Health & Wellness

How to Know if You Have Asthma

Published

May 13, 2018

by Asma Khan, MD, HRHCare Urgent Care, Nyack
It isn’t exactly clear why some people have asthma and others don’t. However, what we do know is that it’s probably due to a combination of environment and genetics. Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Let’s talk about what asthma is, what triggers it, and how to prevent having an asthma attack.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult, and triggers coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is an annoyance, while for others it can be a major issue that may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

What Triggers Asthma?

Exposure to certain irritants that make your allergies flare up can also trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. These triggers differ from person to person, but can include:

Airborne substances, including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander
Respiratory infections, like the common cold
Physical activity, also known as exercise-induced asthma
Exposure to cold air
Air pollutants and irritants, like smoke
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), and naproxen (Aleve)
Stress
Sulfites and preservatives in some types of foods, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, and wine
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, when smooth acids back up into the throat

Preventing an Asthma Attack

If you have asthma, working together with your doctor can help you live a healthy life with your condition, and prevent future asthma attacks.

Create an asthma action plan with your doctor for taking medications and managing attacks, and stick to your plan
Stay current with your vaccinations to prevent flu and pneumonia
Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid exposing yourself to those triggers
Monitor your breathing with a home peak flow meter, and take note of any asthma attack warning signs, like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Identify and treat your attacks early, before they become more severe

Asthma: What You Need to Know
Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening, so work with your doctor to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen. If your coughing or wheezing increases, you don’t find improvement after using an inhaler, or you are short of breath after doing minimal activity, you may need emergency treatment. Talk with your doctor if you think you have asthma, if your symptoms get worse after you’ve been diagnosed, or to review your treatment plan.
Asthma changes over time–-so remember to meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms, and stay in good health!
Asma Khan, MD, is the Clinical Director at HRHCare Urgent Care, 84 N Highland Ave between High Street and Sickles Ave in Nyack. Along with offices in Haverstraw and Spring Valley, the facility is part of the 28 health center HRHCare network in the Hudson Valley and Long Island providing comprehensive primary care.
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