Increased asthma symptoms can be caused by environmental factors that differ among sufferers of the disease. Asthma symptoms can come and go, ranging from mild to persistent wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath. Severe asthma exacerbations can lead to the need for respiratory support with insertion of a breathing tube and mechanical ventilation. Knowing what factors increase asthma symptoms is important to avoid complications, hospitalization and permanent lung damage.
Environment
Environmental irritants can trigger asthma. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that exposure to second hand tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes inflames and narrows the airways and can worsen asthma. Children are especially vulnerable to exposure to low level pollutants and chemicals. Avoiding asthma attacks requires keeping the environment smoke free. Indoor irritants that include mold, cockroaches, dust mites, pets in the home and the byproducts of burning can induce asthma attacks and should also be addressed.
Exercise and Asthma
Some individuals have increased asthma symptoms with exercise. Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath with exercise could be abnormal, even though some fatigue and trouble breathing is normal with a workout. The MayoClinic.com advises that symptoms should subside during recovery from exercise; if not, it's important to see a physician to avoid life threatening bronchospasms. Other causes of increased asthma symptoms with exercise include cold or dry air, pollen and air pollution and poor exercise tolerance. If exercise causes asthma symptoms, speak with your physician about medication and activity guidelines.
Medications that Worsen Asthma
Certain medications can worsen asthma. The Merck Manual lists aspirin, beta-blockers and anti-inflammatory medications as commonly associated with asthma attacks. Beta blockers--drugs used to treat heart disease, cardiac rhythm disturbances and blood pressure--interfere with the action of asthma medications called beta adrenergic agonists.
Supplements
A medical practice paper published in the "Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine" by Drs. Alfred F. Tallia and Dennis A. Cardone in 2002 highlighted the probable link between increased asthma symptoms in a patient taking glucosamine and chondroitin, a popular supplement taken for arthritis. Discontinuing the supplement resulted in improvement. The patient's symptoms returned two months later, but in response to a respiratory infection.
Stress
Increased asthma symptoms can be induced by stress. The Cleveland Clinic suggests taking steps that make stress manageable. Deep breathing, setting priorities for managing time, regular exercise and avoidance of unhealthy foods can minimize the occurrence of asthma attacks. Minimize sugar laden foods with high calorie content, caffeine and alcohol. If asthma symptoms become more frequent, see your health care provider. A variety of medications and lifestyle factors can help patients diagnosed with asthma lead active and independent lives.
Infection
Cold and flu viruses that attack the upper airways can lead to increased asthma symptoms that include increased coughs, fevers, sore throats, sinus drainage and fatigue. Prompt treatment of sinus infection is important to prevent asthma attack. Speak with your physician about obtaining a flu shot to decrease the risk of respiratory infection. Seek treatment for increased shortness of breath or sputum production. Practice good hygiene to avoid respiratory infections.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Secondhand Smoke
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Asthma Triggers
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise Induced Asthma
- "Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine"; Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Asthma Exacerbation; Drs. Alfred F. Tallia and Dennis A. Cardone; 2002
- Cleveland Clinic: Stress and Asthma
