Asthma, a causative of breathing complications and chest pain, is treatable. It is crucial to consider asthma care if you often experience chest pain and shortness of breath since it can significantly interfere with the quality of your life. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is crucial in finding the proper treatment for you, and asthma specialists like Dr. Julya Keselman in New York can help you. Certain factors increase your chances of developing asthma symptoms, and identifying them will help you diagnose the condition and find the most effective treatment. Here are several ways to know your asthma risk factors.
Take Both Gender and Age into Consideration
Age and gender are critical in identifying asthma risk factors. For example, young males are more likely to experience asthma symptoms than young females. However, by age 30, females are more likely to experience asthma symptoms than males. But the ate significantly reduces when women are past menopause. Experts put together several theories to understand the effects of age and gender on asthma symptoms. For example, they relate the smaller airways and increased atopy in young males—also, sex hormone fluctuations in females during premenstrual, menstrual, and menopausal stages.
Look into Your Family History
There are over 100 genes that have been discovered to be associated with asthma. Therefore, you are more likely to inherit the condition from your close relatives. A hereditary factor, especially in twins and close relatives, increases your chances of getting asthma. Research has found that looking into family history is one of the best ways to predict your chances of developing asthma symptoms in the future. Therefore, ask your parents about any history of asthma in your family. Even if you are adapted, your biological parents must have provided a family history to your current family.
Evaluate Your Allergies
Some allergies are associated with asthma symptoms like airway constriction, itchiness, watery eyes, rashes, and wheezing. Research has found that IgE, a protein antibody, is associated with asthma and increases your chances of developing an allergic reaction. Therefore, discuss your allergies with your doctor and understand your common triggers. Remember that you are more likely to develop asthma symptoms if you are allergic. You can ask your doctor about allergy testing to understand the type of allergy.
Consider Your Stress Levels
High levels of stress have been linked to increased asthma risk through research. Studies have shown that increased levels of stress hormones lead to lung constrictions, increased allergy sensitivity, leading to asthma symptoms. Ask your doctor about helpful stress-relieving techniques like relaxation, exercising, and improved sleeping habits. Also, you can consider avoiding any stress triggers where possible and look for support.
Evaluate Your Medications
If you are currently on any treatment, ensure you understand the side effects you can expect very well. Consider if our asthma symptoms have begun or have been more since you started your treatment. Some medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause airway and lung constriction and make you sensitive to them if you are asthmatic. Also, beta-blockers used to treat heart complications can cause lung airways constrictions.
Understanding your asthma risk factors will help you take the necessary steps to avoid or manage your symptoms. You can use the help of the asthma specialists at CHW Cares and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms. You can also book an online appointment and ask any relevant questions you might be experiencing.