Asthma is a common health disorder in the US and globally, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting an estimated of about 25 million people living with the condition in the United States. Six million of them are children who live with asthma and are prone to sensitive asthma triggers for life. Fortunately, asthma symptoms can be managed, but can you outgrow the condition? Read on to find out.
Asthma 101
Asthma is a long-term lung condition that causes airways to narrow and inflate, making breathing difficult. This often occurs when the production of extra mucus triggers coughing, shortness of breath, and a whistling sound when breathing out. Most people with asthma experience minor nuisance, but others may suffer major problems that lead to life-threatening asthma attacks or interfere with daily activities.
Asthma Triggers
If you have asthma, an attack may occur when you interact with certain elements or things, although these triggers may differ between patients. Some common asthma triggers include:
- Tobacco smoke
- Dust mites
- Outdoor Air pollution
- Pests like mice and cockroaches
- Pets
- Mold
- Cleaning disinfection
- Pollen
- Some food and food additives
Types of Asthma and Their Symptoms
Asthma is primarily categorized into two main types, depending on the cause and the severity of symptoms. These are:
- Intermittent asthma: This type of asthma involves flares where the symptoms occur between different periods. Some common symptoms of intermittent asthma include wheezing, whistling, or squeaking noise in the lungs, chest tightness, and coughing.
- Persistent asthma: This type of asthma includes having mild, moderate, or severe symptoms most of the time that affects an individual’s daily activities. Some common symptoms include shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and chest pain or tightness.
Asthma includes several other subcategories, including adult-onset asthma, exercise-induced asthma, occupational asthma, and pediatric asthma. Although symptoms can happen with either type, the difference is how often it happens, ranging from mild to moderate and severe asthma. As a long-term disease of the lungs, asthmatic patients often have inflamed and narrow airways, resulting in trouble talking or being inactive.
Is It Possible to Outgrow Asthma?
Asthma is considered an incurable condition , but with periods when asthma attacks and associated symptoms do not flare up. Although you will feel comfortable without any symptoms, asthma does not disappear completely. Even after several months without attacks or experiencing symptoms, you should continue managing the condition by avoiding asthmatic triggers.
Following your doctor’s recommendations can help you manage your condition and live a comfortable life. In addition, always stay in contact with your healthcare provider if you begin to feel that your asthma symptoms worsen.
How is Asthma Treated?
Asthma has no cure that can guarantee your symptoms won’t return, but several treatment methods can be used to control and manage them. These treatment options include:
- Inhaler: These portable devices produce a premeasured dose that controls asthma symptoms. It includes a J-shaped pump that you hold to your mouth and press the canister to send out a mist or powder to your lungs.
- Medication: Oral medications can be used to relieve asthma symptoms, and these include leukotriene modulators and theophylline.
- Allergy Shots: Allergy shots are an asthma treatment that reduces allergy symptoms and mitigates asthma development. Your doctor may recommend routine injections over a period of time to stop or reduce allergy attacks.
Contact the Allergy Center Now
At The Allergy Group, we provide comprehensive care to patients with asthma in Boise, East Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, and all of the Treasure Valley. Our certified allergists offer a wide range of services, including allergy testing. We can also help you determine which type of inhaler would be best for you depending on the circumstances.
Contact us to learn more, or schedule an appointment with us today.