Interesting Trends In Asthma Diagnosis, Causes

(CARLSBAD, CA) - Women are being diagnosed with asthma twice as often today as 20 years ago, a surprising trend that most people aren’t aware of. Women also appear to have more severe symptoms than men.

Several theories are circulating as to why gender makes a difference. One study found that more women are hospitalized with near fatal asthma attacks on the first day of menstruation than any other day, and nearly one in three women with asthma find it harder to breathe in the days around their period. Scientists don’t know yet why hormones make a difference when it comes to asthma attacks in some women, and many doctors remain unaware of the connection at all.

Other possible factors in the gender inequity include lung capacity and exposure to allergens. A woman’s lungs are 10 to 15 percent smaller than a man’s, which may allow a smaller amount of irritation to have a more extreme effect. As women do the majority of housework, they also have greater exposure to attack triggers such as dust mites, mold, animal dander and harsh detergents.

Recent research has unearthed another interesting trend: that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of adults being diagnosed with asthma. Asthmatics were twice as likely as people without asthma to indicate that they had been exposed to smoke during the past 12 months at work and five times as likely if they were exposed to it at home, according to a Finnish study that appeared in the “American Journal of Public Health.”

If you ever experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a tight feeling in your chest and/or wheezing and coughing, Jazzercise CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends considering a professional diagnosis. During May, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is offering free screenings at locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.acaai.org

If you have asthma, you can improve your chances of avoiding an attack by limiting your exposure to known allergens (dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, etc.) and cold, dry air. You may also want to try altering your diet slightly. Certain foods, including whole milk, apples and pears, were associated with fewer asthma attacks, according to research from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

A daily dose of fish oil may also help individuals who suffer from exercise-induced asthma. A University of Illinois study of top athletes who took fish oil supplements daily scored an 80 percent improvement in lung function tests given 15 minutes after exercise and used their bronchodilators 20 percent less.

Asthma doesn’t have to take the wind out of your workouts. If weather or air conditions are potentially irritating to your condition, take your workout indoors.  Many options are available for cardiovascular workouts, and of course strength training is an important part of every workout program.  Then next time you move your workout indoors, try the following lateral raise to strengthen the muscles of your shoulders and upper back. 

Stand with feet hip width apart, and your knees and toes pointing forward. Hold a light dumbbell in your right hand.  Slide your right foot back into a lunge position, keeping your right knee aligned over the right ankle.  Place your left hand on your left thigh for support, and allow your right arm to reach directly toward the floor.  Keep your back straight and your chest lifted, so you have a straight line from your heel to the top of your head.  Pull your abdominal muscles in and keep them engaged throughout the exercise.  Press your shoulder blades downward as you slowly lift the weight up and out to the side, pausing briefly when it reaches shoulder height.  Slowly lower the weight to the beginning position and repeat 10 to 12 times before changing to the other side. 

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com