not smoking in their child’s presence)
5. Exposure to exhaust fumes or
other forms of pollution
6. Exposure to workplace triggers, in-
cluding chemicals used in farming,
hairdressing, and manufacturing
Treatment
Some asthma attacks are situational and are defined by
the trigger:
1. Exercise-induced asthma – these attacks may be ex-
acerbated by cold air and/or dry winds, or sudden
changes in weather.
2. Occupational asthma – these attacks are related
to workplace irritants (chemical fumes, gases, or
dust).
3. Allergy-induced asthma – these attacks are caused
by known triggers (pollen, mold, etc).
Who is Likely to Develop Asthma?
A number of factors may increase your chances of de-
veloping asthma, including have a blood relative (parent
or sibling) with a history of asthma. Other precipitating
factors include:
1. A different allergic condition such as allergic
rhinitis (hay fever) or atopic dermatitis (eczema).
2. Being overweight
3. Smoking tobacco products
4. Exposure to secondhand smoke (parents who
smoke should consider ceasing the habit or
First, the diagnosis needs to be established. Asthma may
be difficult to detect, particularly in children, age 5 or
less. During your evaluation with a physician, you will
be asked if you cough frequently, especially at night. The
physician will also ask if your breathing problems occur
after physical activity, including exercise, or at certain
times of the year. You will be questioned about a family
history of asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems.
The physician will discuss the possibility of triggers at
your home (pets) or your occupation.
To evaluate your lung function, the physician will order
a breathing test (spirometry). Using a computer with a
mouthpiece, the test determines how much air you can
breathe out after taking a deep breath. This test can
also measure your airflow before and after using asthma
medication.
Similar to migraine, identifying and avoiding triggers
will be of great benefit. Avoidance methods include the
use of an air conditioner which decreases the amount of
airborne pollen, reduces indoor humidity, and can lower
exposure to dust mites. If you do not have an air condi-
tioner, your windows should remain shut during pollen
season. Minimizing dust in your home should decrease
symptoms during the nighttime. In your bedroom, your
pillows, mattresses, and box springs, should be encased
in dust-proof covers. Hardwood floors or linoleum
flooring should replace carpeting. In a damp climate,
your physician may recommend the use of a dehumidi-
fier. It is important to avoid the development of mold
spores in your bathroom, kitchen, basement, and around
the house. Moldy leaves and damp firewood should be
removed from your yard. If you want a pet, you should
avoid animals with fur or feathers. Reducing the amount
of pet dander is essential. When you are cleaning your
house, you should consider wearing a mask to minimize
exposure to dust and other irritants. Finally, when it is
cold and dry outside, cover your nose and mouth with a
scarf or face mask.
www.headaches.org
|
National Headache Foundation
19