Do You Have Asthma?
By Sara Butler
Asthma is a disease that impacts the lives of more people than you may realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25 million Americans have asthma. While it may be thought of as something that impacts kids, more adults actually suffer from it and may not realize it. Here are a few of the more subtle signs of asthma that need to be brought to the attention of a medical professional right away.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition of the respiratory tract that causes spasms in the air passages, called bronchi, of the lungs. This can result in difficulty breathing. It's a dangerous condition that can cost someone their life if they have it and it goes untreated. The CDC estimates that nine Americans die of asthma each day. If you suffer from allergies, then you have an increased risk of suffering from asthma too.
Your Age
Asthma is often thought of as a disease that is diagnosed in childhood, but the truth is that many people first get diagnosed with asthma between the ages of 45 and 50. Those most at risk of developing asthma symptoms are people who thought they outgrew it as a child or those who suffer from allergies. Many people report the onset of symptoms after they suffer from an infection or cold.
Subtle Signs
There are a few signs of asthma that people may not recognize as symptoms at first. They are:
- Coughing - When you have a cough that becomes worse when you lie down or laugh and seems to come from the chest and not from the throat, then that can be a sign
- Yawning - If you find yourself constantly yawning or taking deep breaths, then it may be a sign your body is trying to balance itself out by getting more oxygen
- Fatigue - If coughing and wheezing is interrupting your sleep, then it's time to seek help for possible asthma
- Tight feeling in the chest - Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and a cough can all be signs of asthma and indicates you need treatment
Asthma may not be the cause of your breathing issues, but it's a good idea to get checked out anyway. It's far better to be armed with the knowledge that you have asthma so you can seek treatment than it is to be caught unaware and suddenly unable to breathe. If you think you have asthma, then talk to a medical professional right away.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesa, Ariz.