On Tuesday, September 3, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) published a press release announcing that menopausal women who have asthma have a higher chance of being hospitalized as a result of this affliction than men.
During childhood, boys are much more likely to suffer from the chronic respiratory disease than girls, but once adults reach their 40s and 50s, the source states that women are twice as likely to have an emergency attack that requires a trip to the hospital.
"This study reinforces that asthma is a women's health issue," said Dr. John Oppenheimer, associate editor of the ACCAI's scientific journal entitled Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "There is a need for more prevention and early intervention to reduce asthma hospitalization in menopausal women and reduce healthcare costs."
So, what can asthmatic women do to prevent potentially serious complications once they reach their 40s and 50s?
The ACCAI suggests that menopausal women schedule appointments with their doctors to find out how they can keep their symptoms in check and determine if there is a more effective medication for than what they have been using.
In addition to following advice from your physician, there are actions you can take at home to reduce your chances of having an asthma attack. To prevent irritants such as dust mites and mold from bothering you while you're trying to sleep at night, consider investing in hypoallergenic mattresses, sheets and pillows for your bed. These allergy products will ensure that you rest comfortably without being exposed to harmful allergens.
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