No, Asthma is not a communicable disease. It does not spread from one person to another like a cold or flu. Asthma is a long-term condition where the airways in the lungs become narrow and inflamed due to genetic factors and environmental triggers (dust or pollen). It is a health issue which affects how a person breathes.
Causes Of Asthma
Here is a list of some of the more common causes for getting Asthma:
Genetics
Asthma is a condition which runs in families. If your parents or siblings have asthma then you are more likely to get it too. This is because asthma is partly inherited.
Your body is more sensitive to things which can trigger Asthma if someone in your family has it.
Allergens
There are a few things which can cause Asthma symptoms by making the airways in your lungs inflamed. These include pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander.
Respiratory Infections
Getting sick with colds or the flu triggers and worsens asthma. This is especially true for young children. When you catch a cold, it can make the airways inflamed.
Exercise
For some people doing physical activity leads to asthma symptoms. This is especially true if you exercise a lot or in cold and dry air. This type of asthma is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Here, the airways temporarily narrow during or after exercise.
Weather
Weather changes also tend to affect asthma. For instance, breathing in cold air makes the airways tighten and causes asthma symptoms. Rapid shifts in temperature and humidity also triggers asthma attacks and makes the symptoms worse.
Ways Of Avoiding Triggers
Here are a few ways how you can avoid triggers of Asthma:
Avoid Exposure To Allergens
Reduce exposure to common allergens to prevent symptoms of asthma. Keep your home clean to reduce dust mites. You can also make use of air purifiers to filter out pollen and pet dander.
Actively avoid mold by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers. If you have pets, try to keep them out of bedrooms and off furniture.
Reduce Exposure To Air Pollution
Limit your time outside on days when air quality is poor. Avoid going outside when there are high levels of pollution. For instance during smog or wildfire smoke events.
If you live in an area with high pollution, consider using air filters in your home. You need to actively avoid strenuous outdoor activities on bad air days.
Practice Good Hygiene
You need to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections that can trigger asthma. Make an active habit of washing your hands regularly.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep your vaccinations up to date, including the flu vaccine.
Manage Exercise Induced Asthma
If you have exercise-induced asthma, work with your doctor to develop a plan. This might include using an inhaler before exercise, warming up properly, and avoiding any outdoor exercise in very cold or dry weather.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Pay attention to weather forecasts and try to avoid outdoor activities during extreme weather conditions. Avoid going outside during very cold or humid days.
If you need to go outside then cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. This will help to warm the air in cold weather before it reaches your lungs.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and keeping a healthy weight can help your overall respiratory health. Prevent smoking and secondhand smoking as well. Tobacco smoke can increase the risk of developing asthma and worsen symptoms in those who already have it.
Do Regular Check-Ups
If you have a family history of asthma or are at risk, regular check-ups can help. Contact your healthcare provider to catch any early signs and get guidance on managing potential triggers.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of some of the other frequently asked questions that get asked related to the topic:
Is Asthma Curable Permanently?
Currently, asthma does not have a permanent cure. While treatments can help control symptoms the condition itself usually persists.
Medications such as inhalers and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. But they do not eliminate the condition. Ongoing management and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to keep asthma under control.
Does Asthma Get Worse With Age?
Asthma can vary from person to person, and for some, it might get worse with age. Having changes in the body, along with increased exposure to triggers and other health conditions affects asthma.
However, many people manage to control their symptoms effectively throughout their lives. By doing regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans, one can manage asthma effectively.
Does Asthma Get Worse With Age?
Asthma can vary from person to person, and for some, it might get worse with age. Having changes in the body, along with increased exposure to triggers and other health conditions affects asthma.
However, many people manage to control their symptoms effectively throughout their lives. By doing regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans, one can manage asthma effectively.
Can Exercise Help Asthma?
Exercise can be beneficial for people with asthma when managed properly. Regular physical activity can strengthen the lungs. It also works on improving overall health. However, for some, exercise might trigger asthma symptoms.
With the right approach, exercise can be a positive part of managing asthma.
Can Asthma Go Away?
Asthma may not completely go away, but symptoms can improve. Or it could become less frequent over time. Some people, especially children, might experience a significant reduction in symptoms with age. For others, asthma may continue throughout life. They can, though, be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan.
Having a proper management can help keep symptoms under control and improve your quality of life.
Conclusion,
As you can already tell, Asthma is not a chronic disease. It is a chronic condition which results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Understanding that Asthma is a non-communicable disease can help you in focusing on appropriate management strategies along with preventive measures.
Contact Allergy and Asthma treatment centre today to get the best personalized treatment services for your condition!
