KWALI HEALTH TIPS &ndash; MANAGING ASTHMA

04 May,2022

: Kwali Health Tips

KWALI HEALTH TIPS – MANAGING ASTHMA

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airways get inflamed (swell up) and narrow, producing extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma patients have sensitive airways that overreact and narrow when encountering the smallest of triggers. Diagnosis of Asthma is to be confirmed by suitably qualified medical professionals.

In this blog our Kwali4u team shares with you some useful tips on what triggers asthmatic attacks; its symptoms, management and recommended lifestyle changes. If you or someone you know suffers from Asthma, then this blog is for you.

In the event you or a family member has asthma, you should know what will be happening in the airways and how to recognize common asthma symptoms. When you understand asthma symptoms, you can determine what the triggers are, when there is a need for quick-relief medications, and when immediate medical attention is required.

Asthma causes three changes to your airways, the first one is when there is swelling within the airways. The swelling of airways then causes clogging in the airways by mucus. This clogging of airways eventually results in difficulty breathing as the airways become swollen and tight. We have listed the most common symptoms below:

Shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain
Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of Asthma in children
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing
Worsened coughing/wheezing attacks due to a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

If you experience the symptoms above, it is recommended that you visit your GP at least once a year for screening. It is also recommended that you see your doctor if you have chest tightness, and shortness of breath during exercise. Remember Asthma identified early is easier to manage and keep under control. Those with Asthma that has been confirmed by a Doctor need to follow certain treatment guidelines. Some of these are listed below and these apply to stable Asthma patients. Those with more severe Asthma may need more intensive interventions. An annual visit to your GP is recommended to monitor the condition. During this annual visit it is recommended that a lung function test is conducted and, an annual flu vaccine is also recommended as flu is one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks. The flu vaccine is more important especially for the elderly.

In instances where medication is prescribed, it is important to do as instructed by your doctor. Some patients need to have inhalers on hand to clear airways when the need arises. Where possible access to emergency medical facilities is essential.

Asthma can sometimes get worse for a short time – this is known as an asthma attack. It can happen suddenly, or gradually over a few days. Signs of a severe asthma attack include:

Coughing becoming severe and constant
Being too breathless to eat, or speak
Breathing faster
A fast heartbeat
Drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion or dizziness
Blue lips or fingers
Fainting
Shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain
Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of Asthma in children
Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing
Worsened coughing/wheezing attacks due to a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

Understanding what triggers Asthma attacks is important and one may avoid these and limit the asthma attacks. Several factors may contribute to an asthmatic attack, these are known as triggers. An asthma attack can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, such as a tree, grass or weed pollen, dust mites, cockroaches or animal dander, sinus infections. The breathing in of some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger attacks.

Furthermore, asthma attacks may also be triggered by physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms or high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; and some foods, food additives, and fragrances. Below is a list of common triggers with further details:

Infections like sinusitis, colds and the flu.
Allergens (pollen, mold, pet dander and dust
Irritants like strong cleaning solutions
Tobacco smoke and air pollution
Exercise (Enquire with your GP for recommended exercise routines)
Cold air or changes in temperature or humidity
Strong emotions (anxiety, laughter, or stress)
Sulfites - food preservatives found in shrimp, pickles, beer, wine, dried fruits, and bottles of lemon and lime juices.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma by your GP, there are a few changes you can make to your lifestyle to avoid asthma attacks. Changing these lifestyle habits can help some people avoid asthma attacks: Reducing Exposure to Allergens or Irritants That Trigger Asthma; getting treatment for warning signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness or pain.