Asthma is one of the most common lung diseases that harms the airways. This chronic disease results in narrow and swollen airways due to excessive accumulation of mucus. Since asthma is a chronic condition, long-term health management is of need.
Poorly managed asthma can interfere with the quality of life. Signs of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often overlap. Thus, ruling out the exact disease can be confusing. Reach out to the best physician in Siliguri forasthma care.
With asthma, signs, and symptoms you may notice include:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Chest tightness
- Feeling pressure in your chest
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Issues with sleeping due to shortness of breath
See your doctor if you suspect asthma. Signs here tend to vary from person to person. An asthma attack is when the airways become inflamed and swollen, involving signs like wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing. Severe asthma attacks require fast medical assistance so as to regulate the condition optimally.
Much remains unknown about what exactly results in asthma. however, there’s several risk factors exist. Here are some asthma triggers:
- Common cold
- Respiratory infections
- Exposure to pollen, mites, dust, pet dander, cockroach waste
- Cold air
- Emotional stress
- Certain food preservatives
- Physical activity
- GERD/gastroesophageal reflux disease
Risk factors for asthma include – smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, asthma in first-degree relatives, obesity, exposure to occupational triggers, allergies, strong smell, strong chemicals, et al.
Untreated asthma may cause asthma attacks, difficulty doing physical activity/exercise, lack of sleep at night, permanent damage to the bronchial tubes, and the risk of depression, weight gain, diabetes, and hypertension. Make sure you follow your asthma action plan properly.
Take prescribed medications. Do not change or skip meds if prescribed by your physician. In case, you feel any medication side effects, talk to your doctor. Receive vaccination for pneumonia or influenza if advised by your healthcare provider. Get medical care for asthma from the best physician in Siliguri.
Correct your food choices; avoid eggs, soy, cow’s milk, certain fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, certain veggies, wine, beer, lemon juice, pickled foods, shrimp if you get allergic reactions to them). Salicylates present in coffee, spices, herbs, tea might affect breathing in patients having asthma. Keep track of your food consumption and body weight. At the same time, refrain from supplements until your doctor suggests so.
Diagnosis of asthma involves reviewing your medical history, performing a physical exam, spirometry, blood tests, chest X-ray, skin tests, etc. Your doctor may suggest medications or bronchial thermoplastic. Ensure follow-up check-ups so as to keep track of your respiratory well-being.
