Globally, the trends of asthma is that it continues to escalate with more than 300 million people around the world suffering from asthma. In many countries the annual asthma death toll rises year in, year out.
Although asthma affects people of all ages, it often starts in childhood and is more common in children than adults. More boys have asthma than girls, but in adulthood more women have asthma than men.
Although asthma is a problem among all races, blacks have more asthma attacks and are more likely than whites to be hospitalised for asthma attacks or to die from asthma.
Trends of Asthma in the USA
There is an estimated 23.2 million people that suffer from asthma in the USA, and more than 30% of those are children 0 - 18 years of age.
Asthma is the biggest cause of school absensces in regards to chronic illnesses.
Asthma is the reason for nearly 500,000 hospitalisations and 5,000 deaths each year.
Health care costs related to asthma are more than $14 billion annually.
All statistic related to asthma, health care cost, newly diagnosed people and deaths because of asthma continues to increase yearly.
Trends of Asthma in Britian
Just over 5 million people have asthma. Meaning that 1 in 10 children and 1 in 12 adults. Each year 1,400 people die from asthma, and over a third of these deaths are in people under 65 years of age.
Each year there are 69,000 hospital admissions due to asthma, which includes about 28,500 children.
Approximately 1.2 million people with asthma experience significant restrictions on their daily lives, while 250,000 people have asthma which is so severe that it cannot be controlled by inhalers or stronger medicine.
Asthma treatment costs the NHS (National Health Service) an estimated £889 million a year.
However, too few asthmatics get the right information from their doctor when their asthma is diagnosed - only 6% receive a written self-management plan that explains when to take their medication and only 3% are told what to do when their asthma gets worse.
In a survey of 13-14 year olds in 56 countries, the UK had the fifth highest prevalence rate for asthma.
Trends of Asthma in Australia
Over two million people in Australia have asthma.
While asthma is on the increase, asthma deaths have been steadily declining for the past decade.
It is widely accepted that Australia has some of the best, and most affordable, medications available and are recognised as world leaders when it comes to asthma management and education, largely due to the intensive work of the National Asthma Council.
Summary of the Trends and Statistics
Asthma is a highly ranked chronic health condition in adults in most western countries, and it is the leading chronic illness of children. Asthma rates are on the increase, especially in the western world.
More people in western countries suffer from allergies, compared to people in less affluent rural parts of the world, and allergy rates are also on the increase.
Learn More About How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Asthma-Explained.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Exercise Induced Asthma (by Paddy Moogan)
How can exercise induce asthma?
At the same time as healthy exercise can be handled by patients, exercise can often be the cause of an asthma attack.
Symptoms of exercise induced asthma...
Wheezing, coughing and a tightening of the chest are all symptoms of exercise induced asthma. These symptoms will usually be felt after beginning the exercise and will gradually worsen even after exercise stops.
Why does exercise induce asthma?
Even after years of research, the reasons for exercise induced asthma are unclear. However in theory asthma sufferers will breathe faster which does not allow for the nose and airways to add moisture to the air, therefore the air being taken in is dry and cold. This intake of cold, dry air is thought to trigger asthma symptoms.
How do Doctors diagnose exercise induced asthma?
Doctors will often refer to a patient's medical history and perhaps perform peak flow tests in order to determine if a case of exercise induced asthma exists. However in some cases it may be difficult for the Doctor to make a full diagnosis without further tests at a specialised unit.
How to manage your exercise induced asthma...
• Long distance or cross country running can be triggers for asthma attacks due to the intake of cold air without any breaks.
• On the other hand sports such as football, basketball or tennis are less likely to induce an attack if short breaks are taken.
• An excellent sport for asthma sufferers to take part in is swimming, I can speak from experience on this matter. The theory behind this is that warm humid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms. It must be noted however that heavily chlorinated pools can have the opposite effect, as can swimming in cold water.
• Another good exercise for people with breathing problems is yoga, the muscles are relaxed and can help by practising breathing exercises.
Remember - asthma should not stop you from enjoying sports...
Personally I have suffered with asthma since I was very young, however I have always taken part in sports and although I still have breathing problems from time to time, I can control them by remembering a few things...
• Take the correct medication
• Consult your Doctor regularly and ask for advice
• Start the sports slowly and pace yourself to see how much you can do comfortably.
Keep your asthma controlled during exercise by following a few steps...
• Taking regular exercise and taking part in sports can have a positive effect on your breathing problems and reduce exercise induced asthma in the long term.
