If you have asthma, you might be used to coughing and wheezing sometimes. And if you have severe asthma, you may experience breathing difficulties more often than sufferers with a milder condition. 

That being said, your body will give you signs if your asthma isn’t properly managed – and if your condition is getting worse. Here’s a look at why asthma symptoms can get worse and how you can bring your asthma under control again.   

Does Asthma Get Worse?

It’s not uncommon for asthma to get worse at times. This may be during an isolated incident, such as an asthma attack, or it might last for a longer period.

When asthma gets worse, you might experience a sudden onset of more severe symptoms. Or your symptoms may worsen over a longer period of time – such as a few weeks or even months. 

If there’s a gradual onset of worsening symptoms, the changes can be so subtle that they’re hard to notice at first. However, it’s crucial that you know how to spot when your asthma is playing up so you can take decisive action. 

Why Has My Asthma Suddenly Got Worse?

Things that make your asthma worse are known as “asthma triggers”. When you know your asthma triggers, it’s easier to work with your doctor to find ways to bring quick relief. 

Here are the most common reasons why people with asthma experience flare-ups.

• Allergens: If you’re sensitive to tobacco fumes, dust mites, pollen, or other allergens, exposure to these allergens can cause asthma attacks.
• Respiratory infections: When you’re recovering from a cold or flu, your airways are more irritated than usual, which may worsen your asthma.
• Exercise: Increasing your activity levels too quickly might trigger an asthma attack.
• Medication: Some pain medications might cause an asthma flare-up.

Other asthma triggers include mold, stress, damp, and even changes in weather conditions. 

Six Signs of Asthma Worsening

At Asthmaniac, we can devise a treatment plan to help you bring your condition back under control. If you recognize any of these symptoms of asthma getting worse, book a consultation with us now. 

1. Shortness of Breath 

Shortness of breath is a clear sign that your asthma isn’t under control. This is especially true if you notice breathing problems at rest or during activities which are normally manageable for you. 

Any shortness of breath should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

2. Using Your Inhaler More Than Usual

Are you using your regular inhaler (or quick relief inhaler) more than normal? This is a sign that your medication isn’t working for you as effectively as it should be. 

And even if you’re not using your inhaler more than usual, but it’s not as effective at relieving your symptoms, your asthma is acting up. 

3. Activity Limitations

Every asthma sufferer has different limitations. What’s strenuous exercise to one person could be easily manageable to another. It’s important you know what’s manageable for you so you can track if your condition is interfering with your normal daily activities.

For example, if you can normally carry groceries but you can’t manage the trip without breathlessness, your asthma may be getting worse. Or if you can’t walk or climb stairs as usual, then this is a warning sign to pay attention to.

If your asthma gets in the way of your normal daily activities, then your condition is not under control. 

4. Nighttime Wheezing and Coughing

Do you wake up during the night due to wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath? If so, then your asthma could be acting up. 

To be clear, it’s not uncommon to occasionally wake up feeling a little out of breath or wheezy. But it shouldn’t happen often. If you’re reaching for a quick relief inhaler during the night once or twice a week, you need your asthma medication reviewed. 

5. Reduced Peak Flow Readings

Your “peak flow” shows how well your lungs are functioning. Your asthma may be getting worse if:

• Your peak flow measurements are significantly lower than usual.
• There are noticeable variations in readings from day to day.

Any change in peak flow readings should be discussed with a clinician. 

6. Chest Tightness

Chest tightness is hard to describe because it feels different for everyone. However, when your chest is “tight”, you might feel like you can’t breathe in or breathe out fully. You may feel like there’s a band across your chest, and it could even be painful to breathe. 

If you have chest tightness, especially at rest, your asthma medication may need to be reviewed. 

What to Do If Your Asthma Is Acting Up

Is your asthma getting worse? You don’t need to put up with it. 

At Asthmaniac, we want to give you back confidence in your breathing. We want to bring your asthma back under control so you can enjoy life without stressing over your condition. We can evaluate your asthma medicine, identify your common triggers, and work out an action plan to get you feeling better. 

