Allergy March – Have You Heard Of It? By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative
Very common in children, an allergy march is when a kid starts to get allergies in a specific order. It’s a condition that starts from eczema, then food allergies and hay fever, eventually leading to asthma. A lot of times people misunderstand mild symptoms which may lead to severe ones, but the development of these diseases is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. So, let’s look at how this allergic march or atopic march develops in children.
Allergic sensitization
The first stage is allergic sensitization, where a child shows IgE reaction to the food proteins during the first weeks or months. Most commonly developed from egg or cow’s milk, these strong IgE antibodies that respond to food proteins can be considered as triggers for atopic reactivity. Reaction to environmental allergens comes at a later stage as the outdoor allergens require exposure as well.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Dry, red, irritated and itchy skin is the most common symptom during atopic dermatitis. The skin develops small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze a clear or yellowish liquid. Gender difference also plays a role here as the reactions in boys are seen quite early in life, whereas the reactions in girls persist later in adulthood. The elevated rate of total IgE levels and a high degree of sensitization to food protein, has led to the misunderstanding that eczema triggers food allergy. But in most cases, the sensitization is only a complication of atopic march rather than a trigger to another condition.
Food allergy
Food allergy symptoms are far and many but most certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fruits, vegetables allow a risk and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions with significant IgE-responses. So far, the only treatment of food allergy in children is an elimination diet, which is necessary to be carried out for a few years. But high IgE levels from egg or cow’s milk have a less favorable outcome and longer persistence of the disease.
Rhinitis
Seasonal allergic rhinitis generally doesn’t show up during the first two years of life. However, it’s possible for children to develop specific IgE-antibodies years before they manifest into something severe. An early reaction in children to grass or pollen allergens can indicate a high risk of rhinitis manifestation in the latter years of life. In some cases, children suffering from allergic rhinitis are known to be at high risk for future asthma manifestation.
Signs of asthma can be observed during an early stage of a child’s life. A majority of cases show symptoms of asthma such as asthmatic wheezing but very rarely does it persist throughout school-age and adolescence. The wheezing is not because of allergen-specific sensitization but because of virus infections such as RSV or rhinovirus, and the pattern may change later during school-age. Persistent wheezing shows a connection to indoor allergens like house dust mites and mold etc.
Allergy march management
Prevention of allergic diseases and symptoms is the best possible way to fight off the allergic march. Early prevention is recommended which heavily relies on the prevention of triggers in healthy infants. Allergy prevention can be done with certain measures such as avoidance of early allergen contact from foods and inhalants and avoidance of pollution mainly indoor pollutants such as cigarette/tobacco smoke. It’s not necessary that if your child has eczema, they are certain to get the allergy march. It just means there’s a higher chance of it happening if the signs do show up seeking medical attention as soon as possible for the necessary allergy diagnosis.
World Asthma Day – The Link Between Asthma And COVID-19!
Today more than ever, in these testing and changing times, we need to be more careful about how to manage asthma. The first Tuesday of every May is observed as World Asthma Day. This year on 5th May, countries across the world will spread awareness regarding this respiratory illness.
Currently, in India, 2% of the adult population and 6% of the child population are diagnosed with asthma and the number is increasing every year. With COVID-19 cases on the rise, many asthmatics are anxious about how it will impact them.
Is there a link between COVID-19 and asthma?
No, there isn’t a direct link that exists between the two. COVID-19 is a respiratory disorder caused by a coronavirus. It affects the respiratory apparatus in the body – nose, throat and lungs.
If an asthmatic person contracts COVID-19, then the person could suffer pneumonia, an asthma attack or other severe lung problems.
Although there is no evidence to show that having asthma increases your risk of contracting COVID-19, health experts have suggested that asthmatics will experience severe COVID-19 symptoms if they were to contract it. This is because COVID-19 leads to breathing troubles and asthmatics already have breathing difficulties.
Asthma is one of the existing illnesses that can make COVID-19 infection more severe. So if your loved one or you have asthma, manage it with extreme caution and don’t let there be flare-ups.
