Pollen As An Asthma Trigger
Pollen is naturally released into the atmosphere by plants, trees and weeds at certain parts of the year. It is made of different types of proteins that most of people dont react to. But, the research seems to suggest that roughly one in five people will experience a hyperactive response to pollen, leading to the release of histamine into the system and the subsequent symptoms such as:
- Itchy or red eyes
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How Is Allergic Asthma Diagnosed
A skin prick test is the common way to check for allergies. Your doctor will poke your skin with a needle containing a small amount of an allergen. After 20 minutes, your doctor will check your skin for red bumps. These bumps are a sign of an allergic reaction.
Additional tests that can check whether you have asthma along with your allergies include:
- spirometry: measures the amount of air you inhale and exhale, and looks for narrowing in the bronchial tubes of your lungs
- peak flow:a simple test of lung function, this measures air pressure as you breathe out
- lung function: checks whether your breathing improves after you use an asthma medication called a bronchodilator
Treating allergic asthma can involve treating the allergy, the asthma, or both.
Shortness Of Breath Is A Symptom Of Copd
It was reported that more than 13 million of American people are diagnosed with COPD , and about 12 million folks who suffered it but dont know about it. COPD is a term availed to depict the severe lung conditions, like chronic bronchitis or emphysema. If you smoke, this is indeed the largest risk element.
Since you hardly hear about this, COPD is said to be the third leading reason causing death in the U.S. In reality, its as popular as asthma or diabetes, according to the clinical professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical center.
More surprisingly, out of COPD symptoms, shortness of breath make its debut on the list together with a constant cough. This issue could become worse over time, and its facile to mistake them for other diseases.
Well, you probably consider the shortness of breath only as a warning sign that youre out of shape. In fact, that chronic cough that hardly goes away might be marked as the allergies that can be cured with some OTC medicines. Keep in mind that these symptoms need to be solved soon before it reaches the point where youre incapable of breathing.
If you have difficulty in walking up the stairs and feel short of breath as compared to other peers, or simply have a cough, consult a doctor right away for a reliable spirometry test that can help gauge the lung function. ;
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When To Call The Doctor
Use the inhaler or medication as prescribed by her doctor but know the asthma attack symptoms and when to get help.
- Lips, mouth, or fingertips are blue
- Struggling to finish a sentence without stopping for a breath
- Lethargy
- Nostrils flaring
- Ribs more visible than normal during inhalation
- âBelly breathingâ â belly moving up and down more than normal while breathing in and out.
- Neck muscles look strained during breathing
- Grunting during breaths
When it is hard to breathe adequately, it is extremely scary, no matter the age. Try to remain calm and help your child relax. The calmer you are, the calmer they will be â you are their rock! Take nice, slow, deep breaths and decrease stimulation in your area until help arrives.
Shortness Of Breath Due To Allergies
The most common allergies are caused by dust particles and the like, in the atmosphere. This can affect any individual, irrespective of their medical history, as these can enter the nasal passages any time. There is also a possibility of other harmful particles entering the system along with the dust, and these can certainly cause breathing problem in one and all.
This condition is most easily recognizable by the clear feeling of breathlessness that appears, and it may be accompanied by unbearable chest pain as well. Some people are badly affected by certain allergic materials and particles, like dust and pollen, whereas some are even affected by certain food allergies. All these add up to the blocking of the bronchial tubes, which carry air into the lungs, and leave one feeling breathless.
Breathlessness is a condition that is also known as Dyspnea, and it is something that can arise at any moment. It does not matter, whether you are out somewhere exerting yourself, or if you are resting somewhere indoors. Any foreign object blocking the passages of the lungs can lead to the onset of breathing problems, so you must be prepared at all times.
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Despite Symptoms Its Not The Flu
COVID-19 is not the flu.
As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, its actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu.
However, despite some overlap, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 are more similar to the flu than the common cold .
The new delta variant of COVID-19, however, may have more cold-like symptoms.
In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care centers and Specialty Infusion in New York. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.
Fevers, body aches, coughing, sneezing could all be equally attributed to them both, so it really means that if theres a concern for flu, theres a concern for COVID-19, Deutsch said.
If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler.
Generally, acetaminophen is recommended for fevers, he said. Cough drops and cough syrups can also help keep mucus secretions thinner. If there is associated nasal congestion, antihistamines may be useful.
What Are Risk Factors For Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
If you work in jobs such as the following, you may be more likely to get hypersensitivity pneumonitis:
- Farmers
- Paper and wallboard makers
- Inhaling certain chemicals produced in making plastic, painting, and the electronics industry
Most people who work in these jobs dont get hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you work in one of these jobs and have a family history, however, you may get the disease.
