Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease affecting both children and adults around the world the world. 300 million to be specific.
I am one of them. I have had it for as long as I can remember.
I write this post to help out asthmatics like myself and parents of asthmatic children. I can attest to how difficult it can be to manage it, especially in this cold weather. Even wearing masks everyday has its challenges. But do not worry, below are some simple steps you can take to manage it and avoid asthmatic attacks.
1. Understand how asthma starts
If you have had it for years like me, you can see an asthmatic attack coming. It starts with a general body weakness, then a cough. Or a wheeze. Soon your chest feels tight and your breathing is labored.
During an asthmatic attack, the person experiences symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and intense coughing. This is usually when the people around you start to stare. Someone may even shout something stupid like, "just breathe!"
Don't mind mind them, try to stay calm and use your inhaler. Two puffs at a time. If it persists, get help to make it to the nearest medical facility. Thank God there are those always ready to help.
Remember to gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each dose of the inhaler to help prevent hoarseness, throat irritation, and infections in the mouth. Do not swallow the water after rinsing.
2. Have at least two inhalers
I always have at least three inhalers at all times. One in my purse, another by my bedside table, and the last in office desk drawer or the car. For kids, ensure they have one at school and another at home. Using an inhaler in a timely manner prevents asthmatic attacks.
Please do not be the person borrowing an inhaler from a stranger during an asthma attack in the middle of a pandemic. Sure, you may get relief but you may also contract Covid-19 which is even deadlier for an asthmatic person.
And most importantly, do not be embarrassed to use it when needed.
3. Get the flu shot
Getting the flu shot was a huge turning point for me. Here is why.
People with asthma are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, even if their asthma is mild or their symptoms are well-controlled by medication. You can develop swollen and sensitive airways, and flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs which can trigger asthma attacks and a worsening of asthma symptoms.
Flu also can lead to pneumonia and other acute respiratory diseases. In fact, adults and children with asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia after getting sick with flu than people who do not have asthma.
According to the CDC(Center for Disease Control), flu vaccination is especially important for people with asthma and I agree 100%. Ever since I begun getting yearly flu shots, I barely remember that I am asthmatic. I no longer get asthmatic attacks or sneezes and colds every morning like I did before.
4. Know and avoid your triggers
If you have asthma, an asthmatic attack can happen when you are exposed to “asthma triggers.”
Your doctor can educate you on your triggers so you learn how to avoid them. And watch out for an attack when you can’t avoid the triggers.
Some of the most common triggers are: tobacco smoke, dust, mold, stress, disinfectants, aerosols and perfumes, some medicines, bad weather, pests (e.g., cockroaches, mice) and any kind of outdoor air pollution.
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