What is the Respiratory Illness Asthma?

Roughly 25 million Americans have asthma. It is also the leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are about 5.1 million children under the age of 18 with asthma. Better understanding this condition allows for more effective management and treatment of the condition.

Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airway becomes swollen and narrowed, creating extra mucus, and making it difficult to breathe. It is a chronic illness, meaning people with this disorder live with it every day. Although having this condition is common in many people, knowing the symptoms and how to manage this condition is very important.

Allergens or other irritants to the lungs can trigger an asthma attack. While there is no cure for the condition, there are preventive measures and treatments.

Asthma symptoms are caused by inflammation and narrowing of the lung's airways. The amalgamation of inflammation and narrowing of the muscles in the airways of the lungs makes the person difficult to breathe. During an asthma attack, the narrowing of the airways by producing mucus makes the airways narrower and this causes asthma symptoms.

There are two types of “triggers”: allergic and non-allergic. The allergic triggers are:

• Pollens
• Molds
• Grasses
• Dusts

The non-allergic triggers are:

• Exercise
• Perfumes
• Cleaners
• Colds/viruses
• Smoke
• Stress

A person suffering from an asthma attack will experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. These symptoms can sometimes flare up at night or while exercising.

If left untreated, a severe asthma attack can be deadly. On average, ten Americans die from this respiratory disorder each day, so it's important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

The apparent symptoms alone make it easy for doctors to diagnose a case of asthma. Doctors may also conduct lung function tests to confirm the diagnosis. Most cases of asthma are diagnosed in childhood when symptoms start to appear. A few other tests are also used by doctors to determine the progress of treatment:

This test is a complete evaluation of a person's respiratory system, including physical evaluations, medical history, and more. It measures your breathing and is usually done before and after you inhale a bronchodilator, a medication that opens your airways.

This test is the most common of the pulmonary function tests. It requires you to take a deep breath, then blow air out of your lungs and into a mouthpiece as fast and hard as you can. This measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how fast you can exhale, and is helpful for doctors to determine a person's breathing patterns. The test gauges overall lung function.

Treating this condition no matter its mildness or severity is very important. There are a few options for patients for treatment:

Medication. Bronchodilators, steroids, and anti-inflammatory medications all help reduce the severity of asthma attacks. Bronchodilators keep the airways open during an attack. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs reduce airway swelling.

Self-care. Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to help prevent an asthma attack. Avoid smoking and other airborne irritants, which can trigger an attack.

Oxygen therapy. The use of supplemental oxygen helps keep the airway open and can be done at home by anyone who feels an attack coming on. Oxygen concentrators are an ideal option for safe home oxygen therapy.

Between 8% to 10% of the population are suffering from asthma in more or less every part of the world. Asthma can develop in children or at any age. People with allergies, or eczema are more prone to develop asthma. Every person has different kinds of symptoms, but one of the common symptoms is wheezing. There are many other symptoms as discussed above.

For immunocompromised individuals, the Coronavirus can be especially dangerous. Individuals with chronic conditions, including asthma, are at a higher risk to catch COVID-19 and more likely to suffer from severe symptoms. Here are some products to help you stay healthy, and help treat your asthma during COVID-19. 

COVID-19 directly affects the respiratory tract and lungs. Because COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, emphysema and bronchitis are highly susceptible to infection. The virus can trigger asthma attacks and escalate a chronic lung condition into a more serious illness, such as pneumonia.

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, asthma patients should consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they become eligible. Prior to receiving your vaccine, however, speak to your doctor about the ingredients and whether or not you may be allergic to them.

If you currently use an inhaler or any type of oral steroid to treat your asthma, you can still receive one of the three COVID-19 vaccines available. As always, it is recommended you first discuss your current treatment and vaccination plan with your doctor.

If asthma patients are not currently eligible to receive the vaccination in your state, continue your current treatment plan. Limit your exposure to the coronavirus by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask in public and washing your hands thoroughly and frequently.

The CDC recommends asthma sufferers avoid contact with anyone infected.1 Stay home as much as possible and follow social distancing mandates to prevent encountering someone who is infected and not yet experiencing symptoms. Keep hands clean and avoid sharing personal household items such as hand towels or coffee cups. Keep household surfaces sanitized. 

The CDC recommends that asthma patients should continue using their asthma as prescribed.

Keeping a nebulizer on-hand is highly recommended. Nebulizers convert medication from a liquid to a mist that you can inhale in your lungs. They are considered more effective than other therapy delivery options.

Weighing less than 0.25 lbs, this pocket-size mesh nebulizer delivers treatment quickly and efficiently. It is ideal for on the go use because of its compact design. 

A fast and efficient aerosol drug delivery in a compressor nebulizer system, the InnoSpire Essence uses SideStream technology for an effective home unit.

This kid-friendly unit is designed for better compliance and delivers a dose in 8-9 minutes. It is reliable, economical, and easy to use. 

For more peace of mind, you can self-monitor your respiratory health by keeping a peak flow diary. Use a peak flow meter to track your asthma. The meter has a built-in, three-zone system that lets patients set the zones for asthma delivery.

While most asthma can be treated with medication, some patients may use oxygen concentrators to manage more severe asthma attacks. If you currently use an oxygen concentrator for attacks, it is safe to continue using oxygen therapy during the outbreak. Do not share your oxygen concentrator with others and keep your machine clean with the following tips:

• Clean your cannula at least once a week. Wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse with hot water
• Check any filters and change them as recommended by the manufacturer
• Clean the outside of the oxygen concentrator with disinfectant to prevent surface germs.

Also known as broncholytic, bronchodilators dilates the airways (bronchi and bronchioles), decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway and increasing airflow to the lungs. This type of medication makes breathing easier by relaxing the muscles in the lungs. 

Anti-inflammatory are the most common and most effective treatment for asthma. They work to reduce swelling and relax any tightenings in the airway. 

Biologic therapies are injectable medications that target different molecules to help patients breathe easier even if they have tried other treatments, like inhalers. 

Find home oxygen concentrators and travel oxygen concentrators at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select an oxygen concentrator for managing your condition. For more information, call our Customer Care team at 888-941-1688.