· Do you have a shortness of breath or a wheezy feeling?
· Coughing or wheezing when you wake up?
· You're having trouble keeping up with your typical activity/exercise because you're having trouble breathing?
· Frequently feels suffocated or gets chest tightness
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have ASTHMA. Let's look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Asthma.
What precisely is Asthma and how does it affect your life?
Asthma is a long-term lung disorder that causes breathing difficulties and damages the lungs' breathing passages or airways. The interior layers of your airways swell considerably more when triggered. This limits the amount of room available for air to enter and exit the lungs. Your airways' surrounding muscles may also contract, making breathing more difficult.
In most circumstances, Asthma may be readily controlled, however, it is important to realise that there is no permanent treatment for Asthma. Asthmatics have sensitive, irritated airways that react more readily to stimuli, resulting in asthma episodes. The tightening of muscles surrounding the airways causes an asthma attack, which leads to a rapid worsening of asthma symptoms. During an asthma flare-up, the muscles around the airways tighten, making it harder to breathe due to airway swelling and mucous.
Breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, or a tight chest arise common asthma symptoms. Symptoms can appear at any time of day or night, and they might change over time.
Who gets Asthma?
Asthma affects 339 million people worldwide, according to WHO estimates.
It has an impact on people of all ages. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, women have a higher asthma prevalence than men as adults. In addition, compared to males, women are more likely to have severe asthma and asthma that develops later in life. As children, boys have a higher prevalence of asthma than girls (11.9 per cent vs. 7.5 per cent, respectively), and boys are twice as likely to be hospitalized for an asthma exacerbation as girls.
People who have asthma or other allergy illnesses such as eczema or hay fever may have a family history of asthma or other allergic conditions. Asthma can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or cigarette smoke.
What Are Asthma Triggers?
Triggers are substances that might cause asthma symptoms to act up. Please keep in mind that when someone's asthma is well-controlled thanks to an individualized asthma treatment plan, triggers are less likely to cause an asthma flare-up.
Smoking, stress, polluted environments, perfumes, flowers, animal hair, and specific foods are all typical asthma triggers (chocolates, ice cream), Colds and flu
Exercise and activity: Exercising excessively might aggravate asthma symptoms. People who have good management of their asthma symptoms can live busy and healthy lives. Speak with your doctor about how to manage your asthma while continuing to conduct your regular activities, such as exercising to stay fit and healthy.
Medications: Certain medicines can make some people develop asthma. Consult your doctor and inform him of your current medications.
Medications for Asthma:
Asthma medicines are divided into two categories:
a) Relievers: These are medications that give instant relief from asthma episodes.
b) Controllers: These are medicines that work on the airways over time to decrease swelling and tightness. It's vital to keep in mind that controller medications should be used over the long term.
Inhalers or nebulizers can be used to provide medications. Check to see if you're using your medications correctly; if you're not sure, ask your doctor for help.
Ask your doctor to
· Explains how to use your asthma inhalers and other devices.
· Conduct frequent reviews to ensure that you are capable of doing it appropriately.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, up to 94 per cent of patients do not utilize their asthma medication devices appropriately.
You can breathe easier if you take your asthma medicine as directed.
