Adult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators. Read more: Adult-Onset Asthma Article
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Drug Interactions: What Foods, Drugs, Herbs Affect Medications?
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What Is Asthma? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
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10 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies With Pictures
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Adult-Onset Asthma See a medical illustration of the bronchioles plus our entire medical gallery of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesRelated Disease Conditions
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Cough: 19 Tips on How to Stop a Cough
Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including irritants like cigarette and secondhand smoke, pollution, air fresheners, medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer, and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include staying hydrated, gargle salt water, use cough drops or lozenges, use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm, and don't smoke. Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include narcotic medications, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).
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Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.
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What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms and signs include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies and should be discussed with your physician.
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Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.
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Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Nosebleed
Nosebleeds are common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. People taking blood clotting medications, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory medications may be more prone to nosebleeds. Other factors that contribute to nosebleed are trauma (including nose picking, especially in children), rhinitis (both allergic and nonallergic), and high blood pressure. First-aid treatments for a nosebleed generally do not need medical care. Frequent or chronic nosebleeds may require medical treatment such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and prevention of nose picking.
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COPD vs. Asthma (Differences and Similarities)
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma both have common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. COPD is caused by tobacco smoking, while asthma is caused by your inherited genetic makeup and their interactions with the environment. Risk factors for asthma are obesity, exposure to cigarette smoke (even secondhand smoke), and personal history of hay fever. There is no cure for either disease, but symptoms can be managed with medication. A person with asthma has a better prognosis and life expectancy than someone with COPD.
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Symptoms of 12 Serious Diseases and Health Problems
Learn how to recognize early warning signs and symptoms of serious diseases and health problems, for example, chronic cough, headache, chest pain, nausea, stool color or consistency changes, heartburn, skin moles, anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, lightheadedness, night sweats, eye problems, confusion, depression, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and nipple changes. The symptoms and signs of serious health problems can be caused by strokes, heart attacks, cancers, reproductive problems in females (for example, cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases or STDs), breast problems (for example, breast cancer and non-cancer related diseases), lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma), stomach or digestive diseases (for example, cancers, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease), bladder problems (for example, urinary incontinence, and kidney infections), skin cancer, muscle and joint problems, emotional problems or mental illness (for example, postpartum depression, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, and schizophrenia), and headache disorders (for example, migraines, or "the worst headache of your life), and eating disorders and weight problems (for example, anorexia or bulimia).
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Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short in duration (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms for acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also my include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis are OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.
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Hypoxia (Hypoxemia)
Hypoxia is a condition in which the normal concentration of oxygen in the blood is not enough for normal life functions. Symptoms of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia may be acute such as fast heart rate, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath; or severe symptoms include confusion, the inability to communicate, coma, and sometimes death. Treatment of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia is to provide supplemental oxygen to the body as soon as possible.
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Neutropenia
Neutropenia is a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils, neutrophils being a type of white blood cell (specifically a form of granulocyte) filled with neutrally-staining granules, tiny sacs of enzymes that help the cell to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed by phagocytosis. Signs and symptoms of neutropenia include gum pain and swelling, skin abscesses, recurrent ear and sinus infections, sore mouth, low-grad fever, pneumonia-like symptoms, and pain and irritation around the rectal area. Neutropenia has numerous causes, for example, infections (HIV, TB, mono); medications (chemotherapy); vitamin deficiencies (anemia); bone marrow diseases (leukemias), radiation therapy, autoimmune destruction of neutrophils, and hypersplenism. Treatment of neutropenia depends upon the cause and the health of the patient.
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Flu (Influenza)
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
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Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
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Smoking (How to Quit Smoking)
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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Lung Anatomy
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
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Snoring
Snoring is caused by the vibrations of the soft tissues at the back of the nose and throat while a person sleeps. There are many causes of snoring like being pregnant, allergies, asthma, colds, the flu, excess alcohol, some medications, smoking, and sleep position. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes snoring and can be serious. Treatments to reduce or stop snoring include lifestyle changes, home remedies, antisnoring devices and aids, medical treatments, and at times, surgery.
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Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
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COPD vs. Emphysema
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the term doctors and other healthcare professionals use to describe a group of serious, progressive (worsens over time), chronic lung diseases that include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes asthma. The number one cause of COPD or emphysema, is smoking, and smoking is the third leading cause of death in the US.
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What Is the Treatment for Asthmatic Bronchitis?
Asthmatic bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes carrying air inside the lungs that occurs because of asthma. Treatment for asthmatic bronchitis involves bronchodilators, steroids, treating secretions, leukotriene inhibitors, antibiotics, oxygen administration and avoiding triggers.
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What Is Asthma? 19 Complex Facts
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
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What Is the Normal Range for Blood Gases?
Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas analysis (ABG analysis), helps measure the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. It also helps determine the pH of the blood, the levels of bicarbonate ions in the blood and the oxygen saturation of the blood. The normal range for blood gases are shown in the table.
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What Are the Differences Between Anoxia and Hypoxia?
Anoxia and hypoxia are often used interchangeably, but they do refer to different things. Learn what the differences are.
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What Are the Four Types of Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways (bronchi). Bronchi generally allow for the passage of air in and out of the lungs. In asthma, these airways develop hypersensitivity, inflammation, and narrowing. This causes difficulty in breathing. The four types are mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent.
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Asthma in Children
Asthma in children manifests with symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Rates of asthma in children are increasing. Asthma in children is usually diagnosed based on the description of symptoms. Lung function tests may also be used. A variety of medications are used for the treatment of childhood asthma.