It all starts with a telemedicine consultation. Contact us to learn how Asthmaniac can help!

Asthma can be life-threatening if it spirals out of control. But how do you detect asthma, and what are the early warning signs of an asthma attack? Below, we explain how to spot asthma in its early stages and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. Asthma causes your airways to become inflamed and narrower. In some cases, your lungs produce extra mucus, which causes more narrowing.
Some people have more severe symptoms than others. But although asthma can’t be cured, it can be controlled.

Asthma Causes

Asthma has many causes. The most common “triggers” for asthma are:

• Allergies: Some allergies, like pollen and pet allergies, can trigger asthma.
• Medication: Certain medicines such as aspirin can make asthma worse.
• Respiratory infections: Colds, influenza, and other seasonal viruses may trigger asthma symptoms.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke can irritate the lungs and throat, triggering asthma.

The trigger for your asthma dictates your asthma treatment. So, you should be evaluated by a health professional if you think you have asthma.

Early Warning Signs of Asthma

If you’re new to asthma, you might not know how to recognize the condition. Early signs of asthma include:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling breathless during exercise
• Frequent coughing
• SWheezing (especially in children)

You may also notice that your symptoms get worse when you have a respiratory infection. This is because your respiratory system is already inflamed and irritated. And in some cases, you might notice that respiratory infections last for much longer than expected.

If you think you might have Asthma, contact Asthmaniac for an evaluation.

Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

People with asthma should know how to spot the signs of an asthma attack so they can manage the situation. The early symptoms of an asthma attack are:

• Changes in peak expiratory flow readings: Drops in peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings should be reviewed with your doctor as they might suggest an attack is imminent.
• Using rescue inhaler more often: If you need your rescue inhaler more than usual, you may need a medication review to prevent an asthma attack.
• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath and more frequent coughing both suggest your asthma isn’t under control.
• Increased fatigue: If you’re more tired than normal, or you’re struggling with your daily activities, this may be a red flag that an attack is imminent.
• Scratchy or irritated throat: Although a scratchy throat can be a sign of a respiratory infection, it can also be an early sign of an asthma attack.

Other warning signs of an asthma attack include chest tightness, wheezing more than normal, and trouble sleeping due to symptoms. If you’re at all concerned about asthma symptoms, book a consultation with Asthmaniac.

Emergency Signs of an Asthma Attack

All asthma attacks can be serious. However, you need to seek immediate medical attention if you develop the following symptoms.

• You can’t get any relief from your rescue inhaler.
• Your fingernails or lips turn blue (cyanosis).
• You are struggling to talk, walk, or perform minimal activities.
• Your shoulders are hunched over or your chest constricts.

Call 911 if you or your child is having an asthma attack and you can’t bring it under control.

How to Control Asthma to Prevent Asthma Attacks

To help prevent asthma attacks, you need an asthma action plan.

Your asthma action plan is a guide to help you manage your symptoms and spot when your asthma might be getting worse. The quicker you spot the warning signs of worsening asthma, the easier it is to prevent asthma attacks.
An asthma action plan is tailored to you and your medical needs. But at a minimum, it should include:

• Asthma triggers
• Your current asthma medications
• Peak flow readings (if you use these)
• Your symptoms when your asthma is under control
• Warning signs which suggest you need to take action
• Emergency steps to take if you have an attack

Asthmaniac can review your current asthma action plan or create one for you.

Asthma Consultation With Asthmaniac

People with asthma need to know how to manage their condition to prevent it from getting worse.

That’s where Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, can help. At Asthmaniac, we offer virtual appointments to help you understand your diagnosis and prevent asthma attacks. We can evaluate your current medication, write prescriptions if needed, and update your action plan.

Whether you’re a new asthma patient or you’re struggling with your asthma controla, we’re here for you. Learn the early warning signs of asthma – book a consultation now to get started.

