PharmEasy Blog

Top 5 Ways To Prevent An Asthma Attack Outdoors

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.

Air Quality

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’.

Weather

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.

Plan Your Workout

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.

Being Smart

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.

Preventive Steps

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.

Hygiene Hypothesis: Being Too Clean Can Cause Asthma!

The hygiene hypothesis is important. Parents everywhere are on a constant mission to ensure that their children are raised in the safest environment they can possibly think of. This not-so-covert mission includes an all-out assault on germs and the complete fortification of their houses against anything that could cause their baby to sneeze, cough or even rub their little noses.Cleanliness is the best way to raise your child, isn’t it? At least, that is what the natural instinct of most parents keeps telling them. It tells them to take extra care to make sure there’s no dirt in the house, no pets around the kids and sanitizer available at arm’s reach at all times.Well, what if we told you that this whole thought process could be completely wrong and parents are better off not going into complete Obsessive Cleanliness mode!There is a well researched scientific theory called the ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’ that is going to put everything you ever knew about cleanliness in doubt. The theory essentially states that exposure to good and bad germs at a young age helps the human immune system strengthen itself to resist more severe ailments later in life.Some of the medical conditions where this has been found to have an impact include allergies, asthma, and eczema. One of the studies on the subject asserted that children raised in rural areas, with more exposure to uncontrolled germs and microbes, have a lesser chance of developing asthma or eczema. Other studies found that the inhalation of normal dust and relatively harmless germs and microbes helps strengthen the immune system against a variety of similar diseases.It is important to remember that the studies have not been proven to be conclusive. One can only draw insights from this hypothesis and parents will surely want to do so in order to find out the level of hygiene, that is fine for their children. It’s probably impossible to raise a child in a completely sterile environment. Urban lifestyle will definitely ensure that the child is exposed to a good amount of germs and microbes.However, the ‘Hygiene Hypothesis’ helps parents make choices about certain simple problems, for example, whether their child can stay with the dog for too long? The answer to this is a resounding yes according to the hypothesis.The crux of the matter is that one can never be too careful as a parent, but neither should one go overboard with sanitation measures. Let’s hope that all you mothers and fathers will find that perfect balance and let your child enjoy happy and healthy infancy.Also Read: How To Clean Belly Button: Research-Based Guide for Proper HygieneDisclaimer: 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.

Top 5 Things To Do When Having An Asthma Attack

An asthma attack is a sudden condition that is caused by the tightening of the muscles around the airways (also called Bronchospasm). During this condition, the airways get inflamed and above normal mucus get produced. All these factors cause shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.Other noticeable symptoms that are observed during the asthma attack include:

Difficulty in talking and speaking full sentences
Blue coloured lips or fingernails
Feelings of anxiousness and panic
Tightness in the chest
Non-stop coughing
Bluish tint on the lips

How does one identify the early signs of an asthma attack?This is difficult because the early signs are subtle and generally don’t hamper your everyday activities. But if you are alert and can identify these, you can save yourself from the worst attack and in some cases also prevent the occurrence of an attack.Some of the early symptoms include:

Losing breath easily
Frequent coughing especially during the night time
Tiredness and grouchy mood
Symptoms of cold and allergies, namely a running nose, sore throat, headache, and nasal congestion
A decrease in the lung function on a peak flow meter

However, if you get caught in a difficult situation like the worst attack, here are some right steps that you should take so that you can feel better faster.

Use the inhaler properly – Many patients don’t use their inhalers correctly. While some don’t position it correctly others inhale the medication too fast, causing it to reach the throat rather than the airway.
Stop – Stop whatever you are doing-especially if you are doing something rigorous. Sit down and relax till the symptoms subside. Try to breathe in through your nose and out from your mouth. This will help warm the air as it enters your lungs. Some patients also get relief by practising Yogic breathing or pranayama, but there is no proof that this practice helps one and all.
Stay away from asthmatic triggers – If you sense that some outdoor factors are causing the attack, venture indoors. Blow your nose and rinse with salt to clear the irritants. You can also take a shower to wash off the irritants.
Stay hydrated – During an attack, it is highly advisable to stay hydrated. So regularly sip water, juice, or tea. However, ensure that whatever you are drinking is at room temperature. Anything too hot or cold can cause muscle spasms in the airways.
Follow your asthma action plan and the medication as suggested by your doctor.

Read More: Asthma Treatment – What You Need To KnowHow does one prevent an asthma attack?

Be regular with your medication and doctor’s appointments.
Use a peak flow meter regularly. This will tell you how well your lungs are functioning. If you notice a dip in your lung performances starts with the implementation of your asthma action plan immediately.
Keep a tab on your medication and let the doctor know if they are not working well for you.

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.

How Effective Are Nebulizers In Asthma?

Suffering from Asthma? Cannot take a breath in? Inhaler failing to relieve breathlessness? It is at such times that the Nebulizer will come to the rescue.

Nebulizers send medications where they’re needed most, to your lungs, directly in under 5 minutes. On the other hand, oral medicines taken for asthma go through your gastrointestinal tract, then enter your bloodstream to reach your lungs which takes a minimum of 30 minutes to relieve the breathlessness you are feeling. Nebulizers work like an instant meal for the oxygen-hungry lungs!

Who can use a nebulizer?

A nebulizer is an optional asthma treatment to deliver medication in people who cannot use inhalers such as infants, very young children, the elderly or persons who are so breathless that they can’t take a breath in deeply with inhalers. Medicines given using a nebulizer can treat acute conditions and can prevent respiratory complaints from turning serious. Apart from asthma, what else does a nebulizer treat?

