You At Your Best

speciAl tO YOu At YOur Best Asthma affects millions of people across the globe. While some asthma attacks, which can occur at any time, may end quickly, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that more severe attacks can last hours or days. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and tightness in the chest are some common symptoms of asthma attacks, which can be triggered by a number of allergens. 1 Dust mites: Dust mites are so tiny that they're invisible to the naked eye. But just because you can't see them does not mean they're not there. Sometimes as small as one- quarter of a millimeter, dust mites thrive in environments where temperatures are between 68 F and 77 F, such as homes. Dust mites feed on tiny flakes of skin that humans shed each day, so they tend to make their homes in the inner layers of furniture, carpets and bedding. Even stuffed children's toys might make great homes for dust mites. Asthma sufferers whose attacks have been linked to dust mites can cover their mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers, wash their sheets and blankets in hot water and utilize HEPA filter vacuum cleaners to keep mites and mite waste from reentering the air after a cleaning. 2 Cockroaches: According to the AAFA, cockroach allergies are common asthma triggers. In fact, the AAFA notes that studies have indicated children who are allergic to cockroaches must visit the hospital for asthma more frequently than other children who do not have asthma. Cockroaches need food, water and shelter to survive, so people whose asthma attacks are being triggered by cockroach allergies can cover their trash cans tightly, store their food in airtight containers, clean all of their dirty dishes immediately after use, and promptly sweep up any food or crumbs that accumulate on their counters, tabletops, stoves, and floors. 3 Mold: Molds live everywhere, and upsetting a mold source may send mold spores into the air, potentially triggering asthma attacks. While allergic reactions from mold spores can occur at any time of the year, the AAFA notes that allergic symptoms from fungi like mold are most common between July and early fall. Mold spores that get into the lungs can trigger asthma attacks. Some reactions may occur immediately after the spores reach the lungs, while others may be delayed, resulting in asthma symptoms like nasal congestion gradually worsening over time. Reducing exposure to mold spores both inside and outside can prevent allergic reactions. Limit outdoor activities when mold counts are high and wear a mask when tending to lawns and gardens. Relying on central air conditioning equipped with HEPA filter attachments and lowering indoor humidity are two ways to reduce exposure to mold when indoors. 3 allergens that may trigger asthma attacks Understanding asthma As Allergy seAson returns After winter's cold, we welcome spring with open arms here in Northwest Arkansas. Things are greening up, flowers are blooming, but unfortunately, it's also peak allergy season. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. For many people, allergies are a minor seasonal nuisance that are overcome by taking over-the-counter medications or staying indoors on days when allergen levels are especially high. But the World Allergy Organization notes that a history of allergies is a known risk factor for developing asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people have asthma—more than 25 million Americans. That's 7.7 percent of adults and 8.4 percent of children. Asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s in all age, sex and racial groups. Allergic asthma, where allergies trigger asthma symptoms, is the most common type of asthma. Children who have allergies and also have asthma make up 80 percent of those affected. Among young adults (age 20-40) 75 percent have at least one allergy and asthma. For those aged 55 and older the rate is 65 percent. What is asthma? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute defines asthma as a chronic condition that affects airways in the lungs. The airways carry air in and out of the lungs, and when people have asthma, these airways can become inflamed and narrow, compromising a person's ability to breathe. Who gets asthma? Many asthma patients are diagnosed during childhood. The ACAAI reports that most children with asthma exhibit symptoms prior to their fifth birthdays. Asthma symptoms also may appear in adults older than 20, and such instances may be attributed to adult-onset asthma. Certain adults may be more likely to get adult-onset asthma than others. For example, WebMD reports that women who are experiencing hormonal changes, such as those who are pregnant or in menopause, may be more likely to get adult-onset asthma. What are the symptoms of asthma? The ACCAI notes that it can be hard to recognize symptoms of asthma in very young children. That's because the bronchial tubes in infants, toddlers and preschool-aged youngsters are already small and narrow. Head colds, chest colds and other illnesses may further narrow these airways. So symptoms of asthma could be mistakenly associated with colds or other illnesses. A nagging cough that lingers for days or weeks or sudden, scary breathing emergencies are two symptoms of pediatric asthma. Parents also can be on the lookout for these symptoms: · Coughing, especially at night · A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing, especially when exhaling · Trouble breathing or fast breathing that causes the skin around the ribs or neck to pull in tightly · Frequent colds that settle in the chest Like pediatric asthma, adult-onset asthma can be easy to miss. That's because of natural changes in muscles and a stiffening of chest walls, both of which are associated with aging and therefore often attributed to age. The symptoms of adult-onset asthma are similar to those of pediatric asthma, and adults who suspect they might be experiencing asthma symptoms despite no history of the condition can ask doctors to conduct some specific tests designed to detect asthma. A lung function test and a methacholine challenge test are two ways doctors can detect adult-onset asthma. Allergy season has arrived, and that could make some people more vulnerable to asthma. More information about asthma is available at www.accai.org. 6 | YOu At YOur Best | YOuAtYOurBest.NWAONliNe.cOm April - Allergies & AsthmA | suNdAY, mArch 27, 2022

• Cover