Are Electric Cigarettes a Better Option for Asthma Sufferers?

Electronic Cigarettes
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As the newest addition to the smoking industry, electric cigarettes continue to make headlines and the buzz is only increasing. Of course, the latest devices are being debated, compared, and analyzed to both the other brands being sold on the market as well as to traditional cigarettes. In spite of the many factors involved in the decision between selecting from traditional or electric cigarettes, one thing that the industry’s latest trend can undoubtedly provide is the benefits that electric cigarettes have for smokers who suffer from asthma.

Asthma can be triggered by a number of factors, including naturally occurring pollens, dust, particulates and, of course, smoke. For a smoker this can create many challenges and sometimes even life threatening events. Additionally, smoke from traditional cigarettes is not only inhaled into the lungs, which alone can cause problems for an asthma sufferer, but the smoke released into the air can continue to exacerbate the asthmatic condition, especially in enclosed spaces such as cars and homes. So, what was once a singular problem has compounded into an ongoing trigger that can aggravate the asthma even when not smoking.

The benefit that this latest technology provides over traditional cigarettes is that they do not actually create the smoke that can trigger an asthmatic event. Smoke is neither inhaled into the lungs, nor exhaled into the surrounding air. This is a double advantage to the asthma sufferer, who will benefit from both clearer lungs and clearer air. The appearance of smoke that the devices release is simply water vapor and consequently far less likely to trigger an asthma attack than cigarette smoke. As a result, switching from traditional cigarettes to electric cigarettes might be an ideal option for smokers who suffer from asthma.

The Importance of Continuing Asthma Treatment

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Anyone who has suffered from any type of asthmatic symptoms knows just how life-restricting they can be. The tight feeling in the chest, the coughing and wheezing and the inability to breathe are never symptoms that anyone wants to experience. Luckily, through modern medicine, asthma symptoms can be controlled.

The problem arises when a person who has suffered from asthma in the past believes that they no longer need medication. Asthma medicines downgrade a number of asthma symptoms and sometimes completely eliminate them. However, even if the symptoms do not appear for a number of years because of the medications, it does not mean that the asthma is cured. Asthma cannot be cured — only controlled. Many people who have been on asthma medications for a long time believe that because they are not experiencing any symptoms at the moment they are cured and do not need to take any medicine. Once the medication is stopped, people begin to experience symptoms again and the whole cycle starts over again.

To prevent this type of cycle happening with asthma sufferers many health care professionals and doctors have gotten together to devise a course of action. The most important course of action is asthma education. Asthma educational classes can be held anywhere from libraries to assisted living facilities and allow health care professionals to speak out about issues regarding asthma. The classes allow for a designated time for people to be able to speak out about the importance of taking asthma medications even when you believe that the asthma has gone away. It is believed that by getting the word out there about the importance of staying on asthma medications that people will be less likely to try to ween themselves off of it and more likely to stay on their medications.

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Prevalence of Asthma

One out of four people in the United States are affected by asthma and allergies.

The prevalence of asthma is rather high, compared to many other conditions. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s.

Overall 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, which translates into 1 in 15 Americans. It is also the most common chronic condition in children.

Estimates place asthma as affecting 7% of the population within the United States. 4,000 deaths per year within the United States has also been estimated.

The prevalence of asthma around the world is not much better. 300 million people around the world are affected by asthma, with 250,000 deaths each year.

Obviously the prevalence of asthma is quite high. Such staggering numbers continue with regard to many different areas, age groups, and further identification methods and statistics.

As asthma is more common in urban areas, along with other risk factors that are outside of this article, there are a number of reasons for the increase. Another reason is found in smoking, which has found a role in increasing the prevalence of asthma.

While the statistics are staggering, there is reason for a measure of hope. There is a good prognosis for the treatment of asthma. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be managed quite well in many cases.

The best way to combat asthma is to be aware of things you can do to lessen the chance of asthma affecting you, or perhaps your children. If you have asthma, talking you your doctor regarding steps you can take to manage your symptoms and risks for your condition worsening.

Although the prevalence of asthma can be intimidating, and for good reason, it is a condition that can be managed well and with good success. Be aware of what you can do to lessen such symptoms and reduce any controllable risk factors.

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Who is At-Risk for Asthma?

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Asthma is a condition which affects millions of people around the world. With an increase in diagnoses, it is important to understand who may be at a greater risk for developing asthma.

Smoking is a risk factor. Those who are a smoker or who are exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased chance of developing asthma. This also extends to those whose mother smoked while pregnant.

Those who are exposed to triggers in occupations are also at risk. For instance, chemicals in hairdressing and farming can serve as risk factors for asthma.

Other types of pollution, such as exhaust fumes, are also in the conversation of risk factors for asthma. These along with allergic conditions, such as hay fever, produce yet more risk factors that are environmental in nature.

Weight is also a risk factor in the development of asthma. Individuals who are overweight have an increased chance of developing asthma. Additionally, individuals with a low birth weight also have a higher risk of developing asthma.