Nebulizing is the fastest and the most efficient way to deliver medications into the lungs. Thus, they are perfect for treating any respiratory complaints like –Sinusitis, Allergies, Asthma, Emphysema, Flu, Bronchitis, Cystic fibrosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and more. This method of dispensing medicines by a nebulizer is also good to dissolve substances that may be blocking the airways.

Nebulizer treatment relaxes the breathing muscles and permits air to flow more easily in and out of the lungs. It also helps to loosen mucous in the lungs. Both of these benefits of nebulizer treatment help to decrease and prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Here is how a Nebulizer works –

A nebulizer is an electric atomizer, and it dispenses the medication as a fine spray of particles. It is a small air compressor that converts medicines into an air mist that can comfortably be breathed in through a mask or a mouthpiece.

For large doses of inhaled medication, a nebulizer is exceptionally convenient. For both immediate relief and maintenance of asthma symptoms, medicines are available for use with a nebulizer.

But in times of an emergency, what is better? Here is a detailed look at nebulizers and inhalers. A nebulizer is easy to use. You must do nothing except sit in one place and breathe through the mouthpiece or facemask, whereas the use of an inhaler needs learning the initial technique and some practice.

A nebulizer ensures that the complete dose reaches the lungs directly. On the other hand, with the inhaler, the medicine sometimes will reach only until the back of the throat and not get down into the lower airways, delaying instant results and not give as much relief as expected with the same dose of the drug.

Inhalers are typically more convenient and less expensive than nebulizers. Nebulizers can be a good choice for young children or people who have trouble using inhalers. These people can also use a spacer with some types of inhalers to help them get an effective medication dose.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

A nebulizer is a power, or battery-operated whereas an inhaler doesn’t need a power supply and can be used anywhere.

Nebulizers are heavy and can’t be carried along everywhere in anticipation of emergency inhalers that can be quickly taken wherever you go.

A nebulizer is more expensive than a cost-effective inhaler.

We suggest, let your doctor, and you jointly decide which device is best suited for your asthma.

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.

Wash your hands

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.

Don’t Exercise Outdoors

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.

Warm-Up Before Exercise

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.

Take Medications

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.

Keep Your House Dust-Free

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.

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

Source

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:

Don’t Panic: if you feel like you are getting an attack, first of all, don’t panic! Panicking makes the condition worse. Sit down in one place and try to take deep breaths.
Use an Inhaler: Make sure you have your inhaler wherever you go. Use your inhaler with a minimum gap of 2-minutes. In case, you have a nebulizer, it is suggested that you use this instead of an inhaler. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you need to get medical attention.
Peak Flowmeter: If it is feasible, you can use a peak flow meter to check the intensity of the attack. The peak flow meter can assist in determining how mild or bad the attack is.
Follow-up with a doctor: Make it a point that your doctor and your family know about your attack history, even if it is a mild attack. The doctors can make a note of it in your asthma action plan and also determine if you need further medical attention or if the dosage of your medication has to be changed.

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.

Know Why You Are Suffering From Asthma?

Asthma cannot be ignored, nor can it be taken lightly. It is a condition where there is inflammation and swelling in the airways that lead to the lungs. When asthma flares up, it may cause the airways to narrow and tighten. This makes it difficult for the air to pass through, causing difficulty in breathing. Such a situation also leads to asthma attacks or exacerbation (sudden worsening of asthma condition or COPD).To know more, read the common causes of asthma:Asthma affects people in different ways. Some people experience asthma attacks only in peak allergy season or when they experience cold air. It may happen when they exercise as well. At times it may so happen that the attacks may be severe and they must rush to a doctor.Symptoms of asthma can be mild or severe. You may experience a mild attack daily or even severe symptoms each day or you may have something in between. Also, how often you suffer from these symptoms may change. This is because when you have asthma, you may experience:

Wheeze, making a loud or soft whistling noise when you breathe in and out.
Bouts of cough.
Feel the tightness in your chest.
Feel short of breath.
Sleeplessness because of coughing or trouble in breathing.
Feeling tired easily during exercise.

Asthma symptoms can aggravate at night. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and need emergency treatment.

What are the Causes of Asthma?

The causes of asthma are many; they can be intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic (external) factors include:

Allergies (allergens) are common in children and adults and are a common cause of asthma. Some examples of allergens include inhaled materials, ingested materials (e.g. foods) and materials that cause problems when they contact the skin. Most commonly, asthma attacks are triggered when one inhales the allergens.Occupational asthma is real and it occurs in 10% of asthma patients when they are exposed to gases, fumes, dusts and even vapors that are present in their place of work.Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the common causes of asthma in sensitive patients. Such a problem develops over a period due to aspirin sensitivity, asthma and nasal polyps.

Intrinsic (internal) factors include:

Commonly, problems like viral infections and respiratory infections aggravate asthma.An asthma attack can be induced during exercise and is known as EIA or exercise-induced asthma. This happens as there is an increase in respiratory rate and the depth of breathing as well as an increase in inhalation of the air present in the atmosphere. This air may be cooler than the body temperature air in the lungs. This cooler air triggers the lung receptors in patients susceptible to asthma or bronchospasm.Asthma can be genetic too. The ADAM-33 gene set is known to be associated with this health condition and is known as the asthma gene. Currently, four different asthma genes have been identified.Emotional factors and stress have been suspected to cause asthma but the data to support this is not complete.Asthma should never stop you from doing the things you want to do. It is important to work with your doctor/provider and follow your care plan, so you can enjoy the benefits of exercise without 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.

« Previous Page

PharmEasy Blog

Top 5 Ways To Prevent An Asthma Attack Outdoors

Air Quality

Weather

Plan Your Workout

Being Smart

Preventive Steps