Many studies are suggesting that a recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may rarely cause new-onset asthma, which could be linked to eosinophilic inflammation. Clinicians should consider asthma in the differential diagnosis of subacute or chronic respiratory symptoms following COVID-19 infection.
Asthmatic patients have to be very careful because many symptoms of COVID-19 and asthma are similar. Symptoms such as cough and breathing difficulties are common between the two disorders.
So when an asthmatic has breathing troubles, how can he or she determine if it’s an asthma attack or COVID-19?
One way to do that is to check your temperature. Studies have found that a large percentage of COVID-19 patients experience fever, it could be mild or high.
Respiratory infections like influenza (flu) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are more serious for individuals with asthma because they can lead to pneumonia and asthma attacks.
Take medications for your asthma as prescribed. Avoid going out and even if you do, then wear a mask. This will lower your chances of being exposed to the virus. Stock up on foods and medication so that you don’t have to go out often to buy essentials.
A few other things you should do are –
Keep your nebulizer clean.
Stay away from triggers like pollen and smoke.
Maintain social distancing.
Don’t share personal items.
Avoid sick people.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Disinfect any object that other people touch a lot, such as doorknobs and tables.
If there are sick people in the house, then you have to isolate yourself. Avoid going near them and disinfect common spaces regularly.
You can keep a peak flow meter with you and use it daily to measure the speed at which air comes out of your lungs. Note down the readings in a diary. This will help your doctor determine if the symptoms of asthma are worsening or they’re signs of COVID-19.
If you have asthma, take steps to prevent getting the flu. Flu virus infection can cause you to have an asthma attack. Flu vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
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 informationprovided 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.
How Can Vaping Increase The Risk Of Asthma And COPD?
Traditionally, people associated with all the respiratory problems with the smoking of traditional cigarettesor even second-hand smoking (passive smoking).
But, recent research suggests that inhalation of tobacco vapour when you puff on e-cigarettes can also increase the risk of contracting asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)!
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has published research data that states an alarming fact – people who vape (use e-cigarettes) are 6 times more likely to develop asthma and COPD than people who do not smoke at all!
Researchers from John Hopkins University in the United States also concluded that vaping is very dangerous for one’s health.
What is the link between vaping, COPD and asthma?
When e-cigarettes first came to the market, they were claimed to be better than regular tobacco cigarettes. Because instead of inhaling tobacco smoke, people would be taking in vapour or a mist of tobacco. It was even touted to help kick out the habit of smoking.
But have these claims been backed by science? No, they haven’t. Vaping actually causes a lot of damage to your lungs. How do you wonder? Well, Studies have found that e-cigarettes can cause inflammation of the lungs and airways, which eventually progresses to COPD.
Vapour from e-cigarettes contains dangerous substances like:
Nicotine
Heavy metals such as lead, nickel, tin, etc.
Flavouring material called diacetyl that can scar the air sacks of your lungs and narrow down your air passages.
Formaldehyde and acrolein, which studies have found, can do irreparable lung damage.
Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine – the base in which the nicotine is diluted – are extremely toxic to your respiratory system.
The main chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, have been linked to increased cough, mucus secretions, chest tightness and reduced lung function, all of which can make asthma worse. Vaping can irritate the lung’s airways, making asthma attacks and also lead to COPD more likely.
Studies have found that e-cigarettes not only increase your chances of getting COPD and asthma but also aggravate the existing symptoms of COPD and asthma.
To shed more light on the link between COPD and vaping, the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System carried out extensive research and collected data from 4 lakh people, both smokers and non-smokers. What did they find? They found that a large percentage of smokers have COPD compared to non-smokers!
The study also found that those who vaped every day were 73% more likely to come down with respiratory illnesses and those who used e-cigarettes infrequently had 31% higher chances of getting these illnesses.
Vaping is very addictive. This habit is almost as difficult to kick as regular smoking. But is it unconquerable? Absolutely not! All you need is consistent effort and a little bit of guidance.
