Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. A qualified clinician can distinguish asthma from other diseases by taking a patient's history, doing a physical exam and giving a pulmonary function test. The numbers of patients with asthma and the severity of asthma attacks have risen dramatically in the past 20 years. This year, Emerson Hospital had a record number of asthma patients admitted to our ICU and the Emergency Department. Asthma claims the lives of 5,000 people a year.
Environmental factors play an important role.
People spend more time in tightly sealed buildings where they are exposed to dust mites, pet dander, mold and even cockroaches. Outside they're confronted with pollen, grass and weather changes. Exercise, secondhand smoke and respiratory infections can also trigger asthma. First, identify your asthma triggers and avoid them. Work with your provider and create an asthma action plan.