History
Many people that have Asthma, may have an individual and/or
family history of allergies.
To diagnose asthma, a doctor relies solely on taking a medical history
and combines it with a physical examination.
Allergies.
Allergy testing may be may be helpful in identifying allergens, but in
sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be triggered by inhaled
allergens (allergy triggers), such as pet hair, dust mites, moulds or pollens.
Patients with delayed pattern food allergy have the most persistent
inflammatory form of chronic asthma. Those who have a nasal allergy
often have asthma that may be triggered by it.
Developing Asthma.
Half of the people who have asthma develop it before they are 10
years old, and most develop it before 30. There are people who develop
allergic asthma in their 70s and there are young children whose asthma
is not allergic. Children with asthma often complain of an itchy upper chest
or develop a dry cough, which may be the only sign of asthma.
Asthma Attacks.
During an attack, the smooth muscles of the lungs go into spasm, with the
surrounding tissue enflamed and secreting mucus into the airways. The causes
of an attack are, however, well understood by both doctors and patients.
Child care providers need to recognise when a child is suffering an attack in
order to prevent severe and prolonged effects. Nonetheless, an acute attack
usually occurs during a cold or cough caused by a viral infection. Pay
attention to worsening asthma as it may prevent a serious attack.
Smoking and Asthma.
Cigarette smoke is a powerful trigger of symptoms. Children born prematurely
or those exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop the disease.
Prenatal and post postnatal exposure to second-hand smoke is indicated in the
development of asthma. Non-smoking messages should be advertised in schools
to reduce the likelihood of children smoking and thus be prone to asthma.
Stress and Asthma.
Stress could aggravate the disease in children according to a London University's
research. It is well known that fighting stress helps fight asthma. People think
that there is a connection between genetic makeup and the disease. There isn't - it
only makes one more susceptible. If asthma is triggered by emotional stress, then
a stress reduction programme could be considered.
Sport during the summer causes less stress than during the winter. Exercise induced
asthma occurs most often during intense activity in cold dry air.
Can it be Contolled?
Yes, it can! With good control almost all people can lead normal, active lives.
Control medication on a regular basis helps prevent symptoms from occurring. When
asthma is not under control, the airways become restricted and inflamed, with increased
mucus production that further obstructs the airways. To keep it under control, it is
important to be well educated about your asthma and how to manage it.
Known Allergens.
Allergies are triggers for asthma. If you are allergic to pets, certain foods, dust mites etc,
remove them from your environment wherever possible. Be asthma aware. Every
asthmatic responds differently to triggers. As a parent, try not to be overly protective
of an asthmatic child.
The key to living with the disease is to be very aware. If you need to carry medication
make sure you always have it with you, and NEVER run our of it. Make sure you always
have a backup, in the car, at home or in the office. Encourage children to emulate what
you preach.
Finally, approximately one quarter of asthmatic children have their symptoms disappear
as they grow older - yes it is possible to grow out of the disease!
Tony Bryan
Author