Here are a few ways to do it:
Chew on mint-flavoured gum because studies say that the essence of mint helps to curb the urge to smoke or vape.
Seek a therapist’s help if your addiction is too intense. There are tobacco and nicotine cessation programs that can train people to live without smoking.
Get your family and friends to help you. They can stop you when you feel the urge to vape or prevent you from purchasing nicotine cartridges.
Vaping can ruin your life and bring untold misery. It is as harmful as smoking traditional cigarettes. Kick out this habit and don’t let it be a part of your life so that you can stay fit and fine always!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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A Complete Guide To Asthma Symptoms And Treatment!
Asthma is a fairly common respiratory problem. It affects close to 235 million people around the world and is responsible for the deaths of 1000 people every day globally. It is more prevalent in children than adults and is the leading chronic ailment amongst children. Asthma affects more boys than girls. Asthma can set in anytime during a person’s life – during childhood or adulthood. But how harmful is asthma? Can it be cured? Even better, can it be prevented in the first place? We have all the answers for you. Read on to learn everything you wanted to know about asthma.
Let’s begin with what asthma is –
Asthma is a chronic disease and it affects the lung’s airways called bronchial tubes. Asthma causes inflammation of the inner walls of the bronchial tubes that are responsible for transferring air to and from your lungs. Naturally, a swelling constricts the airways that make breathing difficult. What makes it chronic is that incidents of respiratory problems keep recurring. This happens because asthma also makes the bronchial tubes vulnerable to allergies and irritations. And when allergens (any foreign particle) enter your airways, the airways swell up again and this triggers shortness of breath or breathlessness. The intensity of asthma differs from one person to another. In some, it is a minor annoyance and in others, asthma can be a crippling and dangerous disorder that disrupts their everyday life.
What are the types of asthma?
There are 6 types of asthma-
Bronchial asthma: The commonest form of asthma, this is the one that is initiated by a narrowing of the bronchial tubes.
Allergic asthma: This kind of asthma results from being exposed to allergens such as air-borne matters like pollens from flowers, mould particles, fur shed by your pets.
Non-allergic asthma: Here the attacks arise from cold air, air pollution, viral fevers, cleaning products, perfumes, etc.
Asthma caused by exercise: Symptoms show up after a period of physical exertion.
Occupational asthma: You may be exposed to substances at your place of work such as chemicals, particles or gases that can trigger an asthma attack.
Nocturnal asthma: This kind of asthma strikes only at nights and prompts insomnia.
Asthma can also be classified according to one’s age – childhood asthma and adult-onset asthma. Both have the same symptoms. But the only difference is, in very young children asthma attacks are not triggered by allergens or foreign particles which is a typical cause of asthma attacks in adults. Their allergic reaction usually is not accompanied by the symptoms of asthma.
Childhood asthma –
Currently, nearly 6.2 million children all around the world suffer from asthma. This chronic disease in children can be either intermittent or regular. Children usually experience an asthma attack after a session at the school playground (exercise-induced bronchospasm) or because of second-hand smoking (a leading trigger of childhood asthma, which continues to damage their growing airways). In children, the possibility of an asthma attack taking on severe proportions is quite high. In fact, more children are admitted to a hospital owing to a serious asthma attack than adults. Two very common asthma causes in children is a family history of asthma, or if your child had a very low birth weight, then there is a likelihood that your child might contract asthma.Childhood asthma is not curable. But, that does not mean that your child will not be able to enjoy a happy natural childhood. Make sure that your child gets the medicines that have been prescribed regularly to minimize the possibility of an asthma attack. But more importantly, make sure that she/he isn’t exposed to second-hand smoking. Teach your child how to use the inhaler and ensure that it’s always present in your child’s school bag.
