Did you know that around 30 million people in India suffer from asthma? Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. It causes the narrowing and swelling of the airways. It causes symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing.Every year, the first Tuesday in May is observed as World Asthma Day (WAD). It is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to raise awareness about asthma and improve the lives of people living with this condition.World Asthma Day 2023 falls on May 3rd and the theme, “Asthma Care for All” encourages the creation, as well as the adoption of efficient asthma management programs.In our blog, we’ll explore the causes of asthma, its triggers, and the effective x strategies for management and asthma cure.<h2>Understanding asthma</h2>Asthma is also known as bronchial asthma. It is a noncommunicable disease (NCD) that can affect people of all ages. It is a chronic or ongoing condition. It affects the lungs. It requires continuing medical management.Asthma is characterised by inflammation of the lungs. This causes the airways to become constricted (bronchospasm) and blocked by excess mucus. This makes it difficult to breathe. It causes wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), shortness of breath, and cough.Asthma can pose to be a minor problem for some people, but for others, it can be a major issue that prevents them from carrying out their everyday activities. If not treated or managed properly, asthma can even become life-threatening.<h2>Types of asthma</h2>There are different types of asthma categorised according to the:<h3>Severity</h3>• Persistent: Here the symptoms are present most of the time. They can be severe, moderate, or mild.• Intermittent: This type of asthma occurs sporadically.<h3>Cause</h3>• Allergic: Allergic asthma is generally caused due to allergies to various allergens like pollen, mould, pet dander, etc.• Nonallergic: This is caused because of factors such as weather, exercise, illness, or stress.<h3>Age</h3>• Paediatric: Also known as childhood asthma, paediatric asthma usually occurs in infants and toddlers before they are 5 years old. It may disappear when the child grows older.• Adult-onset: This kind of asthma occurs in adults, over the age of 18.<h3>Others</h3>• Occupational asthma: Mostly occurs in people working with irritating substances.• Exercise-induced asthma: This type of asthma is caused because of exercise of any kind.• Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS): This occurs in people suffering from a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.<h2>Causes of Asthma and Common Asthma Triggers</h2>Asthma is caused by various factors. These include allergies, genetics, environmental factors, or respiratory infections. There are many substances or irritants, also called triggers that can cause asthma attacks.Sometimes, the triggers may cause an attack immediately but in other cases, the asthma attack may occur several hours or even days later. For each person, the triggers can vary but knowing the common triggers can help to avoid asthma attacks.Some of the common asthma triggers include:• Air pollution includes vehicle fumes, factory emissions, smoke, etc.• The dander or dried flaking skin from pets can irritate the airways and cause asthma attacks.• Although invisible to the naked eye, dust mites can cause an asthma attack, especially in people suffering from a dust mite allergy.• Tobacco smoke can cause asthma attacks, whether it is first-hand or second-hand smoke.• Common pests found in homes such as mice, cockroaches, etc. can cause asthma attacks.• Mould grows in damp and humid places. It can trigger asthma attacks.• Exposure to things such as wood dust, flour, cleaning products, chemicals or other substances at the workplace can act as triggers. They can cause asthma attacks.• Strong odours or chemicals• Exercise<h2>Asthma attack treatment</h2>There are different treatments for asthma attacks. These include anti-inflammatory medications, bronchodilators, asthma medications such as <a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/product/nebulizer-machine-nec-106-omro-1pc">nebulisers</a>, metered-dose inhalers, oral medications, and biological therapies.However, the best way to prevent asthma attacks is preventing it in the first place by eliminating the triggers in and around your home and improving air quality.This can be done by avoiding substances that trigger asthma symptoms, limiting exposure to asthma triggers and using medications prescribed by your doctor to prevent any flare-ups.<h2>Summary</h2>To conclude, the key to managing asthma effectively is by understanding the triggers that cause this chronic condition.By being proactive, taking the necessary steps to limit exposure to asthma triggers, and seeking suitable medical treatment, people suffering from asthma can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.The <a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/">Wellness Forever</a> website offers a wide range of nebulizers, <a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/product/zerodol-gel-30gm">anti-inflammatory medications</a>, and other resources that can help to manage asthma symptoms and flare-ups.Now, you can take a deep breath and say cheers to happy breathing and good health!

