Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Inflammation of the lining of the airways makes it difficult for a person to breathe. This is followed by other asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and heaviness in the chest.
Asthma is an allergic reaction to triggers and it has no cure. But, with proper treatment and an asthma action plan, you can manage your asthma very well. An asthma management plan provides some important guidelines that can help to manage asthma and control the symptoms.
An asthma action plan is a written plan developed with a doctor’s help. The asthma treatment and management action plan shows how to control asthma daily, what kinds of medicines to take and when to take them. This further explains what medicines to take and steps to follow if asthma symptoms start to worsen. This action plan is different for every asthmatic according to the type of asthma, their pattern of symptoms and different triggers. Generally, the plan will have three zones:
Doing well (Green): In this situation, controller medications must be taken and the symptoms can be easily controlled. The peak expiratory flow rate must be 80% of the personal best.
Asthma is getting worse (Yellow): The symptoms get worse in this situation; therefore, quick-relief medicine must be taken. The peak expiratory flow rate must be 60% to 80% of the personal best.
Medical Alert (Red): This can be a life-threatening situation. After taking the quick-relief medicines, one needs to visit the doctor immediately. The peak expiratory flow rate is below 60% of the personal best.
The Asthma control plan can be shared with the family and friends of an asthmatic so that they are prepared to take care of any emergencies. It is also meant to be shared with the teachers at school for children who suffer from asthma. This gives clear instructions on when to call the doctor or go to the nearest hospital. There are some more ways to manage asthma and prevent the symptoms.
Education about the disease and modifying behavior is vital. The patient should also be encouraged to change lifestyle and control the environmental trigger factors. Patients should be asked to maintain healthy body weight as evidence reveals that the disorder is more difficult to control in overweight individuals. Patients should avoid tobacco and use of beta-blockers, aspirin.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Asthma is an allergic reaction and that is why when an asthmatic comes in contact with certain allergens, it triggers asthma symptoms or flare-ups. Everyone’s asthma is different, so their triggers are different as well. To control the problem, it’s important to identify the triggers and avoid them. The common asthma triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander, pollen from plants, mould/fungus, outdoor pollution, odour, etc. There are other triggers like strenuous exercise, changes in weather, food additives and fragrances that can also lead to symptoms of asthma.
Asthma medicine is usually given via inhalers so that it reaches the lungs directly and causes minimal side effects. The doctor will often prescribe two kinds of medicines – long-term (Controller or Preventer) and quick relief(Reliever or Rescue).
Control long-term persistent inflammation – Controllers: It is taken to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks. These medications help to counter the underlying inflammation of the airways in a person with asthma. Controllers are taken only once or twice a day as they have a prolonged effect.
Relieve acute asthma symptoms – Relievers: These medications relax the airways and make it easier to breathe. They provide immediate relief and are used during the flare-up of symptoms. These are basically bronchodilators that dilate the ‘bronchus’. It is essential to take these medicines as prescribed to keep your asthma symptoms under control. Using the controller medicine regularly can also help in reducing the need for reliever medicine. These medicines can be taken 3 to 4 times a day, but their frequent use means that the asthma symptoms are not under control or that the controller medicines are not effective.
A peak-flow meter is a small hand-held device which helps to monitor the respiratory health of asthma patients. This device measures the peak expiratory flow rate, which gives an idea of the obstruction in the lungs.
The peak flow meter will help an asthmatic to know if the symptoms are in control and also help to determine the effectiveness of prescribed controller medications. This device must be kept clean and used only by one person. If a decrease is seen in the peak flow, one can refer to the doctor for an asthma management plan and know about the action that needs to be taken. Ideally, peak flow reading should be taken thrice a day which can be difficult; therefore, two times a day is also a safety measure. Healthy people show a peak flow of approximately 350 and 650 l/min. People with asthma have peak flows between 200 and 400 l/min. In severe attacks, peak flow may even fall below 100 l/min
It’s important to visit the doctor on a regular basis, irrespective of whether the asthma symptoms are under control or not. Asthmatics must describe in detail the symptoms they experience so that the doctor can optimise the asthma action plan along with effective prescribing medications. This way, the doctor can help a person control and manage asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. The best outcomes are seen when both the doctor and the asthmatic are committed to the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
The choice of diet and daily activities have a significant impact on people with asthma. It is important to adapt to a lifestyle that can help to prevent asthma symptoms or attacks. Therefore, asthmatics must follow the following:
A healthy diet – A healthy diet is important for an asthma patient as it can improve the overall health status. The diet must include food with vitamins D and E, which is present in milk, salmon, eggs, almonds, raw seeds, broccoli, hazelnuts etc. Asthmatics must avoid food that contains sulfites and salicylates.