• Warm up and warm down.
• Try to avoid cold air, this can induce breathing problems. If you take part in sports in cold weather it is a good idea to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.
Keeping your child's asthma under control at school...
Unless your child suffers from very severe asthma, they should be able to take part in PE and extra curricular sports at school. However remember to inform their teachers of their asthma and keep spare medication at the school in case your child's runs out or loses it. Teachers can also encourage the child to warm up and warm down whilst making sure the child doesn't over exert themselves.
Taking part in competitive sports...
The usual inhaler medications are not banned in competitive sports, however you should register the fact that you have asthma and are taking medication to control it. You should make sure that your friends who you play the sport with are aware of your asthma in case of emergencies.
Taking part in adventure sports...
It is recommended that you consult your Doctor before taking part in adventure sports, if you are cleared to take part then make sure that you inform your instructor of your breathing problems. Also ensure that you keep your medication close to hand. If you need insurance for taking part in adventure sports then you should declare that you have asthma before taking out the policy.
Can I take part in scuba-diving?
Recently the medical profession has recognised that people with controlled symptoms of asthma can take part in scuba-diving. But the pressures involved in scuba-diving such as the exposure to cold air and the possibility of stress and emotion, can induce breathing problems.
If you are planning to take part in scuba-diving whilst on holiday abroad, it is worth checking what the guidelines are on scuba-diving for the country you are travelling to. Some countries do not allow asthma sufferers to take part in scuba-diving.
There are several recommendations made by the British Sub-Aqua Club, for those with mild controlled asthma...
• You have not needed to use your inhaler or shown symptoms of asthma within the last 48 hours.
• You do not have asthma that is triggered by cold, exercise stress or emotion.
Can I take part in mountaineering?
Mountaineering shouldn't be a problem as long as you are physically fit and your asthma is controlled. You should also make sure you plan well for your trip and take more than enough medication.
If your asthma is triggered by air pollution, then the mountain environment is ideal for you. Dust mites are unable to live at the low temperatures of the mountains and therefore the air is cleaner.
However there are several asthma triggers that exist in the mountains such as the cold, dry air and exercise.
The British Mountaineering Council provides good medical advice on high altitude mountaineering.
Can I take part in skiing?
Skiing shares many of the same principles as mentioned above in mountaineering, for example people with well controlled asthma should be able to enjoy skiing without any problems. However as usual if you are concerned it is best to seek medical advice prior to engaging in this activity.
You should seek advice particularly if you are planning to take part in cross country skiing which can be a stronger trigger than downhill skiing.
What about parachute jumping?
As a general rule you can parachute or skydive if...
• Exercise does not trigger your asthma
• You can completely control your asthma
• Cold air does not trigger your asthma
As always you should consult your Doctor before taking part in this type of activity. You can also find more information from the British Parachute Association.
By Patrick Moogan
Patrick has suffered with asthma since he was a small child and knows how it feels to have an asthma attack. He writes articles in the best way he knows how, from personal experience. Here is his Hubpage about Coping with my Asthma.
At the same time as healthy exercise can be handled by patients, exercise can often be the cause of an asthma attack.
Symptoms of exercise induced asthma...
Wheezing, coughing and a tightening of the chest are all symptoms of exercise induced asthma. These symptoms will usually be felt after beginning the exercise and will gradually worsen even after exercise stops.
Why does exercise induce asthma?
Even after years of research, the reasons for exercise induced asthma are unclear. However in theory asthma sufferers will breathe faster which does not allow for the nose and airways to add moisture to the air, therefore the air being taken in is dry and cold. This intake of cold, dry air is thought to trigger asthma symptoms.
How do Doctors diagnose exercise induced asthma?
Doctors will often refer to a patient's medical history and perhaps perform peak flow tests in order to determine if a case of exercise induced asthma exists. However in some cases it may be difficult for the Doctor to make a full diagnosis without further tests at a specialised unit.
How to manage your exercise induced asthma...
• Long distance or cross country running can be triggers for asthma attacks due to the intake of cold air without any breaks.
• On the other hand sports such as football, basketball or tennis are less likely to induce an attack if short breaks are taken.
• An excellent sport for asthma sufferers to take part in is swimming, I can speak from experience on this matter. The theory behind this is that warm humid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms. It must be noted however that heavily chlorinated pools can have the opposite effect, as can swimming in cold water.
