Treatment for asthma
You should try to avoid the
factors that trigger asthma. This includes reducing contact with anything that
you’re allergic to, such as animal hair or pollen, says Dr Rajesh Chawla
Asthma is
a disease that affects your lungs, causing repeated episodes of wheezing,
breathlessness, chest tightness, and night-time or early morning coughing.
However, it is still possible to stay healthy. Asthma treatment has come so far
in the last couple of decades that people can do just about anything, including
competitive sports. The key to living with asthma successfully is to keep it
under control.
You should try to avoid the factors that trigger asthma. This includes reducing contact with anything that you’re allergic to, such as animal hair or pollen. Always wash your hands after touching things that trigger your asthma, especially when stroking pets. Try and reduce house dust mite residues, if you are allergic. Using mattress covers, vacuum cleaners with allergy filters and damp dusting may help. You should avoid general irritants, such as tobacco smoke wherever possible.
Monitoring your condition with a peak flow meter.
Follow your treatment plan strictly. Asthma is best treated with drugs taken through inhalation route by taking inhalers or such similar devices (Nebulizers, Spacers, Rotahalers, Turbohaler). These drugs taken through inhalation are harmless even when taken for long periods. They are of two types “Preventers” and “Relievers”.
Preventers:
They decrease inflammation in the breathing tubes and make them less hyperactive. If taken regularly, they decrease the severity and repeated attacