Asthma is a leading chronic disease in children and plagues more than 25 million Americans according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are ways to manage it and mitigate attacks. However, many people may be unaware sufferers of asthma. As a top asthma doctor in NYC, Dr. Shukla specializes in allergy and asthma care. How do you know if you have asthma?
What Causes Asthma?
There are different levels of asthma ranging from mild to life-threatening. Asthma is a condition where the airways in your body become more narrow or are blocked, making breathing more difficult. There are many studies being done about what causes asthma, like the ones at the American Lung Association. Genetics have been found to be a very major player in determining if you will suffer from asthma. Like many chronic diseases, if it runs in your family, you are much more likely to get it.
Another major cause of asthma has been linked to allergies. This also connects to genetics because allergies can be passed down. Contracting a respiratory infection when you are young can lead to chronic issues because of the damage. Finally, one of the newer developments in asthma causes is the environment. Low air quality and exposure to pollutants at your job or home can make it harder for you to breathe. This may develop into a chronic condition.
How do You Know if You Have Asthma?
Many of these asthma symptoms are only present when the respiratory system is exacerbated, such as when working out. These are the things to look out for to see whether or not you may have asthma.
Shortness of breath is the most common symptom. Having your airways blocked will make breathing much more difficult and induce feels of panic. This shortness of breath can cause you to cough or wheeze as well. Having a coughing or wheezing attack when you are sick, or your heart rate has increased, is a sign you may be suffering from asthma. Finally, chest pain or tightness is another common sign of asthma. Anything that is putting stress on your lungs may be linked to asthma.
Hidden Signs of Asthma
Besides the obvious signs of asthma, there are many hidden symptoms that you may not automatically associate with asthma. Because of this disassociation, many people may be suffering from asthma without even realizing it. One of the biggest hidden signs is trouble sleeping. Keep in mind, this may also be associated with other things, such as insomnia, stress, or eating late.
There are many undiagnosed adults with asthma as well because it is more difficult to determine as you get older. When someone nears middle age, their forced respiratory volume becomes lower due to the muscles stiffening in the chest wall. Because adults are expected to have a lower respiratory capacity, adult-onset asthma is easily missed.
So, how do you know if you have asthma? Your best bet is to visit your asthma specialist in New York and undergo proper testing. Don’t forget to take Dr. Shukla’s online asthma control test.
Dr. Shukla sees over 5,000 asthma patients a year, so he is well versed in the diagnosis of such diseases. If you are having the common symptoms of asthma, or the uncommon symptom of trouble sleeping, don’t wait to schedule your appointment. The symptoms can become worse and more frequent if you leave asthma untreated. Although there is no cure, that does not mean there is no hope for a more normal life.
