How to Manage Asthma

Posted on October 27th, 2009 by aileen

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Asthma is a condition where your bronchioles become inflamed and constricted because of irritants. There may be no cure for this illness but there are numerous ways you can do to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Here are some things you should know to manage asthma.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms may vary from one person to another.

Difficulty and shortness of breathing
Tightening of the chest
Audible wheezing sound when exhaling
Cough
Difficulty sleeping

Asthma Triggers

These are the common factors that trigger an asthma attack

Allergens, like pollen, mold, dust and cigarette smoke
Respiratory infections, like common colds and flu
Medications, like Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Beta blockers
Stress and Anxiety
Preservatives
Acid Reflux (Tips on how to get rid of acid reflux)

Diagnosis

Spirometry measures how much and how fast you can expel air after deep inhalation.
Methacholine Bronchial Test. You’ll be asked to inhale a substance called Methacholine. If you have asthma, this substance will trigger your symptoms.
Nitric Oxide Test monitors asthma attacks. Inflammation of the bronchioles increases Nitric Oxide levels in your breath.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe you with maintenance drugs or give you medicines that can immediately relieve your symptoms during an asthma attack.

Inhalants. Corticosteriods , like Beclomethasone (Qvar), Flunisolide (Aerobid) and Triamcinolone (Azmacort) are Corticosteriod Inhalers. They help lessen inflammation. It may take a few days or weeks before optimum effects of these drugs are felt.
Long-acting Beta 2- agonists (LABA) are also inhaled medicines. These are bronchodilators that have longer effects than other drugs. They clear air passages and reduce inflammation. LABA are often used with corticosteroid therapy. An example of this drug is Formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer) These aren’t recommended as quick relief medicines.
Short-Acting Beta 2 Agonists are bronchodilators that quickly relax your lung muscles so you can breathe easily. The effects may last for upto 6 hours. An example of this medication is Albuterol (Salbutamol).
Leukotriene Modifiers work the same as the other medicines mentioned above. They also decreases the amount of mucus produced when your lungs are irritated by allergens.
Theophyllines are bronchodilators that relax your lung muscles so air can pass through easily.
Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic drug that works like other bronchodilators. This drug is mostly used for emphysema and bronchitis, but your doctor may also give you this medicine to reduce inflammation.
Intravenous Corticosteroids are given for severe asthma attacks that can’t be treated with inhalants.

Home Management

Avoid triggers. There are various causes of an asthma attack. The usual reason for the occurrence of an attack is exposure to allergens and irritants. Finding out what triggers your attack will help you prevent its occurrence.
Clean your house. The living room, kitchen and bedroom are the most frequently visited places. Making sure that these places are free of dusts and molds will help you avoid asthma attacks.
Humidifiers and air conditioners. Buy a humidifier to control humidity at home. If you’re using an air conditioner, make sure that you clean it frequently to avoid dusts from accumulating inside the air conditioner and circulating these triggers within the house.
Monitor signs and symptoms. Warning signs should immediately be treated to stop attacks from happening. When you’re having difficulty breathing, or hear wheezes when you exhale, take your inhaler if you have any. If you don’t, try resting for a few minutes. If the symptoms don’t subside, go to the hospital to get treatments.
Be healthy. Regular exercise helps improve heart and lung functions. If you’re doubtful of the kind of exercises you can take, following low impact exercises is a good idea. Walking and stretching exercises will help you stay fit. Have nutritious meals everyday. Fruits and Vegetables are rich in anti oxidants that help in reducing the free radicals in your system. They also help improve your immune system, which serves as your shield against various diseases.
Manage your weight. One of the risk factors of asthma is obesity. If you’re overweight, losing a few pounds will reduce your risks of having an asthma attack.
Manage stress properly. Being stressed out will increase your chances of having an asthma attack. Learn some relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises. You can also engage in relaxation activities, like meditation and yoga. (For more information on Yoga, read The Guide To Yoga)