Medical News Today reports on Five Things You Don't Know About Springtime Asthma. The article highlights the fact that though 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, ‘millions more’ may be at risk and not even know it. Allergists of the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology want people to be aware of five little-known facts regarding this prevalent and on-the-rise disease. Below is a summary of their points:
- Asthma symptoms can be subtle. Coughing at night and getting winded when walking upstairs can both be signs of asthma.
- Stormy weather can trigger asthma trouble. Asthma-related emergency room visits spike after thunderstorms, likely because of an increase in pollen.
- Pollen allergies trigger asthma. Tree pollen is especially common in the spring. If you think you might be allergic to pollen, testing can help you pinpoint the right cause and treatment of your allergies and possible asthma triggers.
- Exercise can trigger asthma attacks. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) affects ten percent of Americans, even if they don't have asthma. Inhalers are often prescribed for those with EIB. In addition, choosing exercise like swimming, walking, or baseball can often lessen attacks.
- Asthma can strike at any age. Even if you never had asthma as a child, you could be experiencing asthma symptoms.