Asthma Allergy - Current Medical Treatment
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 body's 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
America's 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.