By Dr. Amy Aronsky
Dr. Amy Aronsky is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects millions of people across the country. With May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to consider the best ways to identify and manage this condition.
Asthma is often hereditary and can affect people of all ages. Globally, it is the most common chronic condition among children, and in the U.S. alone, it affects 28 million adults and nearly 5 million children. In Delaware, 11% of adults reported having asthma.
Asthma can lead to hospitalizations and significantly contribute to health care costs, with annual medical costs in the U.S. reaching around $82 billion.
Asthma can be safely managed with consistent treatment, allowing those with symptoms to live healthy, normal lives.
Here are some tips to consider if you or a loved one has asthma:
- See your provider for diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness or pain, schedule a consultation with your provider. To determine if you have asthma, a provider may conduct a physical exam and perform lung function tests, chest and sinus X-rays or blood and allergy tests. If you believe your child may have asthma, make sure to visit his or her pediatrician, so similar tests can be administered.
- If you are diagnosed with asthma, there are plenty of treatment options available to help you manage your condition. Your provider may advise you to stay on top of triggers and suggest the use of drug therapies. Long-term maintenance medicines are typically taken daily to control asthma for children and adults alike. Some examples are inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers and biologics. Medications may be administered through inhalers or nebulizers. Some medications come in pill forms or are given through IVs.
- Try to avoid triggers, particularly in the spring. An asthma attack can be brought on after encountering a specific trigger, including common allergens, like tree pollen, pollution, animal dander, fragrances, extreme weather changes and dust mites. That is why it’s important to identify your triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible. While there are different types of asthma, allergic asthma is a common type in both children and adults, affecting about 60% of asthma patients. Allergic asthma is a breathing condition causing your airways to tighten once an allergen is inhaled. During the spring, blooming vegetation may cause excess pollen and dust to permeate the air, which may cause allergic asthma symptoms to flare up.
- If you notice your symptoms worsening during the spring, talk to your provider about taking medication seasonally to better support your health, plus monitor for pollen levels in your area. If the pollen count is high, aim to avoid being outside, especially for intense physical exercise or gardening, which may increase your exposure to these environmental triggers. It is preferable to go outside after it rains, since this will clean up the pollen in the air. If you do go outside, make sure to shower thoroughly and wash your clothes to remove any allergens. Your provider may consider allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, to reduce allergic reactions that may trigger your asthma.
- Develop a plan for emergencies and stay on top of illnesses. While the best way to manage asthma is to avoid triggers, it’s also important to be prepared for emergencies, particularly during the spring, when allergens are difficult to avoid. Take medications to prevent symptoms and prepare to treat asthma attacks when they occur. Make sure to always keep your inhaler with you, so you can act quickly in the event of a flare-up and decrease your risk of a severe asthma attack.
- A respiratory illness, like flu, may also increase the possibility of an asthma attack, so talk to your provider about how best to support your immune health. If you do get sick, monitor for flare-ups and prioritize your recovery. Mental health has also been shown to have an impact on asthma symptoms, with stress, anxiety and depression contributing to flare-ups. It’s important to also keep in mind your emotional well-being and look for ways to reduce stress, encourage relaxation, get good sleep and seek support when you need it.
Though asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people, it can be effectively managed by following the proper steps. If you or a loved one has asthma, there are many ways you can support your overall respiratory health and lead a full, active life.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
