Asthma is a disease that while easily treatable, can be considered fatal if left unchecked. Asthma diagnosis usually occurs when people are children. So what is asthma? Asthma is a disease, which causes the bronchial tubes (our breathing passages) to become constricted causing a restriction in airflow. Usually this inflammation is triggered by outside factors like cigarette smoke, dust, and mold. Other causes can lead to an asthma diagnosis.
- Breathing polluted air: While air pollution is not as bad as it was 20 years ago, there are still many companies that have factories pollute the air. Add to that carbon monoxide poisoning and an asthma diagnosis makes perfect sense.
- Perfumes and cleaning products: Many perfumes are made today to overpower the senses. For someone who has asthma it can lead to an asthma attack. Certain household cleaners can also trigger asthma attacks. Many cleaners are made with harsh abrasives, which would seem like a harsh odor to those without asthma but life threatening to someone with asthma.
- Stress: Stress has been a factor in many illnesses, so it should not surprise anyone that asthma is one of them.
Any of these causes could lead to an asthma diagnosis. Many symptoms will signal the possibility of asthma. The most common is wheezing. Other symptoms of asthma include coughing and shortness of breath. With the causes and symptoms simple to identify it is easy for a doctor to come up with an asthma diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors will tell anyone that an asthma diagnosis and treatment is not the end of the world. Many people can go on to lead normal lives with the right asthma treatment. So what is the right asthma treatment? There is no right or wrong asthma treatment, everyone reacts differently to the medicines on the shelf. Many people use inhalers to treat asthma, but there are also asthma medications on the market that will do wonders in treating asthma.
ADVAIR DISKUS (Fluticasone-Salmeterol) is one of several inhalers used in asthma treatment. This is primarily a steroid inhaler used to lower the inflammation that triggers asthma attacks. The side effects include jitters and sudden asthma attacks. While it is unclear how this medicine can trigger asthma attacks, it does not affect a large majority of people.
BRETHAIRE (Terbutaline) is a broncho-dilator that relaxes the bronchial tube muscles and reduces inflammation. This is one of the newer medicines available used in asthma treatment. The side effects include shortness of breath and chest pains so be sure to ask if there are any other side effects during the asthma diagnosis and treatment exam.
SINGULAIR (Montelukast) is a popular asthma/allergy medication that works to decrease an allergic reaction in the lungs that causes shortness of breath. To date it is one of the best asthma medications on the market.
THEOX CR (Theophylline) is an asthma medication that works to dilate the bronchial tubes for increased airflow. Possible side effects can include irregular heartbeat or breathing, feeling lightheaded, and nausea to name a few.
Asthma may be difficult to live with but it does not have to rule your life. With the proper asthma diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to live life to the fullest.
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