Asthma Questions: Which Inhaler Is Which?
Question: I know that inhalers comes in two different specifications: "reliever" inhalers, for when an attack hits, and "prevention" inhalers for general use. However, I am worried that in the panic of an attack I will forget which is which. How do I identify between the two, and if I do accidentally use my "prevention" inhaler during an attack, is it going to cause any problems? Answer: First and foremost: no, there is no harm in using a preventative inhaler during an asthma attack. It will not worsen the attack or make you feel unwell in any other way. The ...
Asthma Questions: The Hygiene Hypothesis
Question: I've heard something called the "hygiene hypothesis" being referenced when discussing asthma. What is this? Answer: The "hygiene hypothesis" is a school of thought presented by certain medical studies, discovered during investigations in to why asthma is seemingly on the rise. While by no means a new condition, cases of asthma have been steadily rising since records began. Certain medical studies have tried to find out why this is, and along with environmental factors, the hygiene hypothesis has been suggested for this rise in cases. "Hygiene hypothesis" is the term used to describe the fact that, as a species, ...
The Ins and Outs of Asthma Treatment
Although asthma is defined as a chronic (i.e. long term) illness, it is not usually life threatening - and for most sufferers becomes more of an annoyance than a genuine threat to their well-being. As one of the most common non-life-threatening illnesses in the world, asthma is well studied by medical research scientists, and as a result there are several treatments available. By far the best known asthma treatment is via medicine inhalation. The primary medicines used in inhalers are beta-2 agonists (for relieving an acute attack of asthma) and corticosteroids (for preventing attacks). These medications come in a variety ...
Asthma Problems
Asthma 101: The Peak Flow Meter
As asthma is a chronic condition, it is important for sufferers' to continually monitor...
The Causes of Asthma
The exact causes of asthma are unknown; there is no direct chain of events that effects...
Asthma Questions: The Hygiene Hypothesis
Question: I've heard something called the "hygiene hypothesis" being referenced when...
Read More Posts From This CategoryAsthma Help
Asthma Questions: Confirming Diagnosis
Question: I have read up on asthma symptoms and I am concerned that I suffer from...
Asthma Sufferers: What You Should Avoid
Although asthma is largely controllable with medication, there are certain stimulants...
Asthma Questions: The Hygiene Hypothesis
Question: I've heard something called the "hygiene hypothesis" being referenced when...
Read More Posts From This CategoryAsthma - General Information
Asthma Questions: Which Inhaler Is Which?
Question: I know that inhalers comes in two different specifications: "reliever" inhalers, for when an attack hits, and "prevention" inhalers for general use. However, I am worried that in the panic of an attack I will forget which is which. How do I identify between the two, and if I do accidentally use my "prevention" inhaler during an attack, is it going to cause any problems? Answer: First and foremost: no, there is no harm in... [Read more...]
Asthma Questions: Adult Asthma
Question: I have always thought of asthma as the kind of illness that is identified in childhood. I'm 34, and I was recently diagnosed with asthma. Is it possible to suddenly start suffering from asthma so late in life? Answer: Asthma is predominantly identified in children, who are more susceptible to the inflammation of the lungs that causes asthma. Almost 90% of cases are identified before the sufferer reaches the age of 16, as... [Read more...]
Asthma Questions: Can A Child “Grow Out” Of Asthma?
Question: My daughter is six years old, and I recently took her to the doctor as I had noticed she was occasionally struggling to breathe and was coughing a lot. She was diagnosed with mild asthma and given two inhalers to use, which seem to be doing the job. I have, however, heard that sometimes children of my daughter's age "grow out" of asthma and it does not effect them as a child. Is there any truth in this? Answer: There is actually... [Read more...]
Learning To Live With Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory illness, caused by an inflammation and subsequent narrowing of the 'tubes' of the lungs (medically known as the bronchi). It is largely incurable but is not life threatening, and for many asthma sufferers it is merely a matter of learning to shape their life around asthma and discovering tips on how to deal with it. When one first receives an asthma diagnosis, there is a natural reaction of shock and upset. Asthma is... [Read more...]
The Ins and Outs of Asthma Treatment
Although asthma is defined as a chronic (i.e. long term) illness, it is not usually life threatening - and for most sufferers becomes more of an annoyance than a genuine threat to their well-being. As one of the most common non-life-threatening illnesses in the world, asthma is well studied by medical research scientists, and as a result there are several treatments available. By far the best known asthma treatment is via medicine inhalation.... [Read more...]
Asthma Help: Coughing So Hard, Can’t Take Inhalers
Question: I have asthma, and find it particularly difficult first thing in the morning when it's winter. I tend to cough a lot and it's quite uncontrollable - to the extent where I cannot take my reliever inhaler to correct the problem. I get in to a disturbing cycle of coughing / not being able to inhale the medication, and it really upsets me. How do I combat this? Answer: First and foremost, try drinking a warm fluid as soon as... [Read more...]
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