World Asthma Day

World Asthma Day

Asthma is a pulmonary disease that can affect anyone. Children to adults can develop asthma at any time. Despite how fit someone is, anyone can develop a problem breathing. Do you know someone who has asthma? Chances are pretty good that you do. About 8%, or 1 in 12 people in the world suffer from asthma.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is what happens when you try to breathe, and your airways are constricted and fill with mucus. Asthma can range from mild to life-threatening. The Mayo Clinic defines asthma symptoms as, “shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, trouble sleeping, wheezing, coughing, and wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus.”

Asthma may become a significant issue if it interferes significantly with lifestyle, or becomes more persistent. Some people may get asthma from exercising, or from any nauseated smells like fumes, irritants, dust, or chemicals. If you think you have asthma please go seek out your primary care physician.

Tips to Manage Asthma

1. Know your triggers: dust, allergens, irritants, quota of exercise
2. Quit smoking
3. Lose weight
4. Avoid exhaust fumes
5. Get the flu shot
6. Carry your inhaler
7. Stop anything you’re doing when you feel symptoms
8. Decontaminate your house by cleaning, and getting rid of mold
9. Use an air conditioner to avoid pollen inside of the house
10. Clean any pet dander

How Does an Inhaler Work?

An inhaler works by spraying the medicine directly into the mouth and breathing it in. These modifiers work to clear airway passages, dilate the bronchi in the lungs, and restore lung function. Inhalers are useful in that they work almost immediately.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, asthma is a lifelong condition. Attacks will happen less frequently if you know your triggers and come prepared. Carrying an inhaler is important, and can also be life-saving. Some physicians may prescribe long-term asthma control medicines.

Do you have asthma? How does it affect you? Would you consider yourself to have an active lifestyle despite your diagnosis? Do you always bring your inhaler around with you? Do you feel like this article has brought awareness to World Asthma Day? Comment below!