What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
Asthma is an increasingly common health condition in modern society. You’ve almost certainly heard of it. But if you’ve never experienced an asthma attack, you probably don’t know what goes on during one. If you’ve just been diagnosed with the condition, here are some facts you should know.
Symptoms of an asthma attack include shortness of breath, coughing and a wheezing or whistling sound in your chest. It’s a serious situation, and can lead to death if untreated.
Some of the most common triggers are allergens such as dust, pollution, pollen, cigarette smoke and perfume. In fact, allergies and asthma are very closely related. Things like a change in the atmospheric pressure, cold air, exercise or a common cold virus can also trigger asthma symptoms. Read more about What Happens During an Asthma Attack? →
Recognizing the Symptoms of Common Food Allergies
Information from the Mayo Clinic suggests that approximately 2% of adults in America suffer from some type of allergic reaction to food. Additionally, child food allergies account for another 6%. While those figures might appear small, with a total population of more than 300 million in the US that translates to 6 million and 18 million people, respectively.
Much the same as other allergic reactions, food sensitivities result from an over reaction to an allergen by the immune system. In this instance, the allergens are typically dairy based products, eggs, peanuts, shellfish and a few other foods.
Responding to contact or consumption, the body releases an antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E) because it views the food not as nutrition, but a foreign invader. The allergy symptoms are produced as a result of the release of histamine, prostaglandins and some other substances which are stimulated by the antibodies. Read more about Recognizing the Symptoms of Common Food Allergies →
Food Allergies: How To Recognize Which Food Products Aren’t For You
Allergic reactions occur in most people in one form or another. But among the most common types are food allergies, which cause adverse immune system reactions when you ingest a certain food protein. It can be as simple as peanuts, or even shrimp, but the basic principle of reactions is the same.
How the body reacts to allergens in food
How much the body will react when exposed to a food allergen ranges from mild irritation to anaphylaxis, which has the whole body reacting to the allergen and even possibly causing death. Depending on the severity of your allergy, reaction to food allergens can occur from a few hours to even just a few seconds after ingestion of the food containing the allergen. Read more about Food Allergies: How To Recognize Which Food Products Aren’t For You →
Essential Guidelines for Controlling Allergies and Asthma
Many people experience both asthma and allergies. A good number of asthma sufferers know that particular triggers lead to an attack. As well, individuals with allergies have flare-ups in combination with specific triggers. Usually, these causes are inescapable, but you can frequently lessen them if you are aware of what they are.
If asthma sufferers can manage attacks with an inhaler or other asthma remedies they often feel they have their asthma under control. But it isn’t just treating attacks when you have them; having true control over asthma is preventing them from ever occurring. Read more about Essential Guidelines for Controlling Allergies and Asthma →