WORLD ASTHMA DAY: UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA AND ITS TRIGGERS

Breathe easy always. Learn all the signs and symptoms of asthma and discover the common triggers and ways to manage this condition. #WorldAsthmaDay

Breathe Easy: Understanding Asthma and How to Control it on World Asthma Day

<a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/product/asthalin-inhaler">Asthma</a>, also called bronchial asthma, is a highly prevalent condition affecting roughly 10% of the pediatric population. It occurs more among females (9.2%) than males (7.0%).&nbsp;Hearing that we have asthma can be overwhelming. However, if managed correctly, most of us can live healthy lives without experiencing frequent flare-ups. You must manage its symptoms well to help optimize control and hopefully prevent this condition from worsening.&nbsp;Asthma management consists of measures like efficiently communicating with the healthcare provider, developing an action plan for treatment, using an inhaler and spacer to take medication correctly, etc. Other than these, here are five practical ways to easily control asthma.&nbsp;<h2>1. Know Your Triggers&nbsp;</h2>Triggers are the specific stimuli that cause asthma flares or events. Identifying our triggers can help us prevent asthma events or recognize them quickly.Common triggers include:&nbsp;• Exercise, especially in cases of uncontrolled asthma&nbsp;• Scented products, such as soaps, lotions, cosmetic items, incense, etc.&nbsp;• Cleaning products&nbsp;• Vacuuming• Indoor allergens, including furry pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.• Dust mites, i.e., microscopic insects living in our beds, upholstery, carpets, etc.• Pests and vermin like cockroaches• Outdoor allergens like molds, pollen, etc., found in trees, flowers, and grass<h2>2. Write Down an Action Plan&nbsp;</h2>Being unable to breathe can be extremely scary. We may not always follow a predictable pattern, especially kids with mild cases of asthma who haven't been admitted or hospitalized.&nbsp;A severe event can still happen to the patient with little warning. So, we should be prepared with a written action plan, as it takes the guesswork out of what to do in emergencies.&nbsp;Using a traffic-light pattern can be extremely helpful. Here's what the three colors indicate:• Green — No symptoms• Yellow — Onset of colds, cough, and wheezing, or the presence of known triggers• Red — Medications are not working well, with increased trouble breathing. This might include coughing or wheezing, retractions when the skin gets sucked against the bones of the chest and neck, nasal flaring, fast breathing, or increased effort needed to breathe.&nbsp;As asthma worsens, sufferers can even have trouble walking and talking. Sometimes, the patient may also suffer from severe distress or have a dusky or blue coloration to their skin tone. In such cases, help from 108 (Emergency Medical Response Ambulance) is the last resort.&nbsp;<h2>3. Learn How to Use Certain Devices Properly</h2>Many devices are used to deliver medications to the lungs, like asthma inhalers or spacers for inhalers. It is critical to know how to use these devices correctly.&nbsp;• Metered dose inhalers: This device is the most common and must always be used with a holding chamber or a spacer. An inhaler has a large spacer. Babies and children must use a face mask that fits over the nose and mouth, while older children who know how to breathe can use a mouthpiece. Teaching this skill is very important, and making a fun game can help.&nbsp;• Dry powder inhaler: DPIs require different skills. We must ensure that the healthcare provider teaches us how to use them correctly in a hands-on session with the actual device we have at home. The devices should be brought to every visit, and we must show the team how we use them. Kids' skills often slip and need correcting over time.<h2>4. Identify Empty Inhalers</h2>Ensure the healthcare provider gives you an inhaler with a counter. A counter tells you exactly how many puffs are left in the device. You must decide how much time you would need to make a refill and plan for enough time, so you never run out of medicine.&nbsp;If the counter says 14 and you take a puff twice daily, that will give you a week to get your new medication. Decide what number you want to see on this counter when you're going to call the pharmacy, as each inhaler will need to be primed before you use it.&nbsp;If it has not been used for weeks, you must puff the medication into the air a few times before inhaling it to prime the inhaler. Every asthma inhaler has printed information about exactly how to prime that device.&nbsp;<h2>5. Communicate Effectively</h2>Talk regularly with your healthcare provider. They must carefully explain what is wrong, show you the asthma treatment plan and the skills needed to manage it, and provide a written action plan.&nbsp;Ensure you understand what is wrong and what to do about it. Do not be afraid to ask the provider any questions in mind. If the provider suggests changes in the home environment, make them promptly.&nbsp;Community resources may be available to help you make these changes. These can help spot improvements that may help keep children healthy at home. You can also email your provider and access your child's test results online.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion</h2>Although bronchial asthma has no cure, doctor-prescribed medication and the five ways we discussed to manage asthma symptoms can help you and your children. You will be able to live a healthier life, keep your children in school, sleep through the night out of the emergency room, and keep your lungs working as well as possible.&nbsp;

WAYS TO MANAGE ASTHMA

Struggling with asthma? Learn effective management tips, triggers, and treatment options. Take control of your asthma today!