Adult-onset asthma –
People who were spared the burden of asthma in their childhood may still come down with it at any point in their adult lives. This is adult-onset asthma. In children, the asthma symptoms are usually intermittent, but asthma symptoms in adults are more persistent and daily management of asthma symptoms may be necessary.Women more commonly develop asthma in their 20s than men. Some common asthma causes that may trigger an attack in adults are –
Asthma symptoms can manifest themselves unpredictably. They can come and go. However, there are some people who experience mild asthma symptoms throughout the year. Without further ado, these are some symptoms that all asthma patients complain of-
Breathlessness or inability to draw in a deep breath
A sensation of tightness in the chest
Bouts of coughing or wheezing
Inability to go to sleep because of shortness of breath
You may notice a whistling sound emanating from your airways when you breathe in
Especially prolonged coughing or wheezing fits when you’ve caught a cold or the flu
If you have asthma, you always have to be on your guard. But look out for these few signs because they indicate that your asthma is worsening-
Your regular asthma symptoms have become much more frequent or the time interval between two asthma attacks has narrowed
You are having to use your inhaler more often
The inhaler doesn’t seem to be helping
What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack is also called asthma exacerbation and as the name suggests, this happens when your symptoms reach a peak. The airways muscles contract more than ever and produce a lot more mucus than usual and this causes laboured breathing and uninterrupted coughing. The reason an asthma attack is dangerous is that when the bronchial tubes narrow, not enough oxygen reaches the lungs, which means oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the different organs and tissues of your body. Without oxygen, they will not be able to perform their job.Neither will your lungs be able to expel carbon dioxide- another major function of the lungs. Carbon dioxide is deadly for your body. That is why you should be especially wary of asthma attacks. The duration of an asthma attack can be anything from a few minutes to hours. And the effect can vary from mild to severe.
What should you do when you feel an asthma attack coming on?
First of all, you have to stay absolutely calm. Panicking or hyperventilation will aggravate your asthma attack. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should always carry an inhaler with you. And when an attack is about to set in, a quick puff should take care of it. Your inhaler contains medicines such as beta 2 agonist or anticholinergic bronchodilators that instantly clear up your airways and let you breathe again by relaxing the tightened muscles. If that does not help, or if your asthma attack is severe, you should seek medical help immediately before the situation aggravates. A severe asthma attack can completely cut off the oxygen supply and this kind of attack kills nearly 250,000 people globally every year.
Can asthma reoccur after childhood?
In many instances, the signs and symptoms of asthma reduce in intensity after puberty. But they may strike again once the person enters his/her twenties. This will be a case of reappearing asthma. If you had been diagnosed with asthma as a child, but it is not affecting you anymore, you should continue to be on your guard and steer clear of common triggers.
Asthma diagnosis –
If you (or your child) have experienced any of the symptoms we mentioned and suspect it to be a case of asthma, then you will have to consult a doctor. An asthma diagnosis is simple. A physical examination during which a physician will listen to the sounds emanated by your lungs and airways with a stethoscope, a few painless breathing tests called lung function tests and detailed scrutiny of your family history will confirm if it is indeed asthma that you have contracted. The tests will also determine the level of your asthma (mild, moderate or severe). Depending on the results, a course of action will be finalized. Read More About Steps and Test For Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma Treatment –
Asthma cannot be cured. But, there is no reason why asthma should mess up your life. And the first thing you have to do to keep it under check is to track your symptoms. This will help you to keep tabs on whether the symptoms are intensifying or maybe hopefully retreating. Your medication will have to be adjusted accordingly.Next up in asthma treatment are the medicines: depending on the level of your asthma severity, you will be prescribed inhalers, nebulizers or corticosteroids. You must never skip a dose as that may bring on an asthma attack.You will also have to do a few breathing exercises such as pursed-lip breathing or belly breathing that will train your lungs to take in more oxygen.
Are there any home remedies for asthma?
There are quite a few home remedies for asthma that will make your asthma medication much more effective and actively ward off attacks. Here are a few reliable household remedies-
Coffee –
Coffee lovers rejoice! Turns out coffee is very effective in curbing asthma attacks.