Exercise -It proves beneficial in preventing asthma symptoms. Precautions need to be taken while performing any exercise or physical activity. Inhalers must always be kept near while exercising. One can start routine exercise only after consulting the doctor. It is good to start with exercises like stretching and low-impact cardiovascular workouts such as walking.
Yoga – Certain Yoga Asanas (poses) such as Savasana, Sukasana, forward bend, seated spinal twist, side bend and cobra pose are the yoga asanas that can benefit the lungs. Also, there are a few breathing exercises called (Pranayama) that can help to improve breathing.
Other physical activities – An asthmatic must consult the doctor before doing any other physical activities. Activities such as cycling, swimming and walking provide a cardiovascular workout that expands lung capacity and engages each muscle of the body. Another activity to follow for better breathing is cycling. It helps to build lower body endurance and this is a key component of physical therapy programs.
The goal of asthma treatment is to ‘Achieve and Maintain Asthma Control’. Asthma management has advanced with the diagnosis and ways of monitoring asthma. This can help physicians optimise the treatment for an asthmatic. To manage asthma successfully, the person must stay committed to the asthma treatment required. This will help to ensure a favourable outcome and an enhanced quality of life.
Brought to you by Cipla.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that causes the narrowing of the airways due to inflammation. This leads to symptoms like wheezing, persistent coughing, breathlessness and more.
Though the condition cannot be cured, it can be easily managed with medications and inhalers. While people can experience the symptoms throughout the year, some people only experience them in particular seasons or due to particular triggers. This type of asthma is termed as seasonal allergic asthma.
Among the different types of asthma, allergy-induced asthma is one of the most common ones. Allergens are one of the most common asthma triggers and can change through the year depending on the season. Here are a few seasonal asthma triggers to watch out for.
Pollen – Pollen allergies are a major trigger of asthma. It is advised that you avoid going outdoors during peak pollen hours. Make sure you keep your doors and windows shut to keep the pollen from entering your home. Masks also help.
Thunderstorms – Commonly known as thunderstorm asthma, in this phenomenon, heavy rains can break down pollen into tiny pieces. These grains are then scattered by the wind and can cause severe asthma attacks because they can travel deep into the lungs. Avoid venturing out when it is humid or when there are thunderstorms in your area.
Pollution – The warmer months of the year bring with them higher levels of pollution and airborne particles. This lowers the air quality and can trigger asthma symptoms. It is advised to spend less time outdoors and to keep your windows closed.
Humidity – High humidity increases the presence of dust mites and mould spores and can hence trigger the symptoms of asthma. Keep the air conditioning on and use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in your home in check.
Mould – The damp weather in monsoons may cause an increase in fungus and mould spores. This may trigger asthma symptoms and can further lead to an attack. It is advised to keep your surroundings clean and always wash your bedsheets, pillowcases, etc., in warm water at least once a week.
Damp weather – Pets tend to stay indoors due to the wet weather and this increases your exposure to pet dander. Along with this, the damp weather of the season also increases the chances of catching infections. Keep your surroundings clean and wash your hands frequently. To limit your exposure to pet dander, limit their movement to a certain part of the house and keep them out of your bedroom.
Here are a few tips to help you manage your condition in the monsoon season.
Flu Season – Winters bring in the cold and flu season with it. With higher levels of viruses, asthma symptoms can be easily triggered. Sinus infections and respiratory viruses can also trigger asthma attacks. It is advised to get a flu shot and get in touch with your doctor for an effective asthma plan. Wash your hands regularly and keep your surroundings clean.
Indoor allergens – Cold winter temperatures may drive people indoors. This increases their exposure to pet dander, dust mites and more. Keep your surroundings clean and vacuum frequently to get rid of dust and other allergens in your home.
Cold Temperatures – The cold and dry air of the season is also one of the triggers of asthma symptoms. Try to avoid being outside in cold temperatures and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to protect your airways from directly inhaling cold air. If scarves do not work for you, you can also use masks.
