Asthma

Asthma is a non-communicable chronic disease, characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the airway and the lungs.

This results in wheezing and breathlessness, thicker mucus is produced which makes the airways narrower. The severity varies from person to person.

Compared to other chronic diseases, Asthma has a low fatality rate. It cannot be cured but it can be well managed.

Asthma causes/triggers.

The prevalent risk factors of asthma are one or a combination of genetic predisposition (heredity) and exposure to inhaled substances, that may cause allergic reactions, present in the environment which include:

•    Allergens, both indoor and outdoor allergens, such as dust mites in bedding, stuffed furniture, pet dander, pollen and mold.

•    Scented products such as air fresheners, diffusers, perfumes.

•    Tobacco smoke

•    Pollution, especially, the particulate matter that’s found in smoke and smug.

•    Extremely intense emotions such as anger, stress, fear.

•    Physical exercise.

•    Additives found in food and wine.

Symptoms.

Symptoms may occur several times a day or week and intensity varies from person to person. When these symptoms are aggravated, it is called an asthma attack or an asthma flare.

•    Shortness of breath and tightness of chest.

•    Coughing, especially at night.

Recurrent asthma symptoms may result in daytime fatigue and sleeplessness.

How to Diagnose Asthma.

To determine whether or not a person has Asthma, a Doctor needs to conduct a number of tests. Asthma can range from mild to moderate to severe.

A person may be diagnosed as having Asthma if there have:

•    frequent periods of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.

•    chest colds that take 10 or more days to recover.

•    family history of asthma or allergies.

Treatment for Asthma.

As was stated earlier, Asthma cannot be cured but proper management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy good quality of life. There are long-term medication and short-term medication.

The former controls Asthma in general while the latter provide relief during attacks.

Asthma is quite common in Children, make sure to pay special attention to kids. In cases where Asthma is mismanaged, death can occur.

Self-care Tips For Asthma Patients.

•    Hydration – drink lots of water, thereby keeping your mucus thinner

•    Minimize dust – clean your surrounds regularly and make sure to wear a mast while cleaning.

•    Avoid fragrance sprays and smoke – don’t smoke and do not stay around smokers to avoid second hand smoke.

•    Keep your inhaler handy – keep your inhaler wherever it’ll be easy to reach, your bag, your car, your pocket, anywhere easy to reach in an emergency.

•    Participate in physical activity – make sure to get some form of exercise under the supervision of your doctor. Moderation is key as exercise or physical exertion can trigger an attack.