Perhaps the most prominent risk factor is that of genetics. If a parent or sibling has asthma, your chances of developing asthma are much higher. Genetics plays a noticeable role in the development of asthma.

In order to understand these risk factors, it is important to note that researchers are unsure of all risk factors. Certain risk factors have not been concretely linked as well.

Much more research is needed to adequately pinpoint the risk factors of asthma. There are more that are believed to be linked to the condition, such as allergens and germs. Yet the role of these risk factors and others are not very well known currently.

Those who may be at-risk for developing asthma should speak to their doctor. Your doctor can identify steps to take in order to help prevent asthma, or possibly treat it immediately if you develop the condition. Many individuals are able to improve their chances by being aware of the risk factors associated with the development of asthma.

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Environmental and Other Causes of Asthma

While genetics plays a large role in the development of asthma, environmental factors are also relevance in the development of the condition.

It should be noted that there are not any clear-cut causes, as science researches the correlations and associations involved in the factors and the development of asthma. Thus, a lot of information is needed to present the causes that are associated with asthma.

Tobacco smoke is one of the leading environmental factors in the development of asthma. Smokers, those who are around secondhand smoke, and individuals whose mother smoked before being born are at greater risk for asthma.

Other asthma associations in the air have been made. Air quality has been linked to higher risks of developing asthma, as found in high ozone levels and traffic pollution. Air pollutants lately have been increasingly linked to childhood asthma.
Other less prominent causes of asthma has been made. One such example is found, interestingly enough, in stress.

Researchers have demonstrated how stress is a trigger for asthma. Stress is said to modulate the immune system, increasing the level of airway inflammatory response in that of irritants and allergens.

Research also suggests a link between early antibiotic use in life and the development. The immune system is believed to be modified with such use, increasing the risk of individuals for asthma and allergy.

Additionally, and also linked to modifications to the immune system, caesarean sections are also relevant. This along with respiratory infections round out the long, but not exhaustive, list of environmental and alternative causes for asthma.

Speak with your doctor to determine whether you are at an increased risk due to such factors. These factors may increase along with other relevant ones, such as the presence of genetics in asthma.

As science identifies more and more causes for asthma, it is important to be aware of risks for you and your family. Speak to your doctor to help identify such risks and to determine how to appropriately react.

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Genetic Causes of Asthma

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You may be familiar with the causes and risk factors in association with asthma. However, beyond those found in the environment and beyond, genetics plays a role in the development of asthma.

Researchers have identified more than 100 genes linked to asthma. Further studies have narrowed down this list to 25 genes that have been seen in several different populations.

The difficulties surrounding the research are that experts believe that genes only determine different types, or subsets, of asthma. For instance, one genetic group is indicative of asthma that develops in childhood.

Generally these genes are related to either the immune system or to inflammation. However, of course, not all is known surrounding these dynamics.

The immune system and inflammation ideas are seen throughout causes of asthma. For instance, outside of the genetic bases of asthma, stress is believed to be one of many causes of asthma, due to the role it plays in affecting inflammation.

Overall genetics has seen an increased role in the development of asthma.

Research has demonstrated the effects of genetics for families with asthma. Some studies have found percentages of offspring over fifty with both parents having asthma. With one parent, studies have found approximately twenty percent of offspring with asthma, in limited studies.

Some experts believe that genes are a stronger contributor than the environment with regards to asthma. At any rate, both genes and the environment play a powerful role in the development of asthma.

As scientific evidence continues to shed light on the powerful role that genetics plays in the development of asthma, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. For instance, if asthma runs in your family, you may want to address this issue.

Being aware of such factors will allow you to prepare for the chances and to react accordingly. Asthma can be very treatable, especially at the earliest notice of the condition developing. Talk to your doctor if you or your family may be at risk for developing asthma.

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Long Term Risks with Asthma

For the most part asthma is very much treatable, although there are some long-term risks associated with asthma’s relatively positive prognosis.

Side effects from medications can cause complications over time. These are often found in cases of medications that are implemented in order to stabilize severe asthma.

The bronchial tubes can also become permanently narrowed, which can create difficulties as it relates to one being able to breathe well.

Severe asthma can also produce emergency room visits and time in the hospital, unfortunately. Others may miss work or school when symptoms flare up.
Additionally, sleep and work are often affected by asthma-related symptoms.

However there are many good reasons why allergy is a very treatable condition, with a positive prognosis. Just as it relates to mortality rates, improved care and recognition has produced better rates over the last two to three decades.

Children diagnoses with mild cases of asthma have especially good prognosis. Over half of such cases will be without asthma after ten years, according to sources.

One aspect of achieving a good prognosis as it relates to asthma is in early detection. Studies have demonstrated than individuals who have been treated within a year of first symptoms have much better control of their asthma than others.

If individuals wait to address these symptoms, airway inflammation is likely to exhibit an increased presence. This makes asthma much more difficult to control, as it relates to the long-term effects and ability to control the overall asthma condition.

