Despite the wealth of information about asthma, many people still don’t understand it or how to manage it. Asthma can be caused by a variety of factors and affects each person differently. It can also change over time as you age. Despite this variability, there are some things we do know for sure about asthma. In Bellmawr, NJ, you’ll find doctors who can offer help. Most importantly, find an urgent care center. What experts in asthma in Bellmawr do is offer comprehensive asthma management.
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What is Asthma?
Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease that affects your airways. The smooth muscle surrounding your airways usually contracts when you breathe in. This makes the airway smaller. This then causes increased mucus production and swelling of the lining of the lung tissue.
The extra mucus and swelling narrow the airway, making it hard for your body to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This can make you feel out of breath. If you have asthma, your airways are hypersensitive, and the response to irritants is often more severe than in those who do not have asthma.
Which are the Symptoms of Asthma?
An asthma symptom is shortness of breath. It can be mild or very severe. It usually gets worse over time, and the number of times it occurs increases, but everyone’s experience is different. Other symptoms include:
- Chest tightness
- Trouble sleeping
- Wheezing
- A whistling sound when exhaling
- Loud and rapid breathing
Asthma has no cure, but it can be managed, so you continue to live everyday life. The key is to work with the doctor and learn how to avoid triggers. It helps you stay on top of the condition by taking the proper medications and using your inhaler when needed.
Asthma Triggers
Unlike many diseases, it’s often hard to determine exactly what causes asthma. There are still so many unknown factors that contribute to the onset of asthma attacks. Despite this, there are some things we do know for sure about asthma triggers. One of the most common triggers is allergens like dust mites and dander.
These can happen indoors or outdoors. These irritants can still be a problem for those who have allergies but don’t have asthma because they cause you to trigger an asthma attack. However, not everyone with allergies will develop asthma.
One of the most important things to avoid triggers is to limit your exposure—dust-proof your house and clean regularly – especially around pets, which can be a significant trigger. Indoor air purifiers are also highly recommended. Take the same precautions when exercising, especially if there is pollen in the air.
Treatments for Asthma
During an asthma attack, it’s essential to stay calm and use your inhaler. This will help open the airways so you can breathe easier. You may need to be treated in a hospital if your attacks are severe or come on suddenly, especially if you have trouble breathing.
If you’re experiencing mild symptoms that do not interfere with your life, you can take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. However, visiting an urgent care center is irreplaceable as the medics know how to manage the medical problem.
It is vital to take care of your health and know-how to manage asthma by understanding its symptoms, triggers, treatments, and where you can seek help. The good thing is that urgent care facilities will always be more than ready to help you with asthma accordingly.