What
is ASTHMA?
Asthma
is a common disease which affects breathing. It is usually chronic (long
term), with repeated, sudden attacks of breathlessness. During an attack
it is difficult to breathe in, and even more difficult to breathe out.
Asthma can develop at any age, but it particularly affects the young.
In some cases the symptoms are not severe, and the disease may
disappear altogether during the teenage years.
What
are the symptoms of Asthma?
The
most noticeable symptom of asthma is the high-pitched whistling sound
known as “wheezing” which is caused by partial blocking of the airways
leading to breathing difficulty. You may want to cough and it may be a dry
cough or one that produces phlegm, which is clear or yellowish in colour.
Many asthmatics complain of a feeling of tightness in their chests during
an attack and they cannot breathe out properly.
What
causes Asthma?
Many
things can provoke an asthmatic attack such as:
-
A
virus infection (coughs, colds, sore throats)
-
Exercise
(especially running in cold weather)
-
Emotion
(excitement or feeling upset)
-
Exposure
to substances that can produce an allergic reaction such as house
dust, animal fur or feathers, grass pollens, mould spores)
-
Food
allergies (wheezing will occur within a few minutes of swallowing)
-
Smoke
(e.g. tobacco smoke)
Is
Asthma hereditary or infectious?
Asthma
is hereditary. It often runs in the family or conditions associated with
asthma such as eczema, hay fever, allergic rhinitis or migraine. In other
cases it may be triggered by allergens (pollens, animal furs or feathers,
house dust, etc…) Asthma is not infectious and cannot be caught from
people who have the disease.
How
serious is Asthma?
Asthma
varies in severity. Most attacks are fairly mild and short, but in a few
cases they are serious. This can cause severe breathlessness and you may
be unable to speak or lie down; if the blood becomes starved with oxygen,
the skin and lips may turn blue. Emergency hospital treatment is needed in
this situation.
What
medicines are used to treat Asthma?
Many
forms of treatment are available. The most common used medicines are those
that help to relax the airways making it easier to breathe known as
bronchodilators, e.g. ventolin which is commonly used in the form of
inhalers. Drugs may also be taken by inhalation or in tablet, liquid form
or injection. Some attacks are prolonged and it is best treated in
hospitals.
Are
there medicines to prevent Asthma?
Steroids
are the drugs used to prevent asthmatic attacks in both children and
adults. They prevent the congestion and inflammation of the airways. The
most commonly used steroid is becotide that is available as an inhaler.
Very young children who are unable to use steroid aerosols may need
steroid tablets or injections.
Are
inhalers effective?
Inhalers
are immediate medicines against asthma attacks. It acts quickly and gives
much relief. It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose, as it can
be harmful or even dangerous. It is essential that you get full
instructions from your doctor about the correct way and dosage and when
you should use the spray. The earlier the spray is used in an attack, the
more effective it will be. If taken at the beginning, it will often
prevent an attack from developing.
What
to do during an attack?
Asthma
attacks may be frightening. It is important to follow the three
“C’s” -keep cool, calm and collected. Panic worsens the attack and
anything that produces relaxation may help.
Step
one: make sure you are sitting upright and loosen any clothing that could
restrict your breathing.
Step
two: take one or two puffs of your inhaler and breathe slowly and regular
as possible.
Step
three: call a doctor or go to the nearest health center if you do not
respond to the medications that have been prescribed.
Is
diet important?
Diet
is important. The stomach is closely related to the lungs in position.
Therefore anything that affects the stomach may affect asthma. You should
firstly avoid any food which do not suit you, and secondly to avoid large
meals late at night. Food can bring on asthma either through an allergy or
a digestive upset, or due to a distended stomach.
What
can I do to avoid Asthma?
The
following are helpful tips to prevent the attack at home, work, school and
outdoors:
-
Avoid
exposure to tobacco smoke. Do not smoke and do not stay in a room with
people who do.
-
Remove
animals from the bedrooms or entire house.
-
Avoid
foods that are known to trigger an attack such as nuts, chocolate,
eggs, shellfish, peanut butter, flour, cereals and other grains.
-
Exchange
any bedding containing feathers or kapok for others having a synthetic
filling.
-
Vacuum
carpets daily and wash curtains every four to six weeks.
-
Dusting
should be done with a damp cloth and keep the door to your bedroom
closed.
-
Mattresses
should be frequently turned.
-
Avoid
substances known to cause an attack such as paints, furniture polish,
room deodorizers, hair sprays, perfumes and cleaning solvents.
-
Avoid
exposure to people with the common cold or flu.
-
Avoid
over exertion or extreme emotions, such as anger, fear, frustration,
laughing too hard, or crying.
-
Avoid
running in the cold or sudden temperature changes, e.g. entering an
air conditioning room.
-
Make
sure you always carry your medication with you everywhere you go.
-
Never
run out of ventolin.
HOW
TO USE A INHALER
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