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Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make it difficult to breathe. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is more common in children. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks, or episodes of worsening symptoms, can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to allergens, respiratory infections, and exercise.

Here are some frequently asked questions about asthma:

  1. My child suffers from allergic rhinitis. Is he more likely to suffer from asthma in future?

Allergies tend to co-exist. Around one-fifth of individuals with rhinitis develop asthma in their later life.

  1. How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma is diagnosed on the basis of medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. The doctor may also recommend breathing tests, such as the Peak Flow Meter test or the Spirometry test, to know the lung power and capacity.. Children below 6 years of age may not be able to perform these tests. One cannot diagnose asthma with a chest X-ray, though sometimes it is done to rule out any other cause for breathing problems, such as foreign bodies in the lungs or chest infections.

Asthma is a lifelong, or chronic breathing problem caused by swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs. It cannot be cured, but it can be prevented and controlled. When you have asthma, your airways are super sensitive, or “twitchy.” They may react to many things. These things are called triggers.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  1. Can I donate blood if I take asthma medications?

Most asthma medications do not prevent people from donating blood. As long as one is not experiencing asthma symptoms, one can donate blood. Consult the doctor for more information.

  1. My 8-year-old daughter has Asthma. Can she be cured?

While asthma symptoms can be very well  controlled with the correct treatment, one cannot promise of complete cure. …

  1. Do I have to be worried about my child using inhalers on a daily basis? Will he get addicted?

Taking inhalers every day does not cause addiction. It is the same as brushing one’s teeth…

  1. Can I have sex if I have asthma?

Yes, one can have sex even if one has asthma. If asthma affects one’s sexual life, it means that the asthma is not well controlled, and one needs to consult a doctor.

  1. Does asthma come and go?

For some, asthma symptoms may worsen during certain seasons because of exposure to triggers…

  1. I think my friend has asthma, and he is ignoring the symptoms. Can it be fatal?

One often gets an asthma attack when one comes in contact with a trigger. If not managed properly, an asthma attack can be fatal.

  1. Do asthma attacks damage the lungs?

Frequent asthma attacks can cause narrowing and scarring of airways. The best way to prevent this kind of damage to the lungs is to avoid lung irritants and take a controller (preventer) inhaler and any other medications as prescribed by one’s doctor.

  1. Is asthma curable?

Asthma can be completely controlled, but unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for it…

  1. I am 60 years old. Can asthma affect my blood pressure?

No, asthma has no direct effect on blood pressure. However, one must consult their doctor for more information.

  1. Can I drink alcoholic beverages while using an inhaler?

While there is no direct information regarding alcohol use and inhaler medication, one must always consult the doctor about drinking alcohol while taking any medication.

  1. I am a 32-year-old woman. Recently flowers and perfumes have been making it difficult for me to breathe. That’s not normal, is it?

Allergy and asthma can develop at any age. If one develops a breathing problem at any age, one should consult a doctor.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with proper treatment. This may include using medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, as well as lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and exercising regularly.

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.

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Best Ways To Avoid Asthma Attacks During Winter!

While winter brings with it the joy of festivals and holidays, it can also act as a trigger for asthma. Cold weather can contribute to asthma attacks  during winter so much so that it might cause  the disease in people who spend a lot of time outdoors in such weather or live in cold, dry climates.Here are a few tips on how to avoid asthma attacks during winter. Frequent and proper washing of your hands with water and soap is one of the simplest and best ways to avoid catching or spreading the cold and other viruses. Hand sanitisers that are alcohol-based also do the trick. Make sure to emphasize the importance of good hand washing to your children and educate them on it being one of the most basic steps of good hygiene. The cold weather doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your exercise routine but make sure to follow it indoors. In cold weather, symptoms are even more likely to appear during exercise because as the air is cold it can irritate the sensitive airways in your lungs. Avoid sports that involve long periods of exertion, such as football, distance running, basketball and field hockey. Studies have shown that people with asthma have a greater lung function and recover faster after exercising when they are warmed up. This is important but especially in winter whenever you work out. Before heading for working out outdoors in the cold, consider doing your first 20 minutes of your run on a treadmill. Work with your specialist or doctor to create an effective asthma treatment plan for the winter, and continue to get regular checkups done. If you are finding that your asthma symptoms worsen in the cold weather or you are experiencing asthma symptoms even if you haven’t had asthma before, meeting a physician is of the utmost importance. Take any medications you’ve been prescribed on schedule and without fail. Make sure to vacuum and dust your home frequently to reduce allergens since everyone will be spending a lot of time indoors during the winter. Dust all over using a damp cloth and use a vacuum with high efficiency (HEPA) filter to clean carpets and fabric-covered furniture. It helps if you can keep your entire home smoke-free. Candle, fireplace and cigarette smoke can travel from room to room, even through closed doors.Other than the tips mentioned above make sure to take the basic precautions like wearing a scarf or turtleneck up over your mouth and nose to warm the air you’re inhaling when outside, to avoid asthma attacks during winter.  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.

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How to React To An Asthma Attack? Things You Must Know!

An asthma attack is caused when your airways are constricted due to multiple factors. During an attack, the airways get swollen or inflamed and there is also thick mucus formation in the lungs. The muscles in the airways tighten up, which is a symptom of bronchospasm. Know more about the asthma attack facts :asthma_625x350_51462215905

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All these factors involving mucus production, inflammation and bronchospasm can lead to an asthma attack where an individual faces difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty in performing everyday activities.Other symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty in talking, extreme coughing, feeling anxious and panicking, blue fingernails or lips, etc. If the symptoms continue to increase even when you are religiously taking your medicines, it means that the asthma attack could be harmful. A lot of people have mild asthma attacks and after a few minutes or a few hours the airways open up with treatment. Severe asthma attacks are very uncommon but they require immediate medical attention and treatment. Knowing the common asthma attack facts would help people deal with them better.For a mild attack to stay under control, you can consider keeping these asthma attack facts  in mind: Asthma triggers are difficult to avoid completely but try and keep away from dust, molds, cockroaches, etc and protect yourself from pollen. Rush to an emergency department if you feel that your inhaler is not helping or if your breathing is getting worse along with you feeling drowsy and if your peak flow is getting worse after a treatment. Severe asthma attacks if not treated properly can be fatal. Visit a doctor at least once in 6-months to get a comprehensive exam and do get your children tested. Make sure you have prior knowledge about your body’s asthma care and be prepared to prevent asthma attacks at any time.Read More: Asthma Treatment – What You Need to KnowDisclaimer:  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.