Asthma 

It is estimated that, currently, nearly five and a half million people in the UK are being treated for asthma. Moreover, it is speculated that, in the UK, a life-threatening asthma attack occurs every 10 seconds. As you can see, asthma is a serious issue. Asthma affects all ages and genders, and there is currently no cure for it. However, over the years our healthcare providers have become increasingly more efficient in treating symptoms of asthma. Nowadays, people with asthma can go morealess unaffected by their condition with support and treatment. In this article we are going to provide some useful tips for managing your asthma

Asthma: What Is It?

We will start by outlining, for any one that does not know, what asthma is exactly. Simply put, asthma is a chronic (persisting) lung condition that affects your airways. Your airways are responsible for transporting air to and from your lungs. If you, unfortunately, have asthma, these airways can become inflamed. Not only this, but they can become narrowed. If someone with asthma has a flare up (otherwise known as an attack), it can become increasingly difficult to breathe. This is, of course, a very frightening experience. Thankfully, there are preventative medications available today, as well as medication that minimises symptoms. 

Who Does Asthma Affect?

Anyone can develop asthma. Although it commonly surfaces in childhood, people of any age can develop. Some statistics do suggest that asthma favours women over men, and it is particularly prevalent in children. As previously mentioned, there is currently no cure for asthma. You can, in conjunction with your doctor, create a prevention and treatment plan that will help you manage any symptoms. 

One of the main tools people use to combat asthma is the inhaler. The medicine contained within inhalers helps to open up people’s airways, so they can breathe should they experience an attack. There are different types of inhaler: namely preventer and reliever inhalers. Whilst the former helps to stop a flare up, the latter is used to dissolve symptoms. There are also steroids and therapies which can be implemented to manage symptoms. 

Tips For Keeping Your Asthma Under Control

Making use of medication and creating a treatment plan with your healthcare provider is important. Asthma is a serious condition, and, in rare cases, can be fatal. In addition to this, there are lifestyle changes and rules you can put in place to control your asthma. By following these tips, and working closely with your doctor, you are putting yourself in the best position to cope with your condition. Continue below where we outline these tips. 

Acknowledge Your Triggers

There are a number of things that could trigger your asthma. Understanding them, as well as avoiding them, is the best way to prevent a nasty attack. All sorts of allergens and irritants can cause your airways to swell up. Some common triggers include: pollen, outdoor air pollution, cigarette smoke, dust mites, mold. The list of triggers is lengthy, and this can be disheartening for some people. But having any chronic condition will require a degree of adaptability. Knowing these triggers, and trying your best to avoid them, is the best solution for keeping yourself fit and healthy. Other triggers include: extensive exercise, certain foods and fragrances.

Try To Exercise

Although it may initially seem counter-intuitive, exercise can certainly help if you suffer from asthma. Some forms of intense exercise may be off limits, but that does not mean it should be ignored all together. Exercise can reduce inflammation, improve your lung capacity and increase endurance. Swimming, for example, is highly recommended for people with asthma. This is because of the warm and moist air as well as the absence of pollen. In some cases however, chlorinated pools can be a trigger. You must be cautious if it is your first time trying something, and consult with your doctor about your intentions. 

Quit Smoking

This one goes without saying, but if you smoke you need to quit. Additionally, you should try to avoid places where you will come in contact with lots of secondhand smoke. Smoking will increase the severity of your symptoms, and may reduce the effectiveness of your medication. 

Keep Your House Clean

Maintaining a tidy and clean home will eliminate any potential triggers. Regular vacuuming, for example, can help prevent dust mites. Equally, washing bed sheets on a warm cycle and using a humidifier can be of great use. 

Meet With A Healthcare Professional

Meeting with a professional should not be substituted with the above advice. The two should be used together. If you have not already met with a doctor, it is best to see one right away. You can discuss any lifestyle changes you are hoping to implement, and they can give you an insight into your condition as well as advice. Most importantly, they can give you medication that will support you on your journey. 

Asthma In The Workplace

As we have established, asthma is a very serious condition. If not properly managed, it can be debilitating for some people. If your workplace contains things that are likely to trigger your asthma, you have to be especially careful. Workshops or factories that create dust or chemical fumes, for example, could be a problem. If you are worried, you should speak to your employer, outline your condition and explain your reservations. As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure your staff’s safety. Proper ventilation in the workplace is a must, regardless of the industry you operate in. The team at Chillaire install ventilation systems for commercial and industrial clients. For more information, visit their website