Asthma impacts roughly 25 million Americans according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease impacts your airways and can make breathing difficult. While there is no cure for asthma, there are effective treatment plans that can manage your symptoms. You may wonder, is asthma actually dangerous?
Is Asthma Actually Dangerous?
Without treatment asthma can be dangerous. In severe cases, those with asthma may need emergency treatment and hospitalization. In the most severe cases, asthma can ultimately lead to death. This is why it is vital to see an asthma specialist in NYC so you can receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Each patient is uniquely different so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating your asthma. This is why it is important to see a specialist experienced in treating asthma. They can help you effectively manage your symptoms so you can lead a normal and healthy life. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, serious health complications can occur.
Asthma Risk Factors
There isn’t a single identifiable cause of asthma. However, there are several factors that place you at a higher risk for the disease.
Family History:
If you have a close family member (parent or sibling) with the condition, you are at a higher risk for asthma.
Lack of Bacteria Exposure:
Researchers have hypothesized that babies who weren’t exposed to enough bacteria early on may be more susceptible to developing asthma. This is because the lack of exposure results in a weak immune system.
History of Infections:
Children who have a history of viral infections are more likely to develop asthma.
Top Asthma Triggers
Knowing what triggers your asthma is helpful as you learn to manage your symptoms. Consider the following triggers.
- Exercise or other intense physical activities
- Allergens and pests
- Tobacco smoke
- Weather conditions
- Certain health conditions, including respiratory infections
- Certain medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Intense emotions
- Outdoor air pollution
- Pets
- Mold
- Certain cleaning and disinfectant products
- Fragrances
Common Asthma Symptoms
Because asthma is an inflammatory disease, symptoms occur when your airways tighten, are inflamed, or filled with mucus. When this occurs, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms.
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, pain, or pressure
- Wheezing
When to Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, contact an asthma specialist right away. In addition to the symptoms above, there are severe symptoms that may warrant a trip to the emergency room. Untreated asthma can cause severe symptoms so it’s important to know the warning signs. If you feel weak, have a wheeze or cough that won’t go away, or you can’t perform your daily activities, seek medical treatment immediately. These are symptoms that need to be taken seriously due to the dangers associated with untreated asthma.
Asthma Treatment
If you experience any of the common symptoms of asthma, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an asthma specialist. An asthma specialist can diagnose your asthma by testing your lung function, performing a physical exam, looking at your medical history, and considering your current symptoms. Once you are diagnosed, an allergy specialist can create a treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Children and Asthma
Among the 25 million Americans impacted by asthma, roughly 6 million of those are children. Addressing asthma symptoms early on is highly important for children. Having a treatment plan early on is helpful as kids are developing physically. If you are concerned your child has asthma, contact Dr. Mayank Shukla. He is the top pediatric pulmonologist in Manhattan. Contact Dr. Shukla today to schedule an appointment!
