Asthma

Who is at risk for asthma?

Asthma usually begins during childhood but can start at any age. Risk for asthma increases if there is a history of eczema/allergies, certain childhood viral infections, or family history of asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma is diagnosed with a pulmonary function test or PFT. The PFT assesses a patient’s lung capacity, how fast and well they can exhale, and how well they can inhale. There are two parts to the testing. The pretest is done after the provider gathers the patient’s history. The patient exhales as fast and hard as they can, through a tube, for six seconds then inhales. This is repeated three times to ensure accurate numbers. A computer then calculates the lung function. The patient then uses albuterol, a rescue inhaler for asthma, and post test is done afterwards. If the patient’s lungs improve after using the rescue inhaler, then they receive a diagnosis of asthma.

What can trigger an asthma attack?

Asthma can be triggered by many things, and each person with asthma can be different. Common triggers are:

• Allergies (cat, grass, mold)
• Viral or bacterial respiratory infections
• Cold/dry air
• Exercise/emotional stress
• Airborne pollutants (cigarette smoke, fireplace, dusty environments, fragrances, other chemicals)
• Acid reflux

By identifying and controlling someone’s triggers, asthma can be better controlled.

How do allergies affect asthma?

Over 80% of children and 60% of adults who have asthma also have allergies. Allergies are a major trigger of asthma flares, meaning it is crucial to conduct formal allergy testing to determine what triggers a flare up. With allergies, exposure to allergens causes irritation, swelling, and mucus production in the eyes, nose, and throat. The same thing happens in the lungs. When exposed to allergens the small airways of the lungs become irritated, swell, narrow, and fill with mucus, causing an asthma attack. Managing a person’s allergies can drastically reduce the number and severity of their asthma attacks. By controlling allergies an asthmatic patient can reduce their inhaler use or even be able to completely stop them.

How do seasonal allergies affect asthma?

Asthma that is worse outdoors and during specific times of the year is likely caused by pollen allergies. Grasses, trees, and weeds release pollen at different times of the year. Tree pollen is high in the spring, grass pollen levels peak in the summer, and weed pollen is most prevalent in the fall.

Some common ways to avoid outdoor allergies:

• Keep windows shut during high pollen seasons.
• Going out in the late afternoon is preferable since most pollen is released in the morning.
• When outside, wearing and mask and glasses can prevent pollen from getting into the nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Changing clothes when coming inside and showering can help reduce pollen exposure.
• Pets can bring in outdoor allergens, so brushing or bathing them during high pollen season can reduce the amount of pollen getting into the house.

What if asthma is worse in the morning, more severe indoors, or flares year-round?

If asthma is worse inside or first thing in the morning, indoor allergens are likely a trigger. Indoor allergens are year-round. Since asthma has a strong allergy component treating allergies will improve asthma.

Common indoor allergens include: 

• Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be found living anywhere with food and a water source, such as someone’s home, work, or school. To reduce the chance of having cockroaches in the house stop water leaks, cover garbage cans, wash dishes after a meal, and sweep floors regularly. This can reduce a cockroach’s opportunity to find food and water. If necessary, call an exterminator to eliminate cockroaches and identify areas they could be getting in.

• Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that look like insects and can be found in most areas of the house. They like to live in bedding, carpeting, and the fabric of furniture. To help manage dust mites it is recommended to wash bedding weekly in hot water. Dust mites also thrive in high humidity, so using a dehumidifier can help reduce their numbers in your house.

• Molds

Indoor molds are usually found in areas with water damage. A few examples may include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere where there can be leaky pipes. Reducing water leaks, using a dehumidifier, and cleaning moldy surfaces can reduce exposure to mold allergens. If you find mold covering a large area, it may be beneficial to hire a professional to remove the mold.

• Pet Allergens

Unfortunately, there is no “hypoallergenic” dog or cat. They may not shed, but people are not actually allergic to the animal’s hair. They are allergic to the animal’s dander (dead skin), urine, or saliva. Urine allergens are also caused by guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and rabbits. Saliva and dander allergens are more commonly from dogs and cats. 

Having a pet allergy does not mean people cannot have them. Pet allergies can be managed by keeping the pet out of the bedroom, vacuuming, sweeping frequently, and bathing pets regularly. Medications and allergy shots can also help.

Iowa Allergy Can Help Manage Asthma

There are many ways to approach treating someone with asthma. Just like there are many symptoms, there are also a variety of treatment options. Here at Iowa Allergy, our providers use a multidisciplinary approach. They start with skin testing to identify allergies that can trigger asthma. With this knowledge avoidance measures can be taken to reduce exposure. After that, allergy shots can be started. The allergy shots are not medication, they contain the allergens, and they train the body over time to accept and not react to the allergens. They are the most effective option for allergy treatment and reduce the allergic trigger of asthma. Medications can also be used to help control allergies and asthma. They come in the form of pills, inhalers, nose sprays, and injectable biologics. Which medications are used depends on the severity of the asthma. 

If you have asthma, or are interested in asthma testing, call and schedule an appointment. We can work with you to identify your allergic triggers and create an individualized care plan to effectively manage your asthma.