Asthma can be easily managed throughout the year by following a few simple guidelines. Make sure you know your triggers well and take proper precautions to avoid them. Don’t skip your medications and use your inhaler as prescribed. Lastly, make sure to keep proper track of your symptoms and pay a visit to your doctor as and when needed.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
This is a question everyone wonders about. Did you know that people who exercise regularly are almost 2.5 times better at taking control of their asthma as compared to those who don’t? This was discovered through a study of 643 adults with asthma published in 2015 in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research. Asthma can make exercising more challenging as one finds it hard to breathe.
While many people want to skip physical activities as they think it triggers asthma, they tend to miss out on the key benefits of exercising, including taking better control of their asthma.
One must always speak to their treating doctor before starting any exercise plan, as every patient may respond differently. While not all exercises are suitable for people with asthma, the following are some exercises that will not exacerbate the symptoms and can help decrease the frequency of such attacks in people with mild to moderate asthma:
One of the best exercises for asthma is swimming, as it builds up the muscles a person uses for breathing. It also exposes the lungs to a lot of moist and warm air, which makes it less likely to trigger asthma. A comprehensive medical review of eight studies of children and adolescents from 2013 showed that swimming increases lung function and cardiopulmonary fitness without any serious side effects in people with stable asthma.
Walking is a form of exercise that can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine. A study published in 2006 showed that regular exercise, such as walking, improved symptoms of breathlessness (dyspnea) in subjects with moderate to severe chronic lung disease.
According to an asthma survey conducted in the UK, 69 per cent of people with asthma said that they enjoyed walking as a form of exercise. With so many apps and devices available today, it is easier to keep track of the number of steps completed in a day. It would be beneficial to walk instead of taking a car or public transport and achieve the set goal for the day.
Over the years, I have observed that if you encounter chest pain, tightness, coughing, or difficulty breathing during exercise, it’s essential to halt the activity right away. Use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed and take a moment to sit down and relax. Practising belly breathing can be beneficial, helping you take slow, deep breaths from your abdomen to ease discomfort and bring your breathing back to normal.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Yoga is said to be another great form of exercise for people with asthma as it practices breathing control. A 12-week study in 2009 showed a significant improvement in asthma symptoms and lung function in subjects who practised breathing exercises twice a day, for 20 minutes each.
Yoga poses such as the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and the Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) expand the chest area and allow for better inhalation. Similarly, breathing practices such as the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique (Nadi Shodhan Pranayama) are beneficial in reducing mucus congestion.
Racquet sports, such as badminton or table tennis, involve less running around when compared to other forms of exercise. These sports allow one to disburse energy with regular rests between games and also have access to water so that there is no dehydration which can aggravate exercise-induced asthma.
Based on my experience, I strongly recommend covering your nose and mouth with a scarf when exercising outdoors in cold temperatures. It helps to protect your airways from dry and cold air, keep you safe from potential irritation and inflammation. This simple practice can make your outdoor workouts more comfortable and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
There are steps you can take to exercise safely with severe asthma:
It is important to always have the reliever inhaler by your side when you are exercising with asthma. If you feel the asthma symptoms are being triggered, take a break and take the inhaler and make sure that the symptoms subside before you get back to your exercise regime.
It is vital to acclimate the body to physical exertion before jumping into any kind of physical activity when exercising with asthma. Hence it is advisable to spend 5 to 10 minutes doing light warm-up exercises before starting any workout. One would not want to shock the system of the human body. Always keep in mind to pace the body throughout the workout to avoid overexertion. Do not forget to have a cool-down session after the exercise.
It is important to take extra precautions when dealing with cold weather. Wrap a scarf loosely around the mouth and nose to warm the air before it enters the airways. If one knows that cold weather triggers asthma, it is best advised to stay indoors. Try and stick to activities which do not require a person to step outside, like yoga or walking on a treadmill.
It is important to stay away from pollen while exercising with asthma. Always check the weather report for pollen counts and air quality. If the report is not good, it is best to opt for indoor activities. Also, stay away from busy roads and areas near factories. Always make sure that you inhale clean air as much as possible.
Regular physical activity can lead to better asthma management and symptoms, especially in obese patients. A randomised controlled trial of 55 obese subjects showed significant clinical improvement in asthma control after being assigned to an exercise regime for 3 months.
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Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
World Asthma Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Tuesday of May, organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This day is celebrated to spread awareness about asthma, a critical health issue on the rise around the globe. It gives a platform where people and organizations can discuss ideas and thoughts and come up with solutions to fight this health concern.