Manage Asthma Effectively A Comprehensive Guide

<h2>What's asthma?</h2>Millions of air tubes or airways called bronchi and bronchioles allow air to enter and exit the body through the lungs. The airways' walls include a smooth muscle layer that permits them to constrict or dilate. Asthma affects the airways, which are the narrow tubes that move air into and out of the lungs, and causes episodes of breathing difficulty.Asthma develops when the airways become more sensitive to particular triggers, causing them to constrict, inflame, swell, and produce more sticky mucus.Asthma affects around 5% of the global population and is getting increasingly prevalent globally. It usually starts in childhood, although it can also affect adulthood. We do not know the exact cause of asthma, but it appears that both genetics and the environment have a role.<h2>What’s an asthma attack?</h2>In patients with asthma, the changes in the flow of air lead to some or all of the following asthma symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing and more. The airways become inflamed, constricted, and more sensitive to specific chemicals. When the airways react to these chemicals, an asthma attack, or exacerbation, occurs.&nbsp;During an attack, the smooth muscle contracts, compressing the airways and narrowing them further, and mucus secretion increases, furthermore blocking the airways. Depending on the severity, symptoms may occur every day or only on occasion. If asthma attacks are not treated immediately, they can be fatal.<h2>Types of Asthma</h2>Doctors classify asthma as either intermittent (comes and goes) or persistent (lasts). Persistent asthma can be mild, moderate, or severe.The severity of your asthma is determined by how frequently you experience attacks. They also take into account how well you can do tasks during an attack.Asthma appearance can be as follows: •Allergic:&nbsp;Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergies in certain persons. Moulds, pollens, and other allergens can trigger an allergic reaction.•Non-allergic:&nbsp;Asthma flare-ups can be triggered by external events. Exercise, stress, sickness, and the weather can trigger a flare, leading to an asthma attack.<h2>Asthma symptoms</h2>The symptoms you encounter may be determined by the type of asthma you have. However, the most common&nbsp;asthma symptoms&nbsp;are as follows:&nbsp;•<a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/category/self-medication/cough-and-cold">Coughing</a>•Breathlessness•Tightness across the chest•Wheezing (whistling noise when breathing).•Anxiousness or panic•Fatigue•Chest pain•Rapid breathing•Trouble sleeping&nbsp; &nbsp;Some individuals have symptoms that last all day. Others may discover that particular activities worsen their symptoms.These symptoms are not experienced by everyone who has asthma. Make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect your symptoms are related to asthma.&nbsp;Also, bear in mind that even if your asthma is well-controlled, you may still suffer a flare-up of symptoms occasionally. Flare-ups generally improve with the use of quick-acting medications, such as an inhaler, but in extreme situations, medical help may be required.<h2>Causes of asthma</h2>A family history of asthma is a well-known risk factor. There are at least twenty genes related to asthma, several of which are involved in the immune system.There is no one cause of asthma. Instead, researchers believe it is the result of a combination of factors. These factors are as follows:•Genetics: You are more likely to get asthma if a parent or sibling has it.•History of viral infections:&nbsp;People who have had a history of severe viral infections as a kid, such as respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV), may be susceptible to the illness.•Hygiene hypothesis:&nbsp;According to this notion, when newborns are not exposed to enough microorganisms in their early months and years, their immune systems do not develop sufficiently to fight off asthma and other allergy conditions.Asthma can also be triggered by a variety of events, causing symptoms to intensify. Asthma triggers can vary, and some people are more sensitive to particular triggers than others. Common triggers include the following:•Allergens such as pollen, animal hair, pet dander, and sulfites present in preserved food.•Irritating substances such as cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, dust, home chemicals, and so on.•Medicines such as aspirin, beta-blockers, and others.•Exercise and physical activities.•Intense emotions.•Medications, including aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<h2>When to see a doctor?</h2>An ‘asthma attack’ can even be fatal if not promptly treated. This is why it is important to see a doctor if you think you might have asthma.&nbsp;Some other conditions may also cause similar breathing problems, but a doctor will be able to diagnose asthma based on your history of symptoms and through breathing tests, which are used to support diagnosis, determine severity, and monitor treatment response over time.&nbsp;Consult a doctor when you feel the need.