Managing Asthma Triggers for Better Breathing

May 22, 2023

Allergy treatment

Managing Asthma Triggers for Better Breathing

The WHO defines asthma as a lung condition caused by the inflammation and contraction of muscles around the lungs, making breathing difficult. Although asthma is a serious condition, it can be managed properly. However, it is very important to understand asthma triggers to make the asthma treatment effective for a person diagnosed with it. By understanding asthma triggers, a person can take preventive measures in advance and mitigate to reduce the condition before it worsens. These measures can include improving their home’s air quality to taking medications timely. 

Asthma is a common condition that affects everyone, irrespective of their age. According to statistics, asthma affects almost 41% of Americans, in which children below 18 years of age are more vulnerable. But as mentioned, it is important to take precautionary measures. Therefore, if you or your loved ones have asthma, seek asthma treatment near you.

What Are Asthma Triggers?

Asthma triggers are different and vary with the overall person’s health. Asthma triggers are when the lung inflammation starts responding to the surrounding area. Such responses are considered triggers. If a person has asthma, it is important to keep track of the triggers that worsen it, as the symptoms do not always occur right after exposure. Asthma episodes may occur depending on the trigger type and the person's sensitivity.

Some common triggers of asthma are mentioned below- 

  • Smoking

Smoking causes life-threatening risks for people with asthma. If you have asthma and are a regular smoker, it is time to quit smoking. Smoking in any form can trigger an asthma attack. Encourage members in the surrounding community to quit smoking. People with asthma should avoid being present in an environment where smoking is frequent.

  • Allergies

Allergies are the biggest and the most common trigger point for asthma. Inhaling certain specific allergies can cause asthmatic symptoms. Therefore, avoiding or limiting contact with known allergens is best to decrease or prevent asthma episodes. Some common allergens that cause asthma are dust mites, rodents, pollen, molds, pests, and pets.

  • Food 

Food can also trigger asthma, leading to mild to severe life-threatening complications. Certain food causes asthma without other symptoms. Asthma can be part of a life-threatening anaphylaxis reaction for people with food allergies. The most common foods associated with asthma are eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, and fruits.

  • Weather Conditions

Sudden weather changes or external environment changes can sometimes trigger asthma episodes. Thunderstorms affect people with asthma if they hit during high pollen and high humidity seasons. 

Understanding How Asthma Affects Your Body

Asthma causes swelling inside the lungs' airways. This makes the airways extra sensitive when exposed to viruses, allergens, irritants, or emotions. When a patient inhales or comes in contact with these, it can cause an immune response in the body, leading to inflammation and swelling of the lungs' airways and also causing problems for the respiratory system. This inflammation constricts the airways, making breathing problematic. Some asthma triggers can also cause the muscles surrounding the airways to tighten. This is known as bronchoconstriction.

The body's immune response to asthma triggers can also cause an increase in mucus production in the airways, which can further obstruct the flow of air in and out of the lungs.

To summarize, the combination of inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production can lead to the hallmark symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Understanding how asthma triggers cause these symptoms is important in managing and treating asthma.

Common Asthma Triggers to Avoid

There is not a single factor that can trigger asthma. However, three fundamental reasons can trigger the condition, and avoiding them can mitigate the risk of asthma. These reasons are,

Allergies: Asthma and allergies are closely associated. Allergens such as dust mites, pet danders, and pollen work as triggers and aggravate asthma. 

Irritants: Airborne substances such as smoke, strong odors, and pollution trigger asthma when inhaled. 

Weather conditions: High temperatures and storms can trigger asthma flares in people affected. Climate change impacts asthmatic patients severely.

Tips for Avoiding Asthma Triggers 

Knowing what triggers and intensifies asthma flares can help manage it better. Following are the tips for avoiding asthma triggers and managing symptoms- 

  • Stay inside when pollen is high. 
  • Avoid dust mites. 
  • Control indoor humidity.
  • Keep a close tab on pet allergies. 
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle during changing weather.
  • Install an air filter in the house.
  • Avoid using perfume or deodorant with a strong odor.
  • Get a vaccine shot for weather changes.

Asthma Management at Urgent Care

Urgent Care centers provide patients with excellent asthma management. They can also provide medications for lung inflammation, muscle contraction, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, the urgent care centers have state-of-the-art facilities for severe cases, making them the best option for urgent asthma care.

If you are searching for asthma treatment near me in Bakersfield, CA, seek StatMD Urgent Care, a certified healthcare provider with experience treating various medical conditions, including asthma. Our modern and advanced facilities enable us to provide personalized treatment to asthma patients. Our patient-centric approach to asthma makes us the most trusted name in Bakersfield.

In a Nutshell

Asthma is one of the biggest ailments affecting most people of all ages worldwide. Being aware of asthma triggers is critical for asthma patients as it can save them from extreme complications, and for that, managing a healthy lifestyle and following some fundamental rules can be a lifesaver.

Take Control of Your Asthma with StatMD Urgent Care

If you have asthma or are experiencing severe symptoms, visit StatMD Urgent Care at Bakersfield. Our experienced healthcare providers have delivered extremely satisfactory results in asthma management. Besides, our flexible and accommodating payment system makes us the top choice for asthma. Call us and schedule your appointment now.

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