Asthma control
Asthma control is viewed regarding future risk to the person and how well their symptoms can be controlled. A person’s asthma is classified as under control when they are able to:
- To participate in active physical life, like going to work or school and being able to exercise in routine physical activities such as being able to walk short distances with ease.
- Having only a few troublesome symptoms during the day or night. Such as going through the day without being disrupted by breathing problems, being able to sleep through the night without losing sleep or waking at night due to asthma
- Being able to avoid most asthma attacks. When asthma is controlled, asthma attacks are rare, so this control means that a visit by emergency services or needing to be hospitalised is not likely to occur.
- Using little or not needing a fast-acting reliever or rescue medication for asthma
- Having normal or near-normal lung function can be checked with a spirometry or a peck expiratory flow or PEF meter.
- Being able to avoid most side-effects from asthma treatments, as different asthma treatments are available, and a doctor can recommend which is best for you.
First Aid Pro emphasize a lot on health and safety, as a result we do provide specialized course in the management of Asthma Risks and emergencies which ultimately can help keeping asthma in control.
4 simple steps to control your Asthma
- Take asthma medication as recommended by a doctor. Most asthma sufferers need two types of medicine: a quick-acting reliever or rescue medication to stop symptoms quickly. A controller medication is taken daily to prevent symptoms from the day-to-day.
- Know the causes of your asthma symptoms and how to respond to them. Everyone with asthma reacts differently to their own set of risks factors. Take steps to avoid those asthma triggers. A doctor may tell you to take medication before going out to exercise or other activities that may be triggering your asthma.
- Work with your doctor. In maintaining asthma control, your doctor should be your confidant. You should be having check-ups 2 or 3 times a year even if symptoms have been inattentive. Ask questions and make sure you understand how to take your medication at all times.
- Act quickly to treat an asthma attack. Know the signs of asthma getting worse and how to react when that happens. Knowing when to call or seek emergency medical help after a severe asthma attack, go to a doctor and review your asthma plan to prevent attacks when possible.
When your Asthma gets worse
Asthma symptoms can change from day today. For example, after weeks or months without symptoms, a change in seasons can agitate your asthma. Recognising the signs when asthma is agitated or getting worse. This will help to keep your asthma under control. Your asthma could be getting worse if:
- When Asthma symptoms increase, such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness waking in the night with troubled breathing or coughing fits happening more than twice a week, it worsens asthma.
- Need to use your reliever medication more than usual. If you need rescue medication more than two times a week, re-visit the doctor. This is a sign that asthma is getting worse, and you may need to vary medication to help with meditating symptoms.
- You cannot do normal activities or activities that you used to do. It’s a definite sign your asthma is worsening and gets to the point of not being able to participate in physical activities such as work, school, or general exercise is too much for you. Control over your asthma is easier when you can recognize the signs and act accordingly.
The world’s most chronic lung disease
- Asthma is Characterized by respiratory symptoms, particularly symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness
• Heterogeneous- most people with asthma have inflamed airways, but the symptoms and their intensity differ from person to person.
• Variable- the symptoms go up and down over time for every individual with asthma. So, the management of lung function can also vary over time.
People who have asthma have chronic inflammation of the lungs. Their airways narrow easier than others without asthma. This response is a variety of factors. These are called triggers and can include: - Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, cat and dog’s fur
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Exercise
- Strong emotional reactions such as crying or laughing too hard
- Chemical irritations
- Certain types of medications like aspirin and beta-blockers
Asthma will generally react to these variables differently, for asthma affects everyone uniquely. For individuals learning to control their asthma, identifying their triggers and knowing how to avoid them is important in understanding your health. However, with the proper management, you or your loved one with asthma can live a normal, healthy life.
The mystery of Asthma
The ongoing increase in asthma worldwide is one of the biggest mysteries in modern medicine. Scientists in the 1990s thought that perhaps that care or diesel exhaust and pollution could cause the rise in asthma. However, it is agreed that the reason is far more complex and different for every individual.
