Coping
With Asthma
What
triggers an asthma attack?
Asthma attacks can be triggered by a number of substances and conditions
including dust (house dust mite), pollen, animal hairs/fur, mold
(found in damp, mildewed places), some foods, stress, smoke, respiratory
tract infections and some types of exercise.
What
are the primary symptoms of an asthma attack?
The primary symptoms of the attack are difficulty in breathing,
tightening in your chest, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing
up excess mucus.
What
type of medication is used in treating asthma and how do they work?
Asthma medication can be divided into two main groups: bronchodilators
and corticosteroids. Bronchodilators open the bronchial tubes by
relaxing the muscles in the wall of the airways, thus relieving
the attack. Because they are used to relive the acute attack, they
should be used at the first sign of an asthma attack.
Corticosteroids
prevent the attack by reducing the extent of inflammation in the
airways. Since they have a slow onset of action, they are best used
on a long-term basis for chronic asthma.
How
is the medication administered?
The inhaler is the primary method of administration of medication.
To use the inhaler:
- Remove the
cover from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler.
- Place the
inhaler three finger-widths in front of the mouth. Breathe out
fully.
- With the
mouth open, begin to breathe in slowly. Press the metal canister
down firmly to release the drug. Continue breathing in slowly.
- When your
lungs have filled, close your mouth. Hold your breath for a count
of ten. Slowly release your breath.
- Rinse your
mouth to remove particles of the drug, especially the inhaled
steroid which may cause oral candidiasis or yeast infection.
What
can I do to reduce the incidents of asthma attack?
It is important to determine when and where the symptoms occur and
to avoid contact with allergens or air pollutants known to trigger
an attack. It might help to remove rugs and carpets that harbour dust
and keep your home as dust free as possible by vacuuming regularly,
airing cushions and sunning mattresses, etc., as often as possible.
If it is not possible to avoid the irritant, use medication before
exposure. Learn as much as possible about your medication and how
to use it for best results.
Are
there any special tools that can assist in managing asthma?
There are some special tools that can help in managing asthma:
- Peak Flow
Meter
This device measures the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) or the
airway function of the asthmatic.
- The Aerochamber
or Spacer
There are several designs of aerochambers but there are all formulated
to maximize the amount of medication reaching the lungs. The aerochamber
or spacer is especially useful for children or those patients
who have not mastered the coordination needed to use the inhaler,
as it maintains a volume of the drug in a confined space, which
the patient may inhale. In the absence of a commercial aerochamber
a plastic cup may be used.
- Nebuliser
The nebuliser is usually used to deliver a large dose of bronchodilator
in the treatment of a severe asthma attack.
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