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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects over 25 million people across the country. When triggered, the disease irritates, inflames, and blocks airways making breathing difficult. While typical, the disorder is still a complicated one. It's unclear what causes the disease's expression, but allergies and genetics play a significant role. If you believe you may have the condition, learn more about its potential triggers. 

What Asthma Triggers Should Patients Avoid?

1. Allergies

Up to 80% of children who have allergies develop asthma, whether still in their youth or as adults. Given the many possible allergies individuals can experience, scientists have identified the most likely contributors: 

  • Dust: Buy dust-proof furniture covers and pillow wraps and wash linens on the hottest setting. Replacing carpets and rugs with hardwood flooring will also minimize the amount of dust built up in the home.
  • Food: Food allergies can exacerbate symptoms and cause anaphylaxis. A physician can run tests to see if a patient is allergic to tree nuts, sulfites, shellfish, and foods that cause gas, which can be harmful to patients.
  • Insects: Cockroach droppings have protein enzymes that cause reactions in children and can worsen symptoms. Use roach gels and call an exterminator to reduce the number of bugs active in the home.
  • Mold: Mildew and mold develop in humid or damp areas of the kitchen, basement, bathroom, and yard. Invest in a dehumidifier to make the home uninhabitable for these allergens.
  • Pets: Dander, along with protein found in a pet's urine, feces, saliva, and hair, can be detrimental. Bathe and groom them weekly to decrease the amount of dander in the home, and consider a hypoallergenic animal when adding to your pet family.

Other environmental factors, like fumes from cigarettes, and air pollution, also cause flare-ups. During the spring and fall, individuals with the condition are vulnerable to pollen, which will tighten airways. Minimize the amount of time spent outdoors during these seasons. Carry any doctor-prescribed medication when running errands, going to work, or visiting friends. 

Having an air conditioner at home can reduce the number of indoor air pollutants, especially pollen. Air conditioners also lower humidity levels, lessening the risk of exposure to dust mites and flare-ups. 

2. Conditions

Asthma

Respiratory conditions can affect a person's lungs and trigger a flare-up. Throughout the year, individuals may experience responses caused by pneumonia, the flu, sinus infections, or colds. 

Heartburn and asthma often co-occur, with up to 89% of patients with the respiratory condition also experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A heartburn-related asthmatic response will usually occur when patients lie down after a meal. For individuals with GERD, the valve that prevents stomach acids from rising to the esophagus becomes unreliable. Acids back up into the esophagus, where they can reach the throat or airways. The resulting inflammation can trigger a respiratory response. 

Acid reflux also has a connection to asthma, which is not fully understood. Physicians have discovered, however, that the symptoms of one can worsen the expression of the other. Treating the acid reflux first will help minimize related respiratory distress. Patients should still consult their physician before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. OTCs and prescribed medications can worsen acid reflux, which can then antagonize flare-ups. A physician can advise individuals experiencing both conditions on the best treatment methods. 

3. Exercise

Asthma

Physical activity benefits overall health, but individuals with respiratory conditions should take precautions. Overexertion during exercises can trigger a flare-up within the first 15 minutes of an aerobic workout. Many patients experience temporary difficulty breathing. Others may cough or sustain chest tightness that should subside within 30 to 60 minutes. However, a second exercise-induced flare-up can occur up to 12 hours later

Warm-up slowly before exercising and use cool-downs to decrease the likelihood of symptom flare-ups. Since cold weather often triggers symptoms, work out indoors during the winter months. 

A primary care physician may also suggest pre-exercise medications to prevent flare-ups, like an anti-inflammatory. One of these controller medicines can be taken before workouts, depending on a health care provider's advice. Instead, they may suggest a bronchodilator. When taken before exercising, the bronchodilator will relax the muscles around the breathing tubes, opening the airways. Since there are many variations, a physician will make a selection based on each patient's unique pretreatment plan.  

4. Medication

Individuals with the condition should consult their physician before taking any new drugs, whether prescribed or purchased OTC. Both can cause flare-ups when combined with current asthma treatments. The most severe side effects are often caused by:

  • ACE Inhibitors: ACE inhibitors are prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart disease. However, individuals with respiratory conditions may develop a chronic cough. 
  • Aspirin: NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can trigger symptoms unless they contain acetaminophen. Consult with a physician before taking these OTCs for discomfort or illness. 
  • Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers treat many conditions but may also exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Before taking a beta-blocker, speak to your primary care physician and the prescribing specialist.

 

Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be reduced with medication and vigilance. If you've recently been diagnosed with the condition or need help controlling symptoms, reach out to Urgent & Primary Care. For over 20 years, their patients have benefited from their compassionate care and depth of knowledge. They're known throughout Albany, NY, and its surrounding areas for accepting appointments and walk-ins to treat as many patients as possible. During COVID-19, they're also taking appointments through Teledoc®. For more information on their urgent care services, visit their website or call them at (518) 463-8262.

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