Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by recurrent attacks of dyspnoea and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from one person to another. Symptoms can occur several times a day or a week, and in some people, these attacks may get worse during physical activity or at night.

What is an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed, which causes a narrowing of the airways and a decrease in the flow of air in and out of What is asthma?

the lungs. Recurrent symptoms frequently cause insomnia, daytime fatigue, a decrease in activity and school and work absenteeism. The case fatality rate of asthma is relatively low compared to other chronic diseases; However, in 2005, 255,000 people died due to this cause.

Here at Northcote Medical we will help you treat your asthma and have it under control. Contact us today and enjoy the services of true professionals in the area.

Important data related to asthma attacks

• Experts estimate that there are currently 235 million patients with asthma.
• Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in children.
• Asthma is present in all countries, regardless of their level of development. More than 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and middle-low income countries.
• Asthma is often not diagnosed correctly and receives adequate treatment, creating an important burden for patients and their families, and may limit the patient’s activity throughout his life.

Latest studies have determined that older adults with asthma are five times more likely to die from this chronic condition, compared to younger patients. In addition, medical complications are more common among the elderly with asthma, the researchers concluded.

Asthma, which is a respiratory disease that inflames the lungs and interferes with breathing can also be a serious condition in children if left untreated. Asthma that is not well controlled or that has not been diagnosed in children can result in visits to the emergency room and even stays in the hospital. And with the passage of time, asthmatic episodes can severely affect older people. More and more people age 65 and older are being diagnosed with asthma in the entire world, the new studies have found.

Treating asthma properly can considerably reduce consequences

Medications for asthma, such as those administered through inhalers, are very safe and effective when used as directed. However, there are common triggers that can be avoided at home, in the office and in public places. Knowing these triggers can prevent visits to the emergency room and serious episodes of asthma for both children and adults.

Most experts agree that if you or a family member has asthma, you can manage it with the help of your health care provider and also by avoiding those things that may trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and cough at night or early in the morning, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who suffer from this condition usually only have asthma attacks when something irritates their lungs.

The common triggers for asthma, according to the CDC, include:

• Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke;
• Respiratory infections such as colds;
• Many types of allergies;
• Pets;
• Mould
• Dust in your house;
• Environmental pollution

Sometimes asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies. To determine if an allergic reaction to any substance has caused an asthma attack, doctors can order tests to detect the antibodies.

There are triggers for asthma that some parents may not be aware of that worsen their children’s asthma or allergies. These include dust and dust mites found in every home.

Here are some actions you can take to limit exposure to dust and dust mites in your home:

• Replace the fabric curtains with rolled shutters.
• Remove furniture or upholstery furniture.
• Change carpets from wall to wall for hardwood floors or other hard floors.
• Change air conditioner filters frequently.

Take the wheel and fight asthma

If you have asthma and do not want this disease to control your life, take action.

The best way to control asthma is to follow an action plan against asthma. Your doctor will provide you with an asthma action plan developed specifically for you. If you do everything that is explained in your plan, even when you are well, you can enjoy life as others do.

Your action plan against asthma offers you the best protection against potentially dangerous (or embarrassing) situations, such as having an asthma attack (or asthmatic attack) at a party where people smoke.

Unfortunately, many people with asthma do not always fit their asthma action plan. He forgets to medicate himself. You do not understand why you should follow certain steps or take certain medications. And a few are ashamed to use an inhaler or a peak flow meter in the presence of other people.

Some people think that they do not need to take more medication when they start to feel better. But it is not true. Not taking the medication when indicated by the doctor, exposes you (and exposes anyone with asthma) to the risk of developing dangerous asthma attacks.

Here are some simple steps that can help you avoid some of the most common problems:

Understand your plan of action against asthma. Ask your doctor to explain why each step and each medication in your plan are important. You will feel that you control the situation more if you understand what exactly it consists of. Review your plan whenever you see your doctor, explaining where you have had problems and why.

Use asthma control tools. Even if you feel completely well, do not give up long-term control medications (also called “maintenance medications” or “preventive-type medications”) that you take each day, if they are part of your treatment plan. While it may be tempting to skip some shots of these medications and rely exclusively on rescue medications (or immediate relief), this usually does not work.

Do not smoke. Tobacco smoke is a common cause of the aggravation of asthma in adolescents. If you smoke, talk to your parents or a doctor about methods to stop smoking. If your friends smoke, do not stay by their side when they light a cigarette because tobacco smoke smoked by other people is a frequent trigger of asthma attacks. If someone in your family smokes, talk to him to stop smoking.

 Contact us today for further guidance on this matter and treat your asthma with experts willing to help you here at Northcote Medical.