Mustard oil –
Surveys have proved that rubbing mustard oil onto the chest can reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Essential oils –
Since strong smells can trigger an asthma attack, try oils with mild essence. Inhaling the smell of essential oils extracted from eucalyptus, lavender or basil can help relax the muscles of your airways.Read More About Asthma Treatment
Conclusion –
Asthma need not weigh you down. It is a serious disorder, but one that you can control with a little bit of caution and discipline.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 informationprovided 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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Here’s Why Indoor Pollution Is Worse Than Outdoor Pollution
Everyone knows that air pollution in India has reached alarming levels. We read about deteriorating air quality in the newspapers all the time. Whether you live in the cities or in rural regions, you can’t really escape from the toxic emissions of carbon dioxide and other dangerous fumes. Pollution claims many lives every year in India. That is why scientists and environmentalists are racing against time to come up with strategies to curb this menace. And the government too is fully behind them.And even if more pollution regulatory measures are put in place, they won’t entirely solve the problem. Because they will only scale down outdoor air pollution. But another type of pollution that exists which not many people are aware of is indoor air pollution. Yes, there are plenty of pollutants right inside your home. And they are more harmful than their outdoor counterparts.
What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?
The walls and roof of your home protect you from the elements- torrential rain, blistering sun, hailstorms and dust storms. Houses are shelters that human beings began to construct nearly 10,000 years ago. But, our early ancestors built houses keeping in mind the terrain, the wind patterns, the climatic conditions etc. so that the air inside would always be fresh and clean. Over the last century, houses have witnessed a change in basic architecture to promote greater levels of privacy. In a hot and humid country like India, rooms require large windows and doors and greater exposure to the outside to allow effective air circulation. But in most houses today, the size of the windows and doors have shrunk.And due to this, the stale and old air inside your home finds no outlet and fresh air from outside cannot come in either.Another reason why indoor air quality is declining is the absence of ventilators. These are smaller versions of windows bored into the walls near the ceilings. They help in establishing an air cycle inside a room by allowing warm air to escape so that cool air can take its place.But, when there are no ventilators the warm air is trapped inside. And it’s not just the warm air that gets trapped but also the indoor air pollutants such as harmful mould spores, cigarette smoke, residues of cleaning chemicals, beauty products or particles emitted when you cook or use your fridge and air conditioner.
Why Is Indoor Air Pollution More Dangerous?
There are two reasons why pollutants inside the house, though they may be the same as the ones outdoor, pose a bigger threat to your health.
1. Higher Concentration –
The indoor pollutants are more densely concentrated than outside. Simply because there are limited space and air in your home than the outside. And that is why the pollutants are more closely packed. And with each breath, you are inhaling a larger volume of pollutants than you do outside your home. Winds are stronger outside than inside so pollutants outside can be blown away. Similarly, a spell of rain can also bring down the level of pollutants. But this is not the case indoors.
2. Exposure –
Most people spend a significant amount of time indoors than outside. That is why they are exposed to a concentrated volume of toxic matter for a considerable amount of time.
What Are The Health Effects Of Pollution Especially Indoor Pollution?
Indoor air pollution can lead to ailments such as –
It can cause breathing difficulties
Trigger asthma
Skin problems
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Can You Reduce Indoor Air Pollution?
There are a few things you can do to mitigate indoor air pollution-
Never smoke inside the house
Ensure that you have well-ventilated rooms
Keep your doors and windows open for as long as possible
Use herbal surface cleaners
Air out your pillows, mattresses and blankets to reduce spores
Use ACs as infrequently as possible
Indoor air pollution is more lethal than outdoor pollution. Yet it is easier to curb than the outside version. So take heed and adopt the measures we suggest for the sake of your own health.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 informationprovided 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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Health Effects Of Air Pollution And How Can You Save Yourself!
Air pollution and lung health don’t go well together. With winters approaching, the air becomes drier and lacks necessary moisture. This makes breathing difficult even for normal people. If the air is polluted, the problem magnifies. Those who suffer from respiratory issues find it even tougher to breathe normally and may suffer from respiratory distress which could also be fatal.
What is Air Pollution?
