. Extra weight on the chest and abdomen may constrict the lungs and make it harder to breathe. Fat also produces inflammatory substances that can affect the lungs and lead to constricted airways. Obese individuals with asthma often have worse asthma control, and obesity may reduce the effectiveness of your medications like Flovent.
If you are obese and experiencing asthma symptoms, the proper asthma medication may be right for you. You will likely need a long-term control medication like Flovent and an emergency inhaler to combat sudden breathing symptoms. [4]
Get to Know Your Asthma Routine
Once diagnosed with asthma, it is important to pay close attention to your treatment plan. If you are prescribed Flovent HFA, you and your doctor should discuss how to use it properly. Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid that decreases airway swelling and opens airways. It does not provide immediate relief but does decrease the number of coughing and wheezing episodes. [5]
Along with a long-term medication like Flovent, you will also be prescribed an emergency inhaler if you experience sudden symptoms. The dosage of your prescription depends on the severity of your asthma, but most commonly, you will take two puffs of your long-term inhaler a day and use your emergency inhaler when needed. If you want to save money on your Flovent prescription today, visit Canada Pharmacy Delivery.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.