Asthma is a chronic, reversible, inflammatory disease of the airways. It occurs probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
You are more likely to develop asthma if it runs in your family. An asthma attack generally occurs due to exposure to a substance, called allergen, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, together with increased mucous production, that leads to the characteristic symptoms of asthma. |
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The narrowing of your airways leads to wheezing and breathlessness, sometimes to the extent where you may gasp for air. The airways of asthma affected people are very sensitive to certain allergy causing irritants such as pollen, dust, smoke, etc. When your airways are exposed to these irritants, it can become inflamed, triggering an asthma attack.
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Keeping control of asthma
Asthma cannot be cured but can be controlled. You will have to take ample precautions to ensure that you keep away from irritants (see Box) that can trigger symptoms in you.
Additionally, you may have to regularly take the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
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Allergens that can trigger asthma attacks
- Dust
- Smoke/cigarette smoke
- Polluted air
- Pollen
- Pets
- Temperature changes
- Certain types of food
- Perfumes, sprays and deodorants
- Heartburn
- Emotional setbacks
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Keeping allergens away
The sensitive things or irritants that you may be allergic to are called allergens.
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Here are a few simple methods of safeguarding yourself from a possible asthma attack:
- If you are allergic to pollen or dust, keep the windows of your home and/or car closed.
- Use an air conditioner or heater (as per the weather conditions) to keep the atmosphere free of dust and other allergy-causing particles.
- Clean the filter of your heating or cooling machinery regularly.
- Wash bed sheets, pillow covers, blankets, etc. in hot water and keep them covered with airtight covers to protect them from gathering dust.
- Discard stuffed toys, animals and other items that gather dust easily.
- Pets are wonderful to be with, but not a good idea if you are asthmatic. Keep them out of your bedroom.
- Smoking can irritate your airways. Keep away from both forms of smoking—active and passive.
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Seeking medical help
If you experience any symptoms of asthma, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Asthma, though controllable, can sometimes go out of hand if treatment is delayed. Fortunately, modern day medicines are very effective in providing relief. There are basically two types of asthma medications that are available—medicines to prevent attacks, also called controller medicines and medicines to treat attacks also called rescue medicines.
Controller medicines help reduce the swelling in your airways to prevent asthma attacks. These medicines decrease the airway inflammation. However, they must be taken on a regular basis—whether or not you are having symptoms. They are not supposed to provide relief during an asthma attack, as they take a long time to relieve symptoms.
For providing instant relief, rescue medicines are used. Rescue medicines provide quick relief during an asthma attack by relaxing the muscles around your airways, causing expansion or opening of the lumen of the airways and making breathing easier. For more information, ask your doctor about these medicines and what to do if you get an asthma attack.
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Peak flow meter
A peak flow meter is a hand-held device that measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. Measuring your peak flow regularly can help you tell whether your asthma is in control or getting worse.
Ask your doctor about the peak flow meter and how to use it.
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Asthma attack:
Knowing the warning signs
Knowing the warning signs of an impending asthma attack will help you take necessary precautions. Here are some of them:
- Your peak flow is low.
- You develop cough and begin to wheeze.
- You feel out of breath.
- You feel a tightness or heaviness in your chest region.
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Coping with asthma
Asthma can be stressful and depressing. You may not be able to go about with your routine day-to-day activities in order to avoid environmental triggers. The symptoms of asthma can also be quite embarrassing for you. But the fact is that many celebrities and highly successful people who suffer from asthma have fought and kept the disorder in control and have risen up to the pinnacle of glory. You too can do it. Remember, you may have asthma but asthma can never have you. It can slow you but can never stop you. |
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