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Your Heart Needs Help
If your heart isn’t able to effectively pump blood around your body, you could feel short of breath just doing everyday activities, like climbing stairs. Shortness of breath is a symptom of mitral valve disease and cardiomyopathy, among other heart problems. Here are six other signs your heart needs a checkup.
Being short of breath is also a warning sign of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association, and it can happen with or without chest pain. Other symptoms include nausea, lightheadedness, back or jaw pain and breaking out in a cold sweat.
How Can You Treat It
Consult your physician before buying over-the-counter remedies for allergens. Some products may worsen your reaction and make it even harder to breathe. You may need a prescription-strength medication to control your allergies. Allergy medicine often contains decongestants, antihistamines or steroids. For some allergies, you may need immunotherapy treatment. When you have an intense allergic reaction that obstructs your airways, you may need an epinephrine injection.
Only a medical professional can diagnose and treat your asthma or allergies, and you should use prescribed medications exactly as directed for the best results. However, there are steps you can take to make your environment more comfortable.
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Can Heart Problems Make You Sleep A Lot
Heart failure may cause you to feel weak and fatigued during the day. But did you know that daytime tiredness might be in part the result of sleep problems exacerbated by or occurring in conjunction with heart failure? Known culprits include sleep apnea, orthopnea, and periodic limb movement disorder.
Allergic Asthma: Symptoms And Treatment
Ashley A. Sullivan, MSN FNPStudent, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CaRN, California Pacific Medical Center
Natalya M. Kushnir, MDDirector, Allergy and immunology Clinic of East BayBerkeley, CA
H. Henry Li, MD, PhDFAAAAI, FACAAIInstitute for Asthma and AllergyWheaton and Chevy Chase Maryland
Michael A. Kaliner, MD FAAAAIMedical Director, Institute for Asthma and AllergyChevy Chase and Wheaton, MarylandProfessor of Medicine, George Washington University School of MedicineWashington DC
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Shortness Of Breath And Allergies
Many people suffer from shortness of breath because of allergies, and this causes great discomfort to them. Prior knowledge about the subject is helpful, however, the fact is that, this is something that could affect you at any time, due to the large amount of allergens or particles that enter your system while breathing.
Many people suffer from shortness of breath because of allergies, and this causes great discomfort to them. Prior knowledge about the subject is helpful, however, the fact is that, this is something that could affect you at any time, due to the large amount of allergens or particles that enter your system while breathing.
Many people often wonder whether shortness of breath is related to allergies. The answer is yes, because there are many of them that surface in an individual as problem in breathing. In fact, most allergies have this effect on people, and leave them short of breath for many minutes. People who have developed severe allergies to certain substances may suddenly be faced with an onset of this condition, which is very similar to an asthma attack.
Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand, and an asthmatic attack is known to be caused due to some substance in the air. Since asthma is a disease that affects the wind pipes in the body, it is only natural for some harmful external substance to cause some kind of reaction, or attack in a person.
Causes Of Shortness Of Breath
Heart and lung conditions cause most cases of shortness of breath. You may feel shortness of breath for many reasons. Factors can include your overall health, medical history, and genetics. Talk to a health care provider to find out more about why you feel shortness of breath.
Acute Shortness of Breath
Acute shortness of breath can come on suddenly and last for a short period of time. Causes include:
Lung conditions:
- Increased fluid around the heart
Psychological conditions:
- Panic attacks
Chronic Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can also be chronic, meaning it lasts for several weeks or longer. Causes include:
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Is It Because I Quit Smoking
If you’ve been smoking for a while, it shouldn’t be a surprise if you can’t breathe as well. Of the many health problems that come with tobacco, lung disease is at the top.
But you may not realize that when you stop lighting up, you can have short stints where you can’t catch your breath.
As you smoke, you damage your lungs. It can take a while for them to heal once you’ve stopped. Aside from trouble breathing, you can have:
- Craving for cigarettes or nicotine
A Problem With Your Lungs Or Airways
Sudden breathlessness could be an asthma attack. This means your airways have narrowed and youll produce more phlegm , which causes you to wheeze and cough. Youll feel breathless because its difficult to move air in and out of your airways.
Your GP may advise you to use a spacer device with your asthma inhaler. This delivers more medicine to your lungs, helping to relieve your breathlessness.
Pneumonia may also cause shortness of breath and a cough. Its usually caused by an infection, so youll need to take antibiotics.
If you have COPD, its likely your breathlessness is a sign this condition has suddenly got worse.
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Diagnosing The Cause Of Wheezing
Your doctor will ask you questions like:
- How long have you been wheezing?
- Does it happen when you exercise?
- Do you wheeze all the time?
- Do you wheeze more during the day, or at night?