&nbsp;<h2>Risk factors of asthma</h2>The most common risk factors for asthma are as follows:•Smoking:&nbsp;Cigarette smoke affects the respiratory tract. Asthma is more common in smokers. Those who were exposed to secondhand smoke or whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are likewise more likely to have asthma.•Air pollution:&nbsp;The major component of smog (ozone) increases the risk of asthma. Asthma is more common in those who grew up or reside in cities.•Obesity:&nbsp;Although the causes of asthma are unknown, some doctors believe that excess weight causes low-grade inflammation in the body. Obese people frequently require more medications, have more symptoms, and are less able to control their asthma than healthy individuals.•Occupational exposures:&nbsp;Exposure to certain components in the workplace might trigger asthma symptoms if you have asthma. In addition, exposure to certain dust (industrial or wood dust), chemical fumes and vapours, and moulds might develop asthma for the first time in certain people.<h2>Prevention of asthma</h2>Most people with asthma will be able to manage their condition and lead normal and healthy lives. Asthma has no known cure. Treatment is usually very effective for controlling the symptoms. The most efficient strategy to control symptoms is to identify and prevent the causes of asthma attacks.While there is currently no cure for asthma, these symptoms may lessen over time or even disappear for long periods, particularly in people with mild asthma, whereas in others, symptoms will be more severe and long-lasting.&nbsp;However, in all cases, simple steps can make a big difference:&nbsp;•Quitting smoking.•Identifying and avoiding possible triggers.&nbsp;•Keeping fit and healthy.•Taking medication correctly and as prescribed.•Keeping a reliever inhaler with you at all times.•Getting a flu vaccine every year.•Keeping track of symptoms.•Having regular asthma check-ups with a nurse or doctor. What is an asthma action plan?&nbsp;&nbsp;An asthma action plan is a written, personalised worksheet that outlines the measures to follow to prevent your asthma from getting worse. It also advises when to contact your healthcare professional or go to the emergency room.It is a valuable resource to share with caregivers of children who have asthma, such as daycare providers, schools, and aftercare programs.Your asthma action plan should contain the following items:•Factors that worsen your asthma, often known as "asthma triggers"•Medicines you use to treat your asthma, with particular names for each•Symptoms or peak flow measurements (if utilised) indicating worsening of asthma•Medications to take depending on your symptoms, indicators, or peak flow measurements•Symptoms or peak flow measurements that suggest the need for immediate medical care•Numbers for an emergency contact, your healthcare practitioner, and the nearest hospital<h2>What should one do when encountering a severe asthma attack?&nbsp;</h2>Inhalers are the main treatment for asthma as they deliver <a href="https://www.wellnessforever.com/category/self-medication">medication</a> directly to your airways, helping them to expand. There are two main types of inhalers:&nbsp;•Preventer inhalers, which you take every day to help prevent symptoms from occurring over the long term.•Reliever inhalers, which you use to immediately relieve symptoms as and when needed. Combination inhalers combine both types.&nbsp;A nurse or doctor can show you the right inhaler technique, which is important to make sure the medicine actually reaches the airways. They can also help you decide which type of inhaler device will work best for you.&nbsp;Apart from inhalers, another key step is to avoid the things that trigger your symptoms. These will vary from person to person:•Cold weather•Cigarette smoke•Pollution•Pollen•Dust and mould•Animal fur•Chemicals and fumes•Stress and anxiety•Strenuous exercise•Infections like common colds or fluSome of these triggers are unavoidable, which is why you should always carry a reliever inhaler with you. It’s also important to monitor your symptoms over time.&nbsp;If you notice that symptoms are happening more frequently, see your doctor at the earliest opportunity as you may need to be stepped up onto higher doses or other medications, including oral tablets.&nbsp;Also, remember that if an asthma attack gets worse and your inhaler does not seem to be helping, you must seek immediate medical attention as stronger medications may need to be given in the hospital.&nbsp;

ASTHMA: SYMPTOMS, TYPES, CAUSES, TREATMENT & DIAGNOSIS

Struggling with wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath? Learn about common asthma symptoms and effective management strategies to take control of your condition.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY: UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA AND ITS TRIGGERS

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WAYS TO MANAGE ASTHMA

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ASTHMA: SYMPTOMS, TYPES, CAUSES, TREATMENT & DIAGNOSIS

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