The feeling of breathlessness and suffocation, an irritating persistent cough, whistling, wheezing -- an asthma patient dreads these symptoms. A sudden trigger of asthma can be exhausting and dangerous.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the respiratory system of the body. Swelling in the airways and constriction of the muscles lead to narrowing of the air passage which makes breathing difficult.
But asthma can be managed and one can avoid recurring asthma attack by taking following precautions:
1. Firstly, take your asthma controller medicine (steroid) regularly. Many patients tend to stop their medicine after they start feeling well. Don't stop, take your controller medicine daily.
The rescue (bronchodilator) medication relieves the muscle spasm and gives immediate relief when there is an attack.
2. Learn to use your inhaler properly. Holding it in the right position and inhaling the medicine for the right duration are important. A spacer can help you inhale the adequate dose of medicine.
3. Identify your asthma trigger. Trigger can be different for different people--Cold weather, air pollution, smoke, pollen, dust anything can trigger asthma. Cockroaches, dust mites, animal fur can also trigger asthma. So, identify your trigger and try to avoid it. Stay indoors, clean your house regularly using vacuum cleaner, use dust proof cushion and mattress cover, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when going out.
4. Take your flu shot every year.
5. If you feel the symptoms of asthma, calm yourself. Sit down and relax. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. It helps warm up the air you are breathing into your lungs. Now, take your medicine. If you feel there is an allergen in your nose or mouth, rinse them with saline water.
6. Drink plenty of fluids. But remember, too cold or too hot could cause muscle spasms in the airways. So, drink water, juice, tea at the room temperature, it will help subside asthma symptoms.
7. Keep your emergency action plan ready all the time. Tell your family and friends about your asthma and the medicines you need to control an attack. If your lips or fingernails are turning blue, or you are feeling breathless and are unable to talk, call a doctor.