When the air quality dips because of various pollutants like dust particles, poisonous gases and particulate matter, it is known as air pollution. Each pollutant causes damage in its way. For example, particulate matter is made up of fine particles that get sucked deep into the airways because of their small size and thus have the ability to cause more damage. Nitrogen dioxide is another air pollutant that can cause severe respiratory problems like asthma or COPD. Ozone gas molecules can irritate the airways and decrease lung capacity. Since air pollution is a dynamic thing, it varies according to seasons, the weather, area and even the time of the day.Now that Diwali is approaching, due to the influx of traffic from nearby cities and the smoke from crackers leads to increased air pollution levels in the bigger cities. Those cities that are in north India suffer more as they also face the onslaught of winter fog. The pollutants combine with the fog and envelope the cities in a thick, suffocating blanket known as smog.
Air Pollution and Lung Cancer
Since the day a connection was discovered between smoking and lung cancer, there have been rarely any new developments on the other contributing causes towards lung cancer. However, recent research has found an undeniable connection between air pollution and lung cancer. Those who are non-smokers but stay in the more polluted cities of the world are falling prey to cancer due to low air quality.
Effects of Air Pollution
There are short-term and long-term effects of being exposed to a steep concentration of pollutants. Some of them are:
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Irritated air passageways
Emphysema
Lung Cancer
Air Pollution Is More Harmful to The Children
Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution because of many reasons. They tend to breathe through their mouths rather than the nose which acts as an efficient filter. Mouth breathing leads to deeper penetration of the pollutants into the airways of the lungs making them prey to asthma and other respiratory infections. The surface area of the lungs in kids is more and they inhale more air than adults and therefore, they are more at risk of respiratory problems. Compared to other age groups, kids are more outdoorsy, especially in the warmer months or noon when the concentration of ozone pollutants is the highest. Their immune systems aren’t as toughened to deal with the adverse effects of such harmful pollutants as nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide. Their bodies can’t just detoxify themselves.
How to Reduce the Damage Caused by Air Pollution
If someone cannot move to an area with low levels of air pollution, there are certain steps one could take to reduce the damage caused daily.
Reduce foray in the polluted environment during the early evenings. If you exercise outdoors, move indoors to a gym or try exercising in the early morning hours.
Always Keep the inhaler handy.
Take preventive medication if you have asthma.
Don’t venture out during the rush hour when the traffic and the pollution caused by it are at their worst. If you cannot avoid that, stay off the main road and find alternate routes to reach your destination.
Many plants purify the air. Grow them abundantly at home and in your office workspace.
Also Read: Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? Unveiling the Truth Backed by ScienceDisclaimer: 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 informationprovided 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.
Asthma Monsoon Foods: What to Eat and Avoid?
Monsoons might bring relief to most but not to people who have asthma. The torrential rains bring the allergens- pollen, dust and dirt particles that aggravate asthma allergies. The moisture in the atmosphere and the wet clothes and shoes are the perfect breeding grounds for bacterial and viral infections that cause cold and flu, both infections that can cause havoc in the life of an asthma patient.
What one eats has a profound effect on the body, especially during monsoons. The high levels of humidity make our digestion sluggish and slow down the immune defences. Eating the right foods and avoiding others will keep you healthy. Take a look at the asthma monsoon foods that work for people.
Foods to Eat
Tea and Soups
Whether it is green tea, masala tea or your regular cup, they all will benefit you in monsoons. Vegetable and dal soups too are beneficial as they increase immunity against respiratory disorders. Plus, both the beverages are easy on the system. Tea and soups are one of the best asthma monsoon foods!
Moong Dal
Moong dal boosts metabolism, aids digestion and improves immunity. It is nutritious and can be quickly eaten by toddlers and elderly alike.
Steamed Vegetables
Avoid raw vegetables as they are full of harmful bacteria and viruses. If incorporating in salads, make sure the veggies are blanched or steamed. If you like eating sprouts, steam those too before consuming.
Herbs and Spices
Add garlic and ginger to your meals as they increase immunity and aid digestion. Garlic and ginger add a flavour punch to soups, curries, and ginger can be added to tea to boost its infection-fighting properties. Also, use pepper, asafoetida, jeera, turmeric and coriander powder in your food as they enhance the digestive capability of the body and increase immunity.
