Managing the Stress of Asthma can be devastating for the people and their families who are affected with the lifelong disease. Many people who have been diagnosed with asthma feel distressed frustrated, and very scared. Today, approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease. It is estimated that the number of people with asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025. It is one of this world’s most common and costly diseases. There is no cure for asthma, but asthma can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.
Asthma affects 22 million Americans. Asthma in children occurs in approximately 10%-12% of kids. Asthma may occur at any age, although it is more common in younger individuals under the age of forty.
People who have a family history of asthma have an increased risk of developing the disease. Allergies and asthma often occur together. Smoking with asthma is a dangerous combination. Surprisingly, many older individuals who have asthma smoke.
People with allergies, such as hay fever or animal allergies, often get asthma. For example, if you are allergic to dogs, you might have an asthma attack if you get near a dog. If something at your workplace gives you an asthma attack, it is called work-related asthma.
Some of the work conditions that can cause asthma attacks are cold temperatures, heavy physical work, dust, chemicals, and smoke. Some people first get allergies to chemicals or dust in the workplace, and then they get asthma later on.
Anyone can develop asthma at any time, and adult-onset asthma happens frequently. If you have symptoms of asthma, talk to your doctor. If you have adult-onset asthma, your doctor will instruct you in using the asthma inhalers and other asthma medications to prevent further breathing problems.
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