Summer has officially transitioned into fall. Unfortunately the changing season makes breathing a little difficult for those of us with asthma. The first step to deal with symptoms of asthma is to know things about it. We spoke with family medicine practitioner Dr. Glenn Vogelsang M.D. from our regional clinic in Roswell on the subject of asthma and what an asthmatic should do to take care of him or herself.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory and autoimmune condition. The body itself is creating inflammatory substances that cause swelling airways, which release substances that cause difficulty breathing.
Are there different kinds of asthma?
There are different levels of asthma. Some people have exercise-induced asthma, some have it caused by changes in temperatures or change of season, and some are stimulated by allergies. Allergy-induced asthma accounts for about 35% of known asthmatics. The severity ranges from mild to very severe asthma.
How should someone take care of their asthma?
Most allergists will tell people to avoid allergens such as cats, smoke, roach dander, mites and molds. Anything that can cause an allergy might cause asthma. People might get upper respiratory infections or may have asthma exacerbations from allergens.
If you have an inhaler that dilates the airways, you can use it as a prevention of an asthma attack. Using the inhaler prior to exercise, when the temperature changes, or when you know you are going to be around allergens is always a good idea.
You can also monitor your level of reactive airways by blowing into a peak flow meter, which will measure your lung capacity. If your level drops below 80% of what you normally perform, you are probably having some asthma exacerbations of some kind. That should alert you to use your inhalers more frequently.
People that need to use inhalers frequently can use steroid inhalers to prevent reactive airways or asthma attacks. People who are using inhaled steroids can try and use a leukotriene inhibitor montelukast singular. You can take it before bed and prevent asthma attacks.
What sorts of things are asthmatics at risk of?
Asthmatics are at risk of having status asthmaticus, where the airways close down completely with very little air getting to the lungs. This is a medical emergency and would require a visit to the ER. It’s a good idea to always have albuterol handy if you are one of those people who have exceptionally reactive airways and who have potential for having status asthmaticus. Albuterol is the fastest medication that works in minutes. Long acting-broncho dilators or steroids only work over the course of a 24-hourperiod may take hours to have a peak effect.
What happens to someone who doesn’t treat their asthma?
You are always putting yourself at risk or potentially putting yourself in a difficult situation when there is a possibility of having your airways shut down. You are open to a longer term of respiratory illness and possibly pneumonia.
Are asthmatics more prone to things like heart disease?
If you have lung disease like asthma, then you are straining your ability to have oxygen come into your blood stream. You are putting more pressure on your heart vessels, so you can develop more pulmonary hypertension. In time you can develop chronic lung disease.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think it is important that all people get a flu shot before flu season starts, but it is even more important for people with asthma to get it.
To make an appointment to see Dr. Vogelsang MD call 575 627 4200