Do You Have Asthma?

The number of newly diagnosed asthma cases in theSome foods can bring on an asthma attack,
United States has risen dramatically over the past tenespecially nuts, eggs, and shellfish, although others
to fifteen years. Part of the reason may be due toare likewise culprits. See your doctor promptly if you
the availability of better medical care and earlydevelop a breathing disorder, and if you experience
diagnostic methods used by many doctors today.difficulty catching your breath, seek emergency
More people may be willing to visit their doctors forassistance.Other possible signs and symptoms of
breathing-related difficulties than in previousasthma include a dry cough, chronic allergy symptoms
generations. But it is also likely that more people arelike sneezing or watery eyes, wheezing, and other
afflicted with asthma than ever before due to arelated breathing changes. Asthma causes the airway
number of environmental factors like pollution,to become congested, which tightens the throat and
pesticides, and even building insulation.With increasedlungs, making it harder for air to pass through. This is
industrialization, more factories are burning more fuelwhat leads to breathing difficulties.No matter how
and releasing greater amounts of waste productsprobable it may be that you or a loved one is
into the air. Since a significant percentage of theshowing signs of asthma, you will need to see the
population now lives in urban areas, they aredoctor for an accurate diagnosis and a prescription
undoubtedly feeling the effects of chronic exposurefor treatment. You may need to use a
to airborne toxins. Conversely, even in rural areasbronchodilator, which blows a special medical vapor
improved technology is impacting the way thatinto your throat and lungs to ease constriction.
farmers grow crops and control pests. Pesticides,Prescription medications can help, as can avoiding
herbicides, and fertilizers may help to ensure betterobvious or suspected triggers. Controlling allergic
crops, but runoff from fields where these substancessymptoms by removing household or job-related
are used can get into the water system or foodallergens also can help to reduce the frequency of
products and lead to the development asasthma attacks. Some doctors supplement
asthmatic-type symptoms.Although many people doconventional treatment with herbal remedies, but
not know if they have asthma, there are somecheck with your physician before taking
symptoms to look for that may indicate theover-the-counter medications or formulas.Asthma can
presence or development of this chronic condition.be a serious condition and may even become life
The most obvious clue, and one that should bethreatening for some. Work with your doctor to get
checked promptly by a doctor, is shortness ofthe best care and improve your condition, or that of
breath. This may come and go or show up onlya loved one, to avoid serious complications from this
when a person is exposed to certain triggers, oftenchronic condition.Do you need more information on
allergens like dust, pet dander, or household chemicals.treatments for asthma?