Health and Wellness

Archive for the ‘Asthma Tips’ Category

Asthma is a dangerous disease which is consider as a major threat to all the people all over the world.

1. ALWAYS carry your reliever (blue) puffer with you.
2. Have an “asthma plan” with your family and friends and your workplace or school.
3. Remember that asthma need not stop you from achieving your goals in life, whatever these might be. You just need to plan effectively.
4. Know your triggers and avoid these where possible (eg: particular foods, medications, chemicals and pollutants).

1. Remember that whilst exercise can be a trigger for an attack, with the right approach it can be managed effectively and can limit the impact of asthma in your life.
2. Always warm up and cool down before and after exercise with 10 to 20 minutes of light exercise and stretches.
3. Check with your doctor as to which puffer you should use before engaging in exercise and use this 5 to 10 minutes prior to your warm up.
4. Visit your doctor at least every 6 months to review your asthma and general management of asthma.
5. Be familiar with first aid procedures for managing emergencies and ensure that family and friends are also familiar with these.
6. Remember that your thoughts play a crucial role in how you manage your asthma. Worrying thoughts and the stress associated with these can severely impact on your quality of life.

What is asthma?

Inside your lungs are thousands of tiny tubes called airways, which carry air in and out of your body. If you have asthma, your airways are extra sensitive. Certain triggers cause your airways to narrow,

Three main factors cause airways to become narrow:

1. The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflammation).
2. Extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced.
3. The muscle around the airways tightens (bronchoconstriction).
4. Making it hard to breathe.

Why do people get asthma?

Some people are born with a tendency to develop asthma. There’s often a family history of asthma, hay fever or a skin condition called eczema. We are not sure why asthma develops in some people, but it can happen at any age.

How do I recognise asthma?

1. A dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning, with exercise or activity.
2. Tightness in the chest.
3. Shortness of breath & Wheeze.

Asthma triggers

1. Colds and flu
2. Cigarette smoke & Exercise/activity
3. Environmental factors (e.g. dust, pollution, wood smoke, bush fires)
4. Chemicals and strong smells (e.g. perfumes, cleaners)
5. Changes in temperature and weather

Can I exercise?

Exercise can sometimes trigger asthma but we also know that keeping fit is a great way of keeping on top of your asthma, so exercise IS important!