Children and adults with asthma have served as comedic relief in movies and television for a long time; everyone can remember a funny, but loveable character with an inhaler. But to asthma sufferers and their families, Asthma is not a joke. In fact, it is the leading chronic disease affecting children. Parents and siblings often find themselves up at night caring for their suffering family member, while adults can find it difficult to breathe or exercise. A big thing to watch out for with asthma, is the classic symptoms that can lead to an asthma attack. Furthermore, these symptoms are usually made worse by: smoke, dust, mold, dry air, and exercise, among other triggers.
From what current research shows, the symptoms of asthma are the same in both kids and adults, but reactions to those symptoms are different. The best way to think of asthma is like a constant allergy attack on the body. Living with untreated asthma can make breathing even more difficult, as well as increase the likelihood of long term health effects in both children and adults.
Children are likely to have stronger reactions to asthma triggers, as they are highly susceptible to environmental conditions, and their bodies can have difficulty adjusting. These triggers can manifest symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, congestion, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and more.
However, this does not mean that adults are immune to the effects of asthma. In adults, the symptoms are the same, and when severe can prevent a person from exercising and breathing properly. Asthma is also more consistent among adults, and often requires daily treatment and care. In very rare cases, an asthma attack can even lead to death. Some evidence suggests asthma sufferers are also more likely to be overweight or obese.
Ultimately, treatment for both adults and children include short and long-term options, including comprehensive allergy testing for help in understanding the patient’s risk level, identifying triggers, combining prescribed medications to reduce symptoms, and scheduling asthma “plans” for easily understanding triggers, medications, time tables, and what to do during in the event of an asthma attack.
The best thing to do if you or your loved one is suffering from allergies and/or asthma, is to sit down and speak with your doctor. Not only do you risk long-term effects with untreated asthma, but you or your child are likely to miss work and school due to unexpected asthma attacks, especially when not properly prepared and seeking ongoing treatment. Successfully treating asthma and managing symptoms can help you maintain a normal active lifestyle, even making participating in sports and other activities a reality.
For expert asthma care and treatment at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates of Tampa Bay, call our offices today at (813) 971-9743, or use our online appointment request form.