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How Are Nasal Polyps Removed?
The surgical removal of nasal polyps is known as nasal polypectomy. The procedure is mainly performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The physician relieves congestion of the nose using oxymetazoline drops or pellets. The polyps are removed with the help of polyp forceps without injuring the surrounding tissue.
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What Is Severe Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease caused due to the airway’s hypersensitive response to allergic stimuli. Severe asthma or status asthmaticus is defined as asthma that is uncontrolled, despite adherence with maximal optimized therapy and treatment of contributory factors or asthma that worsens when high dose treatment is decreased.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Chest X-Ray
- What Drugs Are Used in Rapid Sequence Intubation?
- What Is Barotrauma in Mechanical Ventilation?
- What Are the Three Types of Asthma?
- What Is an Eucapnic Hyperventilation (EVH) Test?
- Nebulizer for Asthma
- What Does a Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measure?
- How Long Does Bronchial Thermoplasty Last?
- Asthma
- How to Choose a Doctor
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Asthma, Controlling Your
- Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor's Appointment
- Asthma Update -- Paul Enright, MD. -- 11/25/02
- Asthma and Allergies and Your Child
- Asthma: Managing Exercise-Induced Asthma
- Asthma Control: Know Your Score
Medications & Supplements
- prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos) Corticosteroid
- Prednisone vs. Budesonide
- Bronchodilators (Drug Class)
- Anticholinergic and Antispasmodic Drugs
- What Does Prednisone Do to Your Body?
- What Are the Benefits of An Aerosol Treatment?
- budesonide (oral inhalation, Pulmicort, Pulmicort Flexhaler)
- Flonase vs. Nasacort
- Side Effects of Ventolin (albuterol)
- albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- aminophylline (Norphyl)
- quercetin
- epinephrine racemic
- Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone and salmeterol oral inhaler)
- Cold Medicine and Cough Syrup for Adults
- budesonide/formoterol hfa inhaler (Symbicort)
- beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler (Qvar)
- Side Effects of Ephedrine (oral)
- rifampin
- bronchodilator-aerosol oral inhaler
- Dulera (mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate)
- zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- Qvar (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- eucalyptus
- Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
- alfalfa
- Types of Asthma Medications
- bitolterol mesylate
- Dulera (mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate)
- How Do You Use Inhalers and Nebulizers?
- Side Effects of Xolair (omalizumab)
- ciclesonide (Alvesco)
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- Nucala (mepolizumab)
- ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)
- Side Effects of Elixophyllin (theophylline)
- ArmonAir RespiClick (fluticasone propionate)
Prevention & Wellness
- Stay Independent of Asthma, Allergies This July 4th
- Why Treatment Helps Some Asthma Patients More Than Others
- Two-Drug Inhaler Could Reduce Asthma Attacks
- 'Zapping' Air Passages May Bring Relief for Severe Asthma
- Many People With Asthma Have Mixed Feelings About Masks: Poll
- Is Your Workplace an Asthma Trigger?
- New Insights Into Why Asthma Worsens at Night
- More Than Half of People With Asthma Aren't Seeing a Specialist
- Could Certain Diabetes Drugs Fight Asthma, Too?
- New Drug Shows Promise Against Tough-to-Manage Asthma
- Asthma Attacks Plummeted During Pandemic
- California's Tougher Diesel Emissions Rules Cut Related Deaths in Half: Study
- Pandemic Has People Cleaning, and That Means More Asthma Attacks
- Could the Pill Reduce Asthma Attacks?
- Birth Control Pill Could Cut Women's Risk for Asthma
- Using Fewer Asthma Meds May Be Safe Option for Some
- Coronavirus Fears Have People With Asthma, Emphysema Avoiding the ER
- Ozone, Wood Smoke Raise Odds of COPD in Smokers and Nonsmokers
- AHA News: Lovely But Dangerous, Wood Fires Bring Health Risks
- Cleaner Air Quickly Brings Big Health Benefits, Study Finds
- Uncontrolled Asthma a Danger to Pregnant Women, Babies
- Feather Bedding Caused Man's Serious Respiratory Condition
- Wildfire Smoke Threatens Health for Miles Around
- 'Green Inhalers' Could Reduce Carbon Footprint: Study
- Risk of Smoke Inhalation as California Wildfires Rage
- U.S. Air Quality Declines: Study
- Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse
- Cell Mapping Provides New Insights About Asthma
- Sheep Study Shows a Stuffy Side Effect of Vaping
- Cleaner Air Linked to Lower Asthma Rates in Kids
- For Many With Mild Asthma, Popular Rx May Not Work: Study
- Summer Is Tough for Asthma Sufferers
- Vehicle Exhaust Drives Millions of New Asthma Cases Annually
- FDA Says Primatene Mist Inhaler is Back for Asthmatics
- Dirty Air Tied to Millions of Asthma ER Visits Each Year
- Florence's Lingering Threat: Mold
- Asthma-Obesity Link May Cut Both Ways
- Women With Asthma More Likely to Develop COPD
- Summers Less Smoggy Now, But Winter Air Hasn't Improved
- Can You Eat Your Way to Better Asthma Control?
- Adult-Onset Asthma Might Raise Heart Risks
- Do You Know the 'Hidden' Signs of Asthma?
- New Inhaled Drug Shows Promise Against Asthma, Allergies
- Study Probes Link Between Early Antibiotic Use, Asthma
- Materials in Some Household Products Tied to Lung Damage
- One in Six Cases of Adult Asthma May Be Linked to Workplace
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