Make sure to be aware of symptoms of asthma in yourself and in loved ones. As early detection is key in controlling asthma, having this awareness will be able to improve the prognosis if asthma is present.

While there are certainly some long term risks associated with asthma, it remains highly treatable. Detection goes a long way to increasing the ability to control asthma, a condition that affects millions of people, regardless of demographics.

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Planning Vacations with Asthma

Although asthma may be a particularly annoying condition, it does not have to get in the way of enjoyable activities. While planning a vacation, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure of this, and to be ready for any unfortunate emergencies.

One important thing to keep in mind is your condition. For instance, if you have dealt with asthma for a long time and it rarely flares up, you may know what is best and may require minimal planning, at least relative to your asthma.

If it is more serious or erratic, take the time to plan your vacation respective of asthma. Parents with young children with asthma should also be very careful in planning vacations to be prepared as well.

Perhaps the biggest thing to take care of is medications. Any medications you will need should be planned for in advance, taking account the length of your trip.

Some little things can make a big difference. For instance, requesting a smoke-free room may seem obvious, but this can be important to remember. Also any items that may help you with your condition should be brought, such as a mite-proof pillowcase.

Look if your room is able to take High Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) air filters in the air conditioning unit. You may also consider a portable HEPA air purifier.

Taking the right precaution, inclusive of and beyond these suggestions, can help the vacation for ones that may be dealing with asthma. Of course some precautions may be more relevant depending on the severity of the asthma, or with something else, such as the length of the trip or children.

You can also talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. If the case is severe enough, for instance, you may want to scope nearby clinics or hospitals just in case something happens.

With a few precautions you can be ready to deal with asthma, no matter where you are. Or more importantly, you can prepare to enjoy your vacation with no asthma-related worries.

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Identify Your Asthma Triggers

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You may not always feel symptoms of your asthma, but you know it’s there. Everyone is affected differently by asthma, and your symptoms may not match another person you know living with asthma. Your symptoms can even vary day-by-day.

You know this all of this already, but the question is, how do you go about living your life not knowing how you’ll feel on any given day? For instance, you may try to set up a day at the beach with a group of friends or your family, but you could suddenly wake up that morning with several symptoms, and not feel up to going after all. Now what do you do?

Living with a chronic illness is not easy, but you can learn to manage it and live your life to the best of your ability. One of the main things you can do to help manage your asthma is to know what your triggers are.

Asthma has several triggers, some that are allergens, and some that are non-allergens. Allergen triggers include “seasonal” pollens; year-round dust mites, molds, pets, and insect parts; certain foods, including fish, eggs, peanuts, nuts, cow’s milk, and soy; additives; and work-related allergens, such as latex.

Non-allergen agents, or irritants, include respiratory infections; certain drugs, including aspirin, NSAIDS, and beta blockers; tobacco smoke; outdoor factors, including smog, weather changes, and diesel fumes; indoor factors, including paint, detergents, deodorants, chemicals, and perfumes; nighttime; GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder; exercise, especially if done in cold, dry conditions; work-related factors, including chemicals, dust, gases, and metals; emotional factors, including stress, laughing, crying, and yelling; and hormonal factors, including PMS.

You may want to keep a list of these triggers, and see if your asthma flares are triggered by one of them. If so, make a mark by the trigger. After a while, you’ll be able to see a pattern and know what your specific triggers are. You may wish to share them with your doctor so the two of you can better understand how your asthma works. This will also help you avoid your specific triggers, and cause less flare-ups.

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Keeping an Asthma Journal

Do you keep an asthma journal to track your symptoms? If you don’t, then you should seriously consider doing it.

Many instances of asthma can be controlled by watching the symptoms of the condition. In fact, a considerable number of cases of asthma improve within a year with close watch of the symptoms, along with early detection.

Thus close watch over the symptoms of asthma can lead to increased control of the condition. Relative to improving the overall condition within the affected individual, you can see how important it is to watch such symptoms.

There is also another side to this, which is found in discovering when an asthma condition is worsening. While this is a negative way to approach the need to watch the symptoms of asthma, it is necessary to consider.

Worsening asthma symptoms can be controlled with effective medications. Worsening asthma symptoms can indicate the condition is worsening, which is very important to bring to the attention of your doctor.

Whether watching symptoms is in regards to the improving or declining nature of your asthma conditions, it is vital to do so. Thus, keeping a journal of your symptoms in asthma is very important.

Record the nature of your symptoms in a journal or some other related method. This will allow your doctor to see how often symptoms flare up, as well as anything else relevant to your condition.

This can also be a good way to record the effectiveness of medications. Recording any side effects for your asthma medications in a journal will also bring insight into your condition and applicable treatments.

The important part of this is to have all related information written down. While you may be able to generally remember important events, effects, and responses relating to your asthma, having records and actual dates will help shed light on your situation.

Take advantage of an asthma journal. It can make a big difference in gaining control over your condition.

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