Tips on Managing Asthma Symptoms and Attacks

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs
It is a chronic disease, which means it is long-lasting or recurrent. In asthma, the airways of the respiratory system are sensitive. They become swollen and inflamed when they come in contact with certain allergens, such as environmental tobacco smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, or moist air. Exercise, exertion or emotional stress may also trigger an asthma attack.

The passage that carries air to and fro the lungs further narrows down due to accumulation of excessive mucus. Hence, lesser is the air that passes through. As a result, breathing becomes more and more laboured. Eventually the asthma patient succumbs to bouts of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breathing.

An asthma episode or attack
An asthma attack is triggered by aggravated symptoms. The muscles around the airways constrict the passage, which also gets more swollen and narrow. All these symptoms along with the extra mucus, make breathing extremely difficult, and that is when an asthma attack occurs. Attacks may vary in severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and cases where vital organs are deprived of oxygen are medical emergencies that may be life-threatening.

Are you prone to Asthma?
Yes you are if:

• You have a family history of Asthma;


• You are regularly exposed to infections;


• You are allergic to any one of the allergens: animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen from trees and grass, and mold;


• You spend a lot of your time around pollutants including cigarette smoke, air pollution, cold air or changes in weather, strong odours from painting or cooking, scented products;


• You are under constant stress;


• You suffer from a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night;


• You are obese;


• You are an athlete;


• You are a bakery worker;


• You are a smoker.

Cure for Asthma
There is no permanent cure for Asthma. The good news is that with consistent and combined treatment of drugs and environmental changes, the symptoms of asthma can be controlled.

How to Control Asthma
Though incurable,it is possible to manage asthma. It can be curtailed by controlling symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and more, which in turn can be restricted by avoiding asthma triggers. It’s a good idea to keep an asthma diary for the initial few months so that you can figure out your specific triggers. Note down all the symptoms and flare-ups. Also, an allergist can help you know if you have any allergies that are causing asthma symptoms.

Stay away from Allergens by:

• Keeping your room as clean and as free of dust as possible.


• Wash out your sheets weekly in hot water, and get dustproof covers for your mattresses and pillows.


• Vacuum your carpet everyday. If possible, completely do away with carpets, as they tend to attract and collect allergens.


• Choose washable curtains instead of draperies.


• Keeping your pet out of your room.


• Avoid cleaning with mops and brooms that stir up dust. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to do your cleaning.


• Avoid mold by keeping the windows closed, staying out of attics, basements, and other dank, musty places, and wear a face mask when checking on unused shoes, and houseplants.

Avoid Irritants
For Asthma patients, irritants can wreak havoc. Common irritants are perfumes, aerosol, sprays, cleaners, smell of paint, gas or smoke, and air pollution. If you know that a particular irritant triggers off an asthma attack, keep away from it. You may have to switch your perfume or hairspray, avoid fires and cigarette smoke. If air pollution is the culprit, run an air conditioner or an air cleaner. If weather is a trigger, then spend less time outdoors.

Watch what you eat
There is really no evidence of whether foods trigger chronic asthma directly. Some foods, such as nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, and strawberries, can result in an array of allergic responses, including asthma symptoms. Sulphites in wine can have a similar effect. It is wise to avoid consumptions of foods that make your asthma worse. Avoid overeating, eating too fast, and talking while you are eating. Alcohol would be a terrible idea with asthma medications.

If you suffer from Asthma, you are well aware of the choking sensation and the anxiety. A mere thought of it is enough to want to do whatever you can to prevent asthma attacks. Develop a therapeutic program for managing your asthma. Work with your doctor to take measures to control asthma. Eliminate triggers from your life and counter asthma attacks before they happen.

* Note: Image(s) by the courtsey of http://www.phsneb.org.