World Asthma Day
While there won't be any large gatherings to celebrate, today (May 3, 2022) is World Asthma Day.
With the theme "Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions," we felt it was the perfect time to provide information about asthma and how you can get asthma treatment online during these unprecedented times.
What Is World Asthma Day?
The first Tuesday in May every year, the Global Initiative for Asthma promotes World Asthma Day to educate people about asthma and help prevent asthma deaths.
This year, there will be some online events, but most activities have been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the CDC, asthma affects 1 in 13 people, and over 25 million Americans have asthma.
People with moderate to severe asthma may be at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, making awareness even more important.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition where your airways swell and narrow and create extra mucus. This can make it hard to breathe and may trigger wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Asthma symptoms may be anything from a minor nuisance to a life-threatening problem.
How Do I Know If I Have Asthma?
Asthma symptoms may be a mild constant nuisance, or they might come in the form of an asthma attack.
Symptoms may include:
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A wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common symptom of asthma in children)
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Difficulty sleeping caused by coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing
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Wheezing or coughing attacks made worse by a respiratory virus, like the flu or a cold
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Chest pain or tightness
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Shortness of breath
Bronchitis or Asthma? Know The Difference.
While there are some similar symptoms between asthma and bronchitis, there are also a lot of differences.
The biggest way to tell the difference between bronchitis and asthma is that bronchitis is caused by a virus and often causes the production of mucus.
So, a dry cough is more likely to be a symptom of asthma, while a productive cough is more likely to be a symptom of bronchitis.
Read: What's the Difference Between Bronchitis and Asthma?
What Is the Main Cause of Asthma?
Asthma has many different triggers, including:
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Allergic asthma can be triggered by airborne substances, like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, or particles of cockroach waste
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Exercise-induced asthma can be triggered by physical activity
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Air irritants and pollutants, like smoke
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acids back up into the throat
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Respiratory infections, like a cold
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Cold air
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Certain medications, including aspirin, beta blockers, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
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Preservatives and sulfites added to some foods and beverages, like dried fruit, shrimp, processed potatoes, wine, and beer
How Is Asthma Treated?
Asthma is usually treated with a combination of daily asthma medication and rescue asthma inhalers.
The goal is to prevent as many asthma attacks as possible, while spot treating the ones that still happen.
What Is the Best Treatment for Asthma?
The best treatment for asthma usually involves one or more of the following:
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Long-term asthma control medications like Flonase, Rhinocort, Symbicort, Asmanex, Singulair, Serevent, Advair, and Elixophyllin
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Quick-relief (rescue) medications like albuterol, levalbuterol, and Atrovent
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For allergy and asthma symptoms, allergy shots or Xolair may help
Over the Counter Asthma Inhalers
While most asthma inhalers require a prescription, there are over the counter asthma inhalers on the market.
Asthmanefrin (racepinephrine) is available over the counter to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Asthmanefrin isn't right for everybody. Don't use it if you take an MAO inhibitor or if you have one of the following conditions:
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Thyroid problems
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Diabetes
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Seizures
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Mental illness
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Enlarged prostate
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Glaucoma
What Home Remedies Are Good for Asthma?
There are no home remedies to treat an asthma attack. Only a rescue inhaler can stop an asthma attack.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asthma
Yes, asthma can kill you. Asthma is most often deadly in people over 50. However, kids can die from asthma, too. Asthma is responsible for 2 million emergency room visits each year.
While childhood asthma affects around 6 million kids, you can develop asthma later in life. In fact, those who develop asthma as adults are more likely to experience more persistent symptoms than children, who are more likely to experience intermittent symptoms.
Some children with asthma do stop having symptoms when they grow up. Sometimes, those symptoms come back. For most people, though, asthma usually doesn't go away.
Get Asthma Treatment Online
If you need asthma treatment but are currently unable to get to your doctor or want to avoid going to a health clinic, you can get asthma treatment online with PlushCare.
Book an appointment any time or call (888)798-0620.
Our licensed doctors will talk to you about you (or your child's) symptoms. If they think a prescription is necessary, they can electronically send one to your local pharmacy.
Our doctors can also refill your existing asthma prescriptions if you run out of medication.
Please note online doctors are not appropriate for emergency situations. If you are experiencing an asthma attack and are unable to regain breath control call 911.
Sources
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Mayo Clinic. Asthma. Accessed on May 5, 2020 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Moderate to Severe Asthma. Accessed on May 5, 2020 at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/asthma.html
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Mayo Clinic. Will my child outgrow asthma? Accessed on May 5, 2020 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351507
