Asthma is a respiratory condition that is caused due to the narrowing of the airways in response to various triggers around us. This condition is chronic and is characterized by a number of symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing and wheezing.
Asthma attacks are most commonly triggered when you are exposed to asthma triggers or allergens. It is important to identify your triggers and take active efforts to avoid asthma triggers. Here are some common asthma triggers and tips that one can use to avoid or manage them.
Asthma triggers may vary depending on seasonal changes as allergens can change throughout the year based on the seasons. Understand more about seasonal asthma triggers here.
1. Asthma Triggers Present In The Air
There are various asthma triggers that are present in the air. Of these, the most common asthma triggers are pollen, cigarette smoke, air pollution, humidity and dust. Pollen is the main trigger and asthmatics are advised to stay indoors during peak pollen times. Additionally, it is recommended to use air conditioning in their houses rather than opening the windows and/or using the fan. This not only reduces the humidity but also lowers the individual’s risks of being triggered by dust and other indoor air pollutants.
2. Mould
Mould or rather, breathing in mould can lead to an individual experiencing an asthma attack. It is important that the asthmatic checks their house for mould at least once a month. This is especially true if the individual lives in an area that has a humid climate. This is because house mould grows and thrives in humidity. The best way to avoid this trigger would be to check for mould and get rid of it immediately if found. Additionally, using an air conditioner instead of a fan helps lower the humidity of the house. If you do not have access to an air conditioner, it is advised to invest in a dehumidifier to control the humidity in the house.
3. Animal Dander
Pet dander is a trigger for an asthma attack. Various proteins that are found in the saliva or urine of the animal could also cause an episode for an asthmatic. If avoiding the animal altogether is not an option, it is important to keep the animal outside the house as much as possible. If it is an indoor pet, then the individual must bathe the animal regularly and limit the pet’s access to a particular area of the house. Make sure that the pet stays out of your bedroom at all times.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are known to be carriers of diseases and are one of the triggering factors of asthma. They are a common and year-round allergy trigger and may even lead to an asthma attack. If you notice a cockroach in the house, then call an exterminator immediately. In addition to this, ensure that no food or drink is left out in the open and that all of it is covered.
5. Disinfectants and Cleaners
Disinfectants are also asthma triggers and can also cause asthma attacks. People with asthma should be careful when disinfectants are being used and avoid them. When it comes to limiting your exposure to disinfectants, follow a proper cleaning schedule and try using safer products. Make sure that is proper ventilation in the room before you start cleaning and use protective gear.
Allergy triggers can also lead to asthma attacks even when you’ve been following proper instructions and have all your symptoms in check. It is important to keep track of your triggers and effectively avoid them as much as you can. If you are unable to identify your triggers, make sure you visit your doctor for professional advice and an effective treatment plan for the same. If you’d like to understand this better, here are a few ways to reduce your asthma triggers at home.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which matter found in the workplace causes the airways of the lungs to become narrow and even swell. This leads to shortness of breath, attacks of wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. One in 10 cases of asthma in adults (equally childhood asthma symptoms returning and new asthma symptoms) has its origins in work-related factors.
Diagnosis
There are two types of occupational asthma: Allergic occupational asthma and irritant-induced occupational asthma. The former is the most common type and occurs when people are allergic to certain substances in their workplace. The latter occurs when one breathes in a chemical at the workplace and it irritates the airways, causing asthma symptoms.
If your answer is yes to the following questions, you might be suffering from occupational asthma:
Your doctor will suggest you run a few tests where the specialist might carry out a number of blood or skin tests and may also ask you to take measurements of your peak flow both at work and when you’re away from your workplace.
Signs & Symptoms
The early warning signs for occupational asthma include sneezing, itching or a runny nose. If you notice any of these symptoms and they go on for longer than a few weeks, it could be a timely indication that you’re developing an allergy. Coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing are typical symptoms of developing an allergy.
Treatment
If you have work aggravated asthma or allergic occupational asthma, the material that caused your asthma symptoms will always be an activator for your asthma symptoms. For example, if dust is your trigger, it is sensible to avoid working as a carpenter.
The only way to stop having occupational asthma symptoms is to stay away or reduce contact completely from whatever is triggering your asthma. For some, their symptoms stop as soon as they discontinue contact, while for others symptoms may not go away completely or it can take a little longer or – especially if they have had asthma for a longer time and have shown more serious symptoms.
You can also try to get any allergens in your workplace replaced or removed with a safer alternative. Your employer too can help reduce the risk by isolating you from the process linked to the triggers or installing extractor fans. You could also consider the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), which will stop you from inhaling the respiratory sensitizers. If you are already aware of your condition, make sure to inform the manager when changing jobs, so they will have sufficient time to implement changes that can help you.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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