Asthma is a respiratory infection that causes swelling in the bronchial tubes and makes breathing difficult. People with this lung disease can have an asthma attack when they are exposed to the triggers or skip their medications. Treatments aim at managing and easing the symptoms and prevent the development of attacks. Medications, Ventolin inhaler, supportive diet, and avoidance of triggers are the parts of the treatment plan. The foremost step to the treatment is taking your medications on time and remaining away from the triggers.
However, if you have an asthma attack, some steps can help overcome the condition. While you are undergoing the treatment, your doctor may tell you the rescue steps to get out of an attack. However, some of the things you can do are-
Immediate steps
Do not lie down, instead sit straight or stand up when you have an asthma attack. Take 10 puffs of your inhaler after every 30 to 60 seconds.
Use your medications
When symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness, become poor, this may indicate an asthma attack. In such a condition, take your rescue medications and inhaler as quickly as possible.
Eliminate the exposure of trigger
If you develop an attack because of exposure to any trigger, eliminate the factor from your surrounding as soon as possible.
Do not panic
Keep yourself calm during an attack. Although it can be difficult, getting panic may not solve your problem. Use your medications and sit straight. You may get relief from the symptoms.
Breathing exercises
Some breathing exercises can help ease asthma symptoms. Some of them are belly breathing, The Papworth method, pursed-lip breathing, and the Buteyko method.
Discuss with your doctor the way to do these breathing exercises.
Take a steam bath
Warm air can help people with this lung infection to get relief. Take a bath with warm water. It can wipe out the mucus and make breathing easy.
One thing here to know is that some people are relieved from warm water. On the other hand, warm water can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. You need to know in which category you fall.
Try some home remedies
Have coffee
Caffeine is a feeble bronchodilator. If you are likely to have an attack, have a cup of coffee. It will ease the inflammation and improve coughing and whistling sounds.
Ginger and garlic
Both these kitchen-mates are rich in anti-inflammatory characteristics. They can help to relieve the symptoms of asthma. You can use ginger or garlic cloves in boiled water. Moreover, you can also add ginger to your tea.
Seek medical help
If your condition does not improve even after using the asthma inhalers or using the medications, seek immediate medical help. Call out to your doctor or visit a hospital.
What are the causes of asthma?
The exact cause of this lung infection is not clear. However, experts identify the contact of genetic and environmental factors responsible for lung disease. Although asthma causes are not known, certain factors can increase your risk of having or developing this illness. These risk factors are-
- Smoking
- Family history
- Obesity
- Viral infections
- Air pollution
- Occupational irritants like dust and industrial chemicals
- Allergies
- Environmental factors like harmful gases, smoke, mould, and pet dander
If you are exposed to these risk factors, you may develop lung disease. Nevertheless, you can also consult your doctor on how to reduce the possibility and prevent the condition.
What triggers asthma?
There are various factors, which can induce the symptoms of this lung infection. However, they may vary from person to person. Some of the common triggers are as follows-
- Allergies like pollen, pet dander, and cockroach dirt
- Smoking
- Cigarette or industrial smoke
- Food factors like eggs, tree nuts, cow’s milk, fish, and peanuts
- Certain medications such as aspirin (pain killer), ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers
- Heavy and prolong exercises
- Weather changes
- Sinusitis
- Heartburn
Avoid coming in contact with triggers like allergies, smoke, prolong exercises, weather factors, medications, and foods. However, if you have medical conditions like sinusitis or heartburn, consult your doctor on how you can manage your condition and prevent the development of an attacks. Medications and inhalers are used to ease asthma symptoms. If you happen to come in contact with the triggers and develop the symptoms, use your medications and inhaler as quickly as possible.
How can you prevent an asthma attack?
Asthma is not preventable. Once you have the condition, you may have to live with it for the rest of your life. However, there are some measures, which can help manage your symptoms and prevent worsening your condition. You may consult with your doctor for preventive measures for asthma. Nevertheless, some of them are-
Avoid all kinds of smoke
Smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma. Avoid all kinds of smoke, including incense, candles, fireworks, or fire if you have lung disease. Moreover, do not go to people or places where you may come in contact with smoke.
Keep yourself away from allergies
Allergies can induce asthma symptoms. Therefore, avoid eating foods, which causes you allergy. Restaurant foods can also make your condition critical as you may not know the ingredients used in the dish. In addition, if you reside in someone else home or a hotel, carry your pillow and bedding if feasible. Stay in a dust-free room.
Identify the triggers and avoid them
Asthma triggers may vary from person to person. However, some of them are common, like smoke, air pollution, cold, and allergies. Know your triggers and stay away from them.
Always carry your Ventolin inhaler
Keep your inhaler with you wherever you go. You can use it if your symptoms take place or become critical.
Take your medications timely
Some medications are designed to be taken daily to keep the asthma symptoms under control. Therefore, you should take them timely. Skipping your medications can lead to a worsening condition.