Yoghurt and Buttermilk
Most doctors advise that yoghurt replaces milk in the diet. Milk can harbour infection-causing bacteria and germs while yoghurt and buttermilk have pro-biotic bacteria that help in digestion.
Monsoons are the worst season to have green vegetables as they could contain worms and their larvae. Prefer to eat bottle gourd, snake gourd, cluster beans, and bitter gourd.
Heavy Curries
Curries that are rich in fat and dry fruits paste are bad for the system as they stress the digestive system.
Unseasonal Fruits
Mangoes and watermelons must be avoided in monsoons. Eat only seasonal fruits.
Fermented Foods
Avoid idli, dosas, and bread as they are fermented and stress digestion.
Sour and Refrigerated Foods
Avoid tamarind, pickles, chutneys, and lemonade. Attempt to eat freshly cooked meals and avoid anything that has been refrigerated.
Heavy Grains
Those who have asthma must avoid heavy grains such as ragi and bajra as they cause undue stress on the body.
Eating right during monsoons will keep the asthma allergies down as the body will be equipped to fight off infections. Hence, keep this list of asthma monsoon foods handy!
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 informationprovided 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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Useful Tips To Manage Asthma During Monsoon
There is no denying that the first shower of the monsoon after hot days of summer rejuvenates our ‘ole dull lives. However, monsoon does not just bring a pleasant breeze, it also results in an increase in dampness and fall in the temperature, often bringing multiple risks associated with breathing issues. Those with asthma and other breathing-related allergies, therefore, have to be a little cautious when enjoying the season. However, don’t fret! To keep your asthma issues at bay, we present some precautionary measures that you can easily incorporate during your monsoon days so that you can enjoy the showers like the rest of us.
Take Care of those Dampen Walls
During rainy days, a majority of us complain about the dampness in the walls. Therefore, it is crucial that you prevent your walls from getting dampened as moist walls could worsen your asthma symptoms. Moreover, they could also lead to other respiratory issues. If possible, get damp-proof work done. Likewise, you could also mould off the walls with anti-moisture or anti-mould bleach. Additionally, if you could afford to invest in a good dehumidifier or air purifier to control the atmosphere within the house, that will be helpful.
Keep the Doors and Windows Closed
Rainy days are the breeding times for various health issues. So, it is always in your safety to keep the doors and windows of your house closed, especially in those places where water is heavily involved such as the kitchen, wash area or bathrooms. Doing so will help reduce the circulation of moisture in the atmosphere. Moreover, proper cross-ventilation also helps. This means the more the sunlight enters your house (even for a shorter time), the better it helps in keeping the unneeded moisture away. You could also use blinders instead of curtains to ensure the limited entry of dust inside your house. If possible, try to stay home as much as you can or wear a dust mask while going outside.
Avoid Indoor Plants for a While
If you are a plant lover and have any indoor plants in your bedroom, it is time to keep them away. Research suggests that monsoon leads to an increased presence of pollen grains in the air. Moreover, since pollen grains could trigger asthma attacks, it is better to avoid keeping plants inside the home.
Pets and You
In case you have a furry pet in your house, ensure that your pet’s movement is somewhat restricted. As pets usually prefer to stay indoors during the monsoon to avoid getting wet, there is a high probability of them shedding their fur on the floor. Since asthma could also be triggered by animal fur, especially in children, it is better that you keep restricted contact with your furry loved ones.
Apart from all these tips mentioned above, it is essential that you take asthma medications regularly. Moreover, avoid catching a cold or flu. While these precautionary tips would secure you from additional breathing issues during the monsoon days, it is always advisable to seek your doctor if you notice anything unusually different about your asthma symptoms.
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 informationprovided 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.
9 Things to Know About Asthma
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:
Anyone can get it at any point in life. There is no set age at which the disease manifests itself. Those who are obese are more susceptible to get it as are those who have someone suffering in the family from asthma. Genetic factors also play a pivotal role.