Asthma is a chronic condition in which your airways tend to get narrow, swollen and may even produce extra mucus making it difficult to breathe properly. Asthma is not the same for all, the symptoms vary from person to person, it may be a minor problem for some, while for others, it can be a major health problem that interferes with daily life and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
The causes and triggers for asthma can be many, including
Asthma symptoms flare up during intense workouts or exercise, especially when the air is cold and dry, occupational asthma is triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases and allergy-induced asthma is very common, which happens due to airborne substances like pollen, mold spores, dust, cockroach waste, etc.
There are a few tests to check your lung function, as well as some imaging tests, allergy tests, methacholine challenge and nitric oxide tests that your doctor may suggest to diagnose the condition. Asthma is a chronic condition with no cure but, reducing exposure to triggers and understanding long-term management is the key. Certain medications, inhalers and steroids may be recommended by the doctor to manage your symptoms effectively. Asthma symptoms often change over time which is why it is important to stay in touch with your doctor, discuss your symptoms and adjust your treatment accordingly.
While it is true that you cannot prevent asthma, there are ways you can make living with asthma easier and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.
All over the world, there are several people suffering from asthma, while some address the health issue, some do not even opt for treatment. Here are some of the facts about asthma:
Every year GINA comes up with a relevant theme keeping in mind the current situation of asthma worldwide. ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’ is the theme for the 2022 World Asthma Day. There are a number of loose ends in asthma care which must be looked at on priority to prevent suffering. Some of the things to consider are:
World Asthma Day is an ideal day to address the gaps in asthma treatment, it gives us an opportunity to discuss the health issue, talk about the challenges and find solutions. Each and everyone must be able to breathe freely and live a healthy life. It is essential for patients and health care providers to identify the concern and help implement and share innovative solutions for it both locally and globally.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and the respiratory passageway of the patients. The airways inflame and fill up with mucus. They could constrict or dilate to an uncomfortable degree. Here are nine things to know about the disease:
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The summer heat, the winter cold, the humidity during monsoons and even spring’s flowers offer no respite to people who have asthma. Each season brings with it, its own set of challenges and allergens that could trigger asthmatic attacks. Fear not, for we bring you a comprehensive list of causes that trigger asthma attacks in each season.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
What can be worse than having an asthma attack outdoors? The fresh air instead of soothing you cause breathlessness and wheezing? Outdoors are synonymous with good health and vitality but not for someone suffering from asthma. Air pollution, pollen, smoke, dust and other allergens are in ample amounts and can really trigger a massive asthma attack outdoors. For an asthma patient, being outdoors is like walking on eggshells. Should that make you sit at home? Not at all. Being outdoors is related to health and longevity. Here are some ways to prevent an asthma attack when outdoors.
Having a respiratory disease means that the effect of air pollution will be felt more than those who have healthy lungs. While poor air quality may make no visible difference to a regular person, to someone suffering from asthma it could mean a fight between life and death. If you are venturing out, keep a watch on the air quality index. Green on the index means ‘good’ while maroon/red means ‘hazardous’.
When planning a trip outdoors, ensure that the weather suits your breathing. Cold air is very dry and can set off an asthma attack as can hot, dry air in deserts. Keep your face covered with a scarf or a mask and take it off only once you are indoors. Even humidity is not a perennial friend. In fact, it is tougher to manage. During bad weather days, exercise during times when the weather is more accommodating.
Strenuous workouts can leave you feeling breathless in more ways than one. Stop before you have pushed yourself too hard. Moderate, regular exercise would ensure you stay healthy and not tax your lungs. Early mornings are associated with high pollen quantity in the air so avoid exercising then. You could try other options to stay fit apart from high energy workouts. Yoga and swimming are good alternatives.
Keep a mask handy for situations when nature takes you by surprise. You could also take preventive puffs from your inhaler if you expect to be out in conditions that could trigger your asthma attack. You would need your doctor’s permission for this. Another way to prevent an asthma attack once you are back from outdoors is by taking a shower and changing your clothes. Wearing a cap during pollen-high seasons ensures that none of them gets stuck in your hair and triggers an attack.
To avoid an asthma attack, there are certain steps you can take like wearing long-sleeved clothes, full-length pants and avoiding using any hair products as they trap allergens. Always start your workouts after warming up and end them with proper cooling down session.
It is important that you don’t avoid exercise because you have asthma. Being active is needed for good physical and mental health. You just have to do it in a manner that is most suitable for your condition. Talk to your doctor to follow the best line of treatment to prevent asthma attacks.
Read More: Asthma Causes and Triggers
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.