Understanding and Managing Asthma: A Guide for Everyone

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This makes breathing difficult, especially when exposed to triggers like allergens or pollutants. Imagine a balloon – normally it inflates and deflates easily, but in asthma, the opening is narrowed, making it hard to expel air. This is why people with asthma often wheeze, a whistling sound produced when struggling to breathe out.

Who is at Risk?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but certain factors increase your risk:

• Family history: Having a close family member with asthma increases your chances.
• Allergies: Existing allergies like eczema can be a risk factor.
• Air pollution: Urban areas with high pollution levels can trigger asthma.
• Obesity: Both children and adults with obesity are at higher risk.
• Occupational hazards: Long-term exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes can trigger asthma.
• Smoking: Exposure to tobacco smoke, for both smokers and those around them, can worsen asthma.
• For newborns: Low birth weight, premature birth, and respiratory infections can increase the risk.

Common Triggers:

• Outdoor irritants: Dust, smoke from cars or factories, and burning trash can trigger attacks.
• Pets: Animal fur can trigger attacks in people with allergies.
• Tobacco smoke: Exposure to smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products can worsen asthma.
• Strong perfumes: Strong scents and smells can trigger attacks in some people.
• Mold: Mold exposure, even without a mold allergy, can trigger attacks.
• Cold dry air: Cold air can irritate airways and narrow them.
• Medications: Certain medications, like aspirin, can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
• Strong emotions: Anxiety or stress can lead to rapid breathing, potentially triggering an attack.

Signs and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound, especially when exhaling
• Tightness in the chest
• Anxiety

What to Do During an Asthma Attack:

1. Move the person away from the trigger.
2. Help them sit upright and lean forward.
3. Ask if they have their medication (inhaler) and call for medical help if needed.
4. If they have an inhaler, help them use it properly.
5. Continue monitoring them while waiting for help to arrive.

Using an Inhaler:

• Inhalers deliver quick-acting medication to open airways and ease breathing.
• Always check the expiry date and shake the inhaler well before use.
• Instruct the person to sit upright, breathe out slowly, and place the inhaler in their mouth with a good seal.
• Tell them to breathe in slowly as you press the inhaler to deliver the medication.
• Advise them to hold their breath for 10 seconds, then repeat puffs if needed.
• Seek medical help if there's no improvement after using the inhaler.

Types of Inhalers:

• Preventer inhalers: Used daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms. (Usually not blue colored)
• Reliever inhalers: Provide quick relief during an attack by relaxing airway muscles. (Often have blue caps)

Important Note:

• This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
• Always consult your doctor about your medications and treatment plan.

Additional Tips:

• Steam inhalation or breathing exercises can be helpful home remedies during an attack, but always seek medical help afterward.
• Inhalers are the most effective treatment for asthma attacks, even more effective than nebulization.

Remember, with proper management and knowledge of triggers, people with asthma can live healthy and fulfilling lives!