Nasal polyps can be irritating and painful – but what are they and how can you treat them? Here’s a look at what causes polyps in the nasal passages and how you can manage the symptoms in the long term. 

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are painless, small growths which develop along the nasal passages and sinuses. They typically appear inside both nasal passages – lumps or cysts confined to one side could be caused by other issues which require medical investigation. 

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps have many causes, but they’re often caused by irritation, swelling, and inflammation in the sinus cavities. Risk factors for developing nasal polyps include:

• chronic allergies and asthma
• chronic rhinosinusitis
• cystic fibrosis

Many times, though, it’s unclear what causes nasal polyps to develop.

What Are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

The symptoms depend on how many polyps you have and how large they are, but here are the most common signs to look out for.

• Chronic stuffy nose
• Facial pain over your sinuses
• Headaches
• Postnasal drip
• Pressure in your nose or sinuses 
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Runny nose
• Snoring

If you have asthma, you may notice more frequent asthma attacks if you also have nasal polyps. 

It can be hard to tell whether you just have a cold, nasal polyps, or chronic sinusitis. Consult a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days for a diagnosis. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Breathing difficulties
• Double vision
• High fever
• Increasingly painful headaches
• Severe swelling around your face or eyes 

Do Nasal Polyps Always Cause Symptoms?

No. Small polyps – and even some larger growths – won’t cause symptoms if they’re not blocking the nasal cavity. Treatment may not be required if your polyps aren’t noticeable. 

Who Gets Nasal Polyps?

Anyone can get them. However, they are more commonly found in adults. They’re very unusual in children aged 10 or younger. 

If you have nasal or respiratory inflammation – such as inflammation caused by asthma – you may be more prone to developing them.

Are There Treatments Available?

Treatment is normally aimed at reducing nasal inflammation which can help to shrink the growths. Treatment options include nasal steroids, oral steroids, and sinus surgery to remove the polyps in some cases.  

Do Nasal Polyps Always Require Surgery?

Not always. Surgery is typically only recommended if more conservative treatments – such as nasal sprays – don’t work or if polyps seriously affect your quality of life.

How Can I Properly Manage Nasal Polyps?

 

Although it’s impossible to prevent these polyps, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve how you feel. 

• Use nasal rinses: Nasal irrigation using a sterile wash or salt solution can remove irritants from your nasal passages, which could make you feel more comfortable.
• Control your asthma: Effective asthma management is crucial if you have nasal polyps. Contact Asthmaniac for help controlling your asthma which will in turn reduce inflammation in your airways.  
• Use a humidifier: Humidifiers can moisten the air around your home, which might improve your symptoms by making it easier for mucus to move through your sinuses.
• Wash your hands regularly: Colds, flus, and other viruses can irritate your nasal passages. Although you can’t avoid pathogens completely, regular hand washing – and avoiding touching your face – can reduce your risk of exposure

Over-the-counter medications, like nasal sprays and anti-allergy medication, may also help you manage your symptoms. 

Symptom management can sometimes depend on the underlying cause of your polyps. Book a consultation with us if you have asthma and you’re concerned that it’s not under effective control.   

Who Can Help With Management of Nasal Polyps?

Consulting a doctor should be your first step if you’re trying to control nasal polyps.

If you have asthma and suffer from nasal polyps, Asthmaniac can help. As your online asthma doctor, we’re committed to helping you manage your condition so you feel in control of your breathing. Whether you need an appointment quickly or a prescription for new asthma medication, Asthmaniac is here for you. 

Call today or book online to schedule a consultation! 

Do Nasal Polyps Cause Complications?

If the polyps block your air flow, they can make it harder for you to breathe comfortably. You may develop more frequent asthma attacks, and the chronic inflammation can make you more susceptible to sinus infections.  

Careful nasal polyps management can reduce the risk of complications, but there’s always the chance that polyps will worsen or come back after treatment.  

Do you need more help with your symptoms? Learn how to manage nasal polyps.