- Does rest help control it?
- Do you wheeze when you breathe in, or out, or both in and out?
- Do you smoke?
- Do certain foods seem to cause your wheezing?
Theyâll listen to your breathing and the sounds your lungs make. They might do tests like:
- X-rays to get a picture of your lungs
- Lung function tests to see how well theyâre working
- Blood test to check your oxygen levels.
If your child is wheezing, their doctor might check to see if theyâve swallowed or inhaled something small.
How Can I Ease Or Relieve Shortness Of Breath
You may prevent or relieve shortness of breath on your own. Helpful steps may include:
- Avoiding inhaling chemicals that can irritate your lungs, like paint fumes and car exhaust.
- Practicing breathing and/or relaxation techniques to improve your breathing function.
- Stopping smoking, if you smoke. Dont start smoking if you dont now smoke.
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Avoiding activity in times when temperatures are very hot or very cold, or when the humidity is high. If you have lung disease, observe air pollution alerts issued on radio and TV.
- Making sure your equipment is in good working order when you use oxygen.
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About Shortness Of Breath
To understand shortness of breath, its important to first understand how normal breathing takes place in the body. Its a complex process that uses chemicals and mechanical processes to ensure that every cell of the body has the oxygen it needs to function and perform activities. The following images illustrate every step in the process:
How To Alleviate Allergies Causing Shortness Of Breath For Days
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, but certain conditions can trigger shortness of breath with allergies. If you have allergies , pollen and other allergens can cause shortness of breath and other respiratory challenges for days. Airfree air purifiercan help reduce allergens in your home so you can be safer against shortness of breath allergies cause.
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The Symptoms Of All Three Are Similar Making A Self
The treatment of bronchitis flare, asthma flare or allergic flare in the lungs is similar, she said.
The term bronchitis means inflammation of airways, Fishbein said, and its difficult to remove tissue from a persons lungs to test it for inflammation.So, like asthma, its initially a clinical diagnosis and treated the same way.
Its Allergies Or Asthma
So many things can trigger an allergic response that constricts your airways, including exposure to dust, pollen, pet dander or strong odors and fumes, Dr. Quddus says. This constriction is a bronchospasm, which is when your airways narrow, giving a sensation of being out of breath.
Exposure to allergens or irritants in the air can trigger asthma symptoms, as can strong emotions and hormonal changes during pregnancy, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. With asthma, shortness of breath is often accompanied by wheezing .
See an allergist to evaluate wheezing and breathing problems.
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What Causes Acute Dyspnea Or Shortness Of Breath
Factors that may cause acute shortness of breath include:
- Allergies: People often feel short of breath during an allergic reaction.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can cause hyperventilation .
- Choking: A blockage in your throat can make it difficult for air to move in and out of your lungs. Inhaling food or an object into your lungs also blocks airflow.
- Pulmonary embolism: This happens when you have a blood clot in your lungs. This condition is a medical emergency.
- Heart attack: A blockage that stops blood flow to the heart can cause frightening breathlessness. If you notice this symptom along with other heart attack symptoms, call 911.
- Infection: An infection like bronchitis or pneumonia may produce mucous that blocks airflow to parts of the lungs. This can interfere with oxygen diffusion to the blood.
- Injury: A broken rib can make breathing painful and difficult. Bleeding and anemia can lower the number of red blood cells, which lessens the amount of oxygen carried in the blood.
- Medication: Certain medicines can cause a tight feeling in the chest. Statins and beta blockers given for hypertension in asthmatic individuals may cause this symptom.
- Extreme temperatures. Being very hot or very cold can make you feel like you are having trouble breathing.
What Causes Shortness Of Breath
In asthma, shortness of breath is usually caused by the narrowing of the airways. The airways become narrow for one or both reasons:
- The muscles that surround the airways tighten up .
- Inflammation makes the airways swell and fill with mucus.
The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea. People describe it as air hunger, fast breathing, running out of air, or not being able to breath fast or deep enough.1,4 Similar to thirst, hunger, or pain, it is nearly impossible to ignore.4 Because it is a subjective symptom, you can feel and describe it, but a health care provider cannot observe or measure it.
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How Air Purifiers Can Help
An air purifier removes some of the contaminants and improves the quality of indoor air. Airfree products may help allergy sufferers by reducing contaminants such as organic particles that cause odor and other allergens.
Choose Airfree for a natural solution to reduce allergens and mold in your home. Our purifiers do more than cleaning the air you breathe. An Airfree purifier ;can help reducing the number of bacteria, dust mites, fungi, pollen, viruses, allergens and microorganisms, leaving behind noticeably fresher air.
Find a dealer today to determine the product that works best for your allergies.