• Another good exercise for people with breathing problems is yoga, the muscles are relaxed and can help by practising breathing exercises.
Remember - asthma should not stop you from enjoying sports...
Personally I have suffered with asthma since I was very young, however I have always taken part in sports and although I still have breathing problems from time to time, I can control them by remembering a few things...
• Take the correct medication
• Consult your Doctor regularly and ask for advice
• Start the sports slowly and pace yourself to see how much you can do comfortably.
Keep your asthma controlled during exercise by following a few steps...
• Taking regular exercise and taking part in sports can have a positive effect on your breathing problems and reduce exercise induced asthma in the long term.
• Warm up and warm down.
• Try to avoid cold air, this can induce breathing problems. If you take part in sports in cold weather it is a good idea to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.
Keeping your child's asthma under control at school...
Unless your child suffers from very severe asthma, they should be able to take part in PE and extra curricular sports at school. However remember to inform their teachers of their asthma and keep spare medication at the school in case your child's runs out or loses it. Teachers can also encourage the child to warm up and warm down whilst making sure the child doesn't over exert themselves.
Taking part in competitive sports...
The usual inhaler medications are not banned in competitive sports, however you should register the fact that you have asthma and are taking medication to control it. You should make sure that your friends who you play the sport with are aware of your asthma in case of emergencies.
Taking part in adventure sports...
It is recommended that you consult your Doctor before taking part in adventure sports, if you are cleared to take part then make sure that you inform your instructor of your breathing problems. Also ensure that you keep your medication close to hand. If you need insurance for taking part in adventure sports then you should declare that you have asthma before taking out the policy.
Can I take part in scuba-diving?
Recently the medical profession has recognised that people with controlled symptoms of asthma can take part in scuba-diving. But the pressures involved in scuba-diving such as the exposure to cold air and the possibility of stress and emotion, can induce breathing problems.
If you are planning to take part in scuba-diving whilst on holiday abroad, it is worth checking what the guidelines are on scuba-diving for the country you are travelling to. Some countries do not allow asthma sufferers to take part in scuba-diving.
There are several recommendations made by the British Sub-Aqua Club, for those with mild controlled asthma...
• You have not needed to use your inhaler or shown symptoms of asthma within the last 48 hours.
• You do not have asthma that is triggered by cold, exercise stress or emotion.
Can I take part in mountaineering?
Mountaineering shouldn't be a problem as long as you are physically fit and your asthma is controlled. You should also make sure you plan well for your trip and take more than enough medication.
If your asthma is triggered by air pollution, then the mountain environment is ideal for you. Dust mites are unable to live at the low temperatures of the mountains and therefore the air is cleaner.
However there are several asthma triggers that exist in the mountains such as the cold, dry air and exercise.
The British Mountaineering Council provides good medical advice on high altitude mountaineering.
Can I take part in skiing?
Skiing shares many of the same principles as mentioned above in mountaineering, for example people with well controlled asthma should be able to enjoy skiing without any problems. However as usual if you are concerned it is best to seek medical advice prior to engaging in this activity.
You should seek advice particularly if you are planning to take part in cross country skiing which can be a stronger trigger than downhill skiing.
What about parachute jumping?
As a general rule you can parachute or skydive if...
• Exercise does not trigger your asthma
• You can completely control your asthma
• Cold air does not trigger your asthma
As always you should consult your Doctor before taking part in this type of activity. You can also find more information from the British Parachute Association.
By Patrick Moogan
Patrick has suffered with asthma since he was a small child and knows how it feels to have an asthma attack. He writes articles in the best way he knows how, from personal experience. Here is his Hubpage about Coping with my Asthma.
Asthma Treatment and Medication (by Daniel Lanicek)
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that effects over 30 million Americans alone and researchers estimate that 10 – 15% of the world population suffers from asthma. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. The airways become irritated and narrow and constrict during an asthma attack, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air to and from the lungs.
Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.
Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.
Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the 'cortex'. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma 'preventers', but the steroids are the most powerful.
Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called "rescue" or "relief" medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.
The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.
Daniel Lanicek is the creator of asthmaexplained.com. Learn more about asthma at http://www.asthmaexplained.com
Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.
Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.
Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the 'cortex'. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma 'preventers', but the steroids are the most powerful.
Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called "rescue" or "relief" medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.
The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.
Daniel Lanicek is the creator of asthmaexplained.com. Learn more about asthma at http://www.asthmaexplained.com
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