Does anyone in your family suffer from Asthma? You may not be aware of this, but the fact is, your loved ones are in the crossfire when it comes to air quality. The consequences are serious and can ruin their lives. So, what is asthma? And how does bad air quality affect it? Let’s find out.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs. When you have asthma, your airways are inflamed and sensitive. This means they are more likely to react to irritants like pollution, allergens, and cigarette smoke.
The inflammation makes it harder for you to get enough oxygen when you breathe in. This can happen when you exercise or are exposed to cold temperatures.
When your airways are inflamed, they also become swollen and narrow, making it harder for air to enter your lungs. When this happens, it’s called an asthma attack and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is a condition that’s often managed with medicines, but it can be life-threatening if not treated properly. If you have asthma, you might have trouble breathing when you exercise, run, or play sports.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- wheezing
- coughing
- trouble breathing
- tightness in your chest (also called chest tightness)
- frequent chest infections
- fatigue and irritability
You don’t have to experience all these symptoms when you have asthma. You may experience just one or two symptoms during an asthma attack. Keep in mind that asthma has no cure, so eliminate the triggers (such as poor air quality) to keep asthma at bay.
Top Asthma Triggers and How to Avoid Them
Many different things can cause asthma attacks and flare-ups. Understanding what they are and how to avoid them is the key to controlling asthma.
Pollen
Pollen is a common trigger for asthma. It can come in a number of different varieties, including trees, grass, weed, and even mold. Being able to identify which type is affecting you can go a long way toward helping you avoid it.
Outdoor Air Pollution
Air pollution from burning fuels, cigarette smoke, and building materials can cause asthma symptoms when breathed in. When going out, ensure you put on an anti-pollution mask.
Indoor air pollution and irritants
From dry air to mold and dust mites, indoor air quality can majorly trigger asthma. To combat this, ensure your home has sufficient ventilation.
Effects of Bad Air Quality on Asthma
Air pollution can exacerbate symptoms and cause a flare-up of asthma. When the air quality is poor, it can make it harder for your child to breathe and may cause more coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
When there is bad air quality in your area, you should stay inside with your child as much as possible. This will help to decrease their exposure to pollutants in the air and lower their risk of an asthma attack. You can use https://www.mybiosource.com/summer-vacation-air-quality-index to forecast outdoor air quality.
As you can see, asthma is a complex disease with many causes. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can get treatment as soon as possible if your child develops them. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition like COPD or allergies, it’s also crucial that you keep up with regular checkups with your doctor so they can help monitor how well your treatment plan is working overtime.