It is often observed that while cleaning the house, symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest, coughing, and wheezing develop. Such symptoms are a warning sign of an asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic condition and a person affected by it, slowly learns to adapt with the condition and learns to live with it.
Learning about asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease, affecting the respiratory system of the body. In asthma, the most affected part of the respiratory system are the breathing tubules of the lungs. Any allergen (substances that cause allergy) makes the walls of the tubules sensitive towards it. As a response to these allergens, the airways become narrow which cuts down the air supply to the lungs, exacerbating the symptoms.
The symptoms of asthma may be mild or severe in form. Exhaling may become difficult and cold or flu can only worsen it. The symptoms of asthma can be controlled by avoiding trigger factors and taking regular medications.
Warning signs
Some of the warning signs of asthma to watch out for include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, stuffy nose, itchy neck, dark circles around eyes, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, stomach ache, fever, headache, eczema, flushed and pale face.
Get help for worsening asthma
Worsening of asthma can be manifested as extreme breathing problem, difficulty in talking and walking, bluish fingernails and lips, rapid heartbeat, nostrils that flare up when breathing which may require an increased usage of rescue medication.
Allergens and Trigger Factors
The most common reasons for an asthma attack are pollen dust and mold. One can avoid them from infiltrating the interiors of the house by closing all the doors and windows and using the air conditioning system. Molds usually thrive in humid area such as bathrooms and kitchens. Thus, keeping these areas clean at all times is recommended by using a humidifier to keep the humidity at 50%. Sometimes, dust and dust mites also trigger asthma. To avoid them, one must clean all the bed sheets and curtains in hot water having a temperature above 130 F on a weekly basis. Pillows and mattresses should be encased in air-tight covers. Dust mites on carpets can be treated with chemicals. Store away all soft toys and other objects that can catch dust. If one has pets in the house, keep them out of your room as pet dander (tiny flakes of shed skin, hair, nails, etc.) can also trigger asthma. Smoking within the house should be strictly prohibited. Some other trigger factors for asthma may be change in temperature, exercise, food preservatives, sinus infection, emotional situations, certain perfumes and deodorants, and also medicines such as aspirin.
Asthma medications
There are two types of asthma medications–controller medication and rescue medication. While the former prevents an asthma attack from taking place, the latter is used in the treatment of asthma. The controller medication works by reducing the swelling of the airways. Some examples of these medications include nedocromil, cromolyn, and corticosteroids. The controller medicines should be taken regularly on a daily basis. On the other hand, rescue medications include inhalers or bronchodilators that work by relaxing the muscles of the airway in case of appearance of symptoms.
Peak Flow meter
A Peak flow meter is a device that helps to measure the amount of air coming out of the lungs. People who are asthmatic, show low air flow out of lungs. This device is helpful in checking the severity of an asthma attack by checking the air flow from the lungs. This device consists of a meter scale with an indicator attached to it. Before using the device, make sure that the reading on the device is at zero. Now, taking a deep breath, one has to blow into the mouth piece of the device. The indicator shows the reading on the meter scale. The entire process is repeated two more times and the highest of the three readings is noted. When you are having asthma under complete control, the reading shows ‘personal best score.’ This is the best reading you get in two weeks since asthma control. By comparing the daily scores against the ‘personal best score,’ you can get an idea if your condition is improving or not.
Life with Asthma
Living life with asthma can be a daunting task but one can overcome it by learning ways to control the symptoms. Keeping track of all the trigger factors that cause the asthma attack is essential in order to avoid them. Boosting the immune system is important for better control of the symptoms. This can be done by taking care of one’s overall health. In order to stay healthy, one should consume a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and keep heartburn under control as it can worsen asthma. Symptoms of asthma can be controlled by taking medications regularly and avoiding trigger factors.
