Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems. Kids may cough, wheeze, or be short of breath. This happens because airways in the lungs get swollen, smaller, and filled with mucus. Asthma is common in kids and teens, and tends to run in families. Most children and adults with asthma have times when their breathing becomes more difficult.
Many things can cause these symptoms, but they’re more likely to be asthma if they:
a) happen often and keep coming back
b) are worse at night and early in the morning
c) seem to happen in response to an asthma trigger like exercise or an allergy (such as to pollen or animal fur)
Asthma attacks
Asthma can sometimes get worse for a short time – this is known as an asthma attack. It can happen suddenly, or gradually over a few days.
Signs of a severe asthma attack include:
1. wheezing, coughing and chest tightness becoming severe and constantly.
2. being too breathless to eat, speak or sleep
3. breathing faster
4. a fast heartbeat
5. drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion or dizziness,
blue lips or fingers
6. fainting
The exact cause of asthma is unknown.
People with asthma have swollen (inflamed) and “sensitive” airways that become narrow and clogged with sticky mucus in response to certain triggers.
Genetics, pollution and modern hygiene standards have been suggested as causes, but there’s not currently enough evidence to know if any of these do cause asthma.
Who’s at risk?
A number of things can increase your chances of getting asthma. These include:
1. Having an allergy-related condition, such as eczema, a food allergy or hay fever – these are known as atopic conditions
2. Having a family history of asthma or atopic conditions
3. Having had bronchiolitis – a common childhood lung infection
4. Exposure to tobacco smoke as a child
5. Your mother smoking during pregnancy
6. Being born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or with a low birth weight.
7. Some people may also be at risk of developing asthma through their job.
Asthma triggers
Asthma symptoms often occur in response to a trigger. Common triggers include:
1. infections like colds and flu
2. allergies – such as to pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers
3. smoke, fumes and pollution
4. medicines – particularly anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin
5. emotions, including stress, or laughter
6. weather – such as sudden changes in temperature, cold air, wind, thunderstorms, heat and humidity
7. mould or damp
8. exercise
Once you know your triggers, trying to avoid them may help control your asthma symptoms.
Asthma and Coronavirus
People with asthma should take precautions when any type of respiratory illness is spreading in their community.
The CDC has released guidelines for people at high risk (including people with asthma):
– Stock up on supplies (a 14 to 30 day supply)
– Take steps to keep a distance from others (social distancing, about 6 feet)
– Avoid people who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often
– Avoid crowds as much as possible
– Avoid non-essential travel
– Clean and disinfect your home and car regularly, especially items you touch often like doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, car door handles and steering wheels, etc.
– If there is an outbreak in your local community, the CDC also recommends you stay home as much as possible. Try to find ways to have food and supplies delivered to your home.
If you get sick, it could be the flu unless you live in a coronavirus outbreak area. If you have symptoms of a cough or fever, call your doctor. There are antiviral treatments available for the flu.
People with asthma should take precautions when any type of respiratory illness is spreading in their community.
The CDC has released guidelines for people at high risk (including people with asthma):
- Stock up on supplies (a 14 to 30 day supply)
- Take steps to keep a distance from others (social distancing, about 6 feet)
- Avoid people who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often
- Avoid crowds as much as possible
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Clean and disinfect your home and car regularly, especially items you touch often like doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, car door handles and steering wheels, etc.
How Can I Avoid Getting the Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Infections?
The steps you take to avoid the flu and other respiratory infections will also help protect you from the coronavirus:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 to 30 seconds, always after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have access to running water, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser that is at least 60% alcohol.
2. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Stay away from people who are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.
3. Don’t share makeup, food, dishes or eating utensils.
4. Take your daily asthma medicines to keep your asthma under control.
The most important way you can protect yourself right now is to keep your asthma under control. If your asthma is not under control, call your doctor right away.