Dr. Patel Speaks about Summertime Asthma

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - July 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Michigan allergist, Dr. Bhavin Patel,  Board Certified in Pediatric and Adult Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. answers some common questions about Asthma.

What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (or long-lasting, recurring) disease that affects 1 in 12 people in the United States. Signs of asthma include:

• Coughing during or after exercising
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• A tightening feeling in the chest

The airways that make it possible to breath constrict (tighten) and become swollen and irritated, making it difficult for air to pass through.

Asthma symptoms are caused by the constriction (tightening of the muscles) and the inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the airways. Constriction and inflammation of the airways and increased mucosa make it difficult and sometimes impossible to breathe.


What causes asthma?
Asthma can be caused by any number of things: pollen, exercise, strong scents, even the weather.

Allergies: People with allergic asthma find it hard to breath when they’re exposed to certain non-seasonal allergens, including pet dander, dust or dust mites, mold or even specific foods or drinks.

Seasonal Allergies: Tree, grass and weed pollens are worse during specific seasons and can cause someone with seasonal asthma to experience symptoms only at certain times of the year. Usually seasonal asthmatics become more aware of their symptoms in the spring and fall.

Weather: Some people will have difficulty breathing when the air is very hot, cold or humid.

Irritants: Irritants in the air can make it difficult for some asthmatics to catch a breath. For these individuals, a strong scent or smell such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, room deodorizers, candles, perfumes or fresh paint can send them to the ER.

Exercise: A common sign of exercise-induced asthma is coughing. Usually a persistent cough will occur within minutes of completing a physical activity. The cough will worsen after 10 to 15 minutes and may last for up to an hour.

Nighttime: Any patient diagnosed with asthma may experience nocturnal asthma, when the symptoms increase or worsen at night.

If you suspect you or someone you know has asthma, talk with a board certified allergist, http://www.aaap-rh.com. Take notes of when you have problems breathing, whether it’s certain times of the year, during certain activities or times of the day, or when you’re in particular environment. Your allergist may start with an allergy test to determine if allergens play a role. Unfortunately, asthma can’t be cured, but it can be monitored and controlled so that you can breathe easier and feel safer.