Among all allergic and respiratory-related diseases, asthma allergy makes up the majority. Asthma allergy is perhaps one of the leading causes of respiratory illness among children and young adults although this condition may progress a lifetime.
While it is considered an allergy, asthma is so prevalent (especially among children) that it deserves to be addressed in its own chapter.
Proper care and health maintenance is essential to warding off the debilitating repercussions of exposure to irritants which could trigger all the symptoms underlying such disease.
What exactly is Asthma allergy?
Asthma allergy is a chronic lung disease characterized by difficulty of breathing, wheezing, coughing, and increased mucus production during recurrent attacks. These same symptoms can cause death in some cases depending on the severity of the amount of allergens involved and antihistamine molecules produced by the body enough to block the airways for the transportation of air to the lungs.
Around 7 to 10% of children experience the condition and current statistics shows an increasing number of sufferers. Asthma allergy does not seem to be an inherited disease since a family member, who apparently do not have relatives exhibiting the symptoms of the disease, can be infected anytime should he or she is exposed to environmental factors triggering the onset of the disease.
People with this medical condition have a very sensitive bronchial pathway. Presence of molecules or particles recognized by the body as foreign can set a huge allergic attack characteristic of the condition described above.
From a medical point of view, asthma is a type of allergy. Allergy is defined as a change in the bodys biological activity due to the presence of one or more types of allergens (substance promoting the symptoms of allergy.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans are suffering from allergy and currently 20 million individuals, comprising the wide-range of Americas population experiences the symptoms of asthma.
Causes of Asthma allergies
The causes of asthma allergies are the same as for other allergies we have discussed. Causes can be in the form of dust, certain chemicals, scents, and various odors. Other trigger factors may be in the form of temperature. Cold or hot air can provoke allergic reactions to patients sensitive to them. In any case, allergic reactions are specific to individuals and not all individuals suffering from allergy responds universally to all types allergens.
Particularly interesting clients are the ones allergic to some forms of physical activity like exercise. In the same manner, emotional state is one factor for some individuals in order for the characteristic asthma symptoms to set in.
Among all these influential agents, smoke has been found to occupy the universally recognized trigger attacks for patients with asthma allergy especially for children. At least 8 out of 10 children are more prone to developing asthmatic conditions once exposed to these agents.
Perhaps, as society becomes industrialized and increased fume emissions accelerates, more and more people will develop symptoms characteristic of this disease.
Who Are at Risk?
Statistical data shows that asthma allergy is not a discriminating disease. It affects people of all ages, race, culture, color and gender.
Especially predisposed to developing such illness are people who are exposed to heavy car or industrial emissions and filthy surroundings. 10 to 12% of children averaging 18 years of age are the common target.
Additionally, individuals whose relatives have a history of such illness are more at risk in manifesting such condition in the future.
Latest Diagnostic Device and Treatments
Gone are the days when people die of symptoms and complications involved in asthmatic attacks. Due to the development of studies and research in asthma allergies and other forms of allergies, treatment and varying levels of diagnosis were introduced to properly treat the symptoms typical of asthma allergy.
But basically, one first hand cure or initial activity to be done in the management of asthma allergy is to avoid the source of the allergens to which the individual is allergic to.
For example, if the individual is allergic to dust, staying indoors may help reduce the probability of allergic occurrence. In any case, consulting a family doctor or an immunologist will provide you the most practical and wise information regarding dealing with individuals experiencing such condition and recommendations which will keep you from attacks you would rather stay away from. |