If someone gets asthma in childhood, they cannot outgrow it as an adult. The condition is forever. One can learn how to manage it better but curing it completely is out of the question. The asthma symptoms for children are intermittent while those for adults are more persistent.
Nonasthmatics live as long as those who have mild asthma. This means that one must make every effort to not let asthma reach more severe stages so as to live longer. Nip the situation in the bud to increase longevity and add to your quality of life.
One of the biggest asthma causes is cigarette smoke. So if there is someone who smokes around you or if you smoke yourself, that is a good enough reason to stop. Children are most vulnerable to passive smoke to ensure that no one lights up a cigarette around them.
Boys are more susceptible to develop asthma. In fact, research says that they are likely to develop this condition twice more than girls. Tests for allergy and bronchial responsiveness show more positive results for them than for girls.
Dust, molds, and pets are all triggers for asthma attacks. People who have asthma have to clean up their surroundings with more zeal and effort as the smallest of these allergens can have potentially fatal consequences. Some people who suffer from asthma also do not take to perfumes very well. This is because some of these perfumes or sprays, even of the household variety, can irritate their air passageways.
Stress can worsen asthma. This has a very interesting explanation. Stress creates a physiological response in the body. When we have high-stress levels, the body directs all resources to help in survival so the first casualty is our immune system. Learn to manage your stress levels to reduce complications related to asthma.
Coughs and colds have a more debilitating effect on asthma patients. Both the diseases, which do not put the rest of the population out of gear, can turn out to be battles between life and death for asthma patients. This is because their lungs are already weakened by recurrent asthma attacks and coughs and colds inflame their airways earlier than they would in nonasthmatics. Stock up on cough and cold medications to keep any emergencies at bay.
Asthma patients must get their annual flu shots. Getting vaccinated against flu and other diseases like pneumonia ensures that one avoids serious complications. Viral infections can be a trigger for an asthma attack.
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 informationprovided 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 Asthma Symptoms Vary According To Season?
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.
Summer
Summer is one of the best seasons for people who have asthma. World over, in the summer season doctors, report the least number of asthma cases.
In urban areas, air quality decreases due to pollution and dust.
When humidity rises, it couples with heat and can prove harmful for asthma patients.
Thunderstorms are frequent in summers, and they bring with them strong winds that activate fungal spores and pollen in the air. Spores and pollen are sure to shot asthma triggers.
Monsoons/ Autumn
The endless rain in the monsoon season might inspire poets to sing paeans but the season is not conducive towards a person who has asthma.
The moisture from the rains provides perfect breeding grounds for fungal and mould spores. With no sun to disinfect the air, there is a spike in asthma attacks.
Autumn is no better for asthmatics.
The dip in temperature is the primary reason for increased breathing problems.
The flu viruses are abundant in this season and while a common cold cannot make much of a difference to a regular person, to an asthmatic is can put life out of gear. Children catch these viruses from each other and bring them home to their families.
Respiratory infections prove to be more severe in the case of asthmatics because they have poor lung health. They could even turn into pneumonia if left untreated. It is best to get yourself inoculated with a flu shot to be safe.
Exercising during colder months carries higher risks as the breathing is deeper in this season. For some people, just walking outdoors can trigger an asthma attack. Wearing a scarf will help you as it will keep your breathing moist and warmer.
Since in the winter months, the heaters and humidifiers are used extensively, they can pose another problem. The warm, humid environment inside can accelerate the growth of dust mites and moulds.
Smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces also can make breathing harder for people who have asthma.
Spring
When the entire world is outdoors, celebrating the onset of spring and all its beauty, the asthma patients dread it like nothing else. The triggers in this season are many.
Pollen from all the blooming flowers can cause inflammation in the air passageways and cause asthma attacks.
Exercising during the morning hours also causes breathing problems as the pollen concentration is highest from 5 a.m to 10 a.m.
The spring season has unpredictable weather that can shoot up asthma attacks.
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 informationprovided 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.
