Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. With over 60% of asthma cases considered to be “allergic asthma”, it is safe to say that allergies and asthma usually go hand in hand.
Asthma attacks account for 25% of all emergency room visits yearly in the US. It is currently considered the #1 chronic childhood disease, affecting 1 out of every 20 children.
What Causes Asthma Attacks?
When a person is affected with asthma, the bronchial airways in their lungs become hypersensitive and inflamed. During an asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten, causing narrowing of the airway passages and difficulty in breathing.
Symptoms of Asthma:
- Shortness of Breath
- Tightening of Chest
- Wheezing (a Whistling Sound, Often High-Pitched at Times)
- Dry Cough Lasting More Than One Week
Common Asthma Triggers:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pet Dander
- Tobacco Smoke (Either first hand smoking or second hand – passive exposure)
- Stress
- Exercise
- Food Allergies
As outlined above, many asthma sufferers are also allergy sufferers. It is important for patients to know exactly what triggers their asthma so that they may avoid those specific allergens in the future.
We can help. Your specific allergens and asthma triggers can be determined through comprehensive allergy testing at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Abilene. Contact us to see how we can help.