Health Care & Medical

Asthma is a condition that should not be taken lightly. It is a difficult condition that makes life measureable. It’s a debilitating disease that affects thousands of people. However, more and more people are getting aware of the disease but still it has become a common problem.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of lungs in which airways get narrowed and inflamed. Its attacks are triggered by some specific conditions in the environment. Pollens, dust, dog and cat hairs can also contribute in influencing chronic asthma in some people while many people are resistant to rodents, and cockroaches etc. the symptoms of this can be mild, moderate or severe. An affected person feels problems such as constriction in the chest; breathing becomes difficult, wheezing, coughing etc. Chronic asthma can be classified into atopic and non- atopic. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the problem. Smoking also contributes in triggering conditions. Prevention can be obtained by avoiding triggers such as allergens, irritants etc.

There are many things by which a person can get prevention from chronic asthma. However, in some cases it can be severe and there is no known way of treating severe condition of asthma. Here are some points buy which prevention can be obtained such as:

• Avoiding polluted air

• Don’t do excess exercise

• Avoid allergens

• Intake of vitamins and supplements

• Taking prescribed medication

There may be numerous causes of chronic asthma. Its common causes include family history, allergies and exposure to certain infections in the young age.

• Asthma can get worsen at night or in the early morning. Many people rarely experience any symptom of this while other feel obstruction in the airflow.

• Eczema and hay fever are its common risk factors. History of atopic disease is the strongest risk factor of this.

• Hey fever increases the risk of developing asthma five times. Allergic asthma is associated with the sensitivity to allergens.

• Some certain respiratory infections are co-related with asthma.

• Psychological stress is also considered as a trigger to asthma. Its symptoms may arise during exercise, smoke, menstrual cycles, at night, weather change, viral infection, pollen etc. The chronic inflammation can cause a major attack of chronic asthma.

The treatment strategy used for asthma can differs from age to age. The purpose of this strategy is that, the affected person can get relief and lead a normal life. It helps in the proper functioning of lungs.

There is no treatment available that can help to get rid of completely from chronic asthma. However, by making some lifestyle changes the severity of the condition can be reduced and the patient can live a better life. Sedentary lifestyle and smoking is very much responsible for causing the condition. A good nutritious diet plan which is full of vitamins and other nutritional values can help to treat the condition.

Managing asthma is not something your doctor can do for you all by himself. Asthma self help is an important part of treating and managing your condition so that it doesn’t take over your entire life. Your doctor may prescribe both daily medication and medication to take in case of an acute asthma episode, but the task of minimizing risk of asthma attack and taking care of yourself on a daily basis is largely up to you and your family. Learning some key asthma self help tricks can help you keep your asthma under control so that it doesn’t interfere with your daily life.

Because asthma can be caused, triggered or worsened by so many things, there are many things that you can do to lessen the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Your doctor will offer important suggestions in addition to medication to help you manage your asthma. Think of those suggestions as a personalized asthma self help plan. A major part of asthma self help involves avoiding asthma triggers. Some ways that you can help yourself if you or someone in your family has asthma include:

1. The first and most important step in asthma self help is to follow your doctor’s orders. Don’t stop taking daily medication just because you feel better. If he’s prescribed daily peak flow measurements, be sure to follow instructions carefully and measure daily to monitor your condition.

2. If you smoke, quit. Whether the asthma sufferer is you or a child in your family, cigarette smoke is one of the most common asthma triggers known.

3. Keep the house dust-free – or as close to dust-free as possible. Dust is another common asthma trigger. Use a cylinder vacuum instead of an upright – preferably one that encloses the vacuum cleaner bag inside a solid canister to minimize pumping dust back into the air.

4. If you can, remove carpets and heavy draperies. They’re dust-catchers that easily breed dust mites. If you can’t remove them, vacuum them frequently using a canister vacuum cleaner.

5. Avoid using down feather pillows and comforters, and use a plastic cover on your mattress. Mattresses and pillows can harbor dust mites. The same goes for stuffed animals and other ‘soft’ decorations.

6. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf in cold weather. Cold air is another common asthma trigger.

7. If your asthma is triggered by allergens, monitor the outside air quality daily. Avoid open fields and woodsy areas during peak pollen seasons, and take extra care when air quality is in danger ranges.

8. Mold is another common allergen that triggers asthma. Keeping mold down is another important part of asthma self help care. Dry wet laundry immediately, and wash and disinfect bathrooms and showers regularly. Remove houseplants, as mold grows in their soil.

9. Pet dander can also trigger asthma symptoms. If you can’t part with a pet because of emotional ties, at least keep it out of the bedroom to minimize your exposure to dander.

10. Be aware of any food or ingested allergies, and avoid foods, medications and drinks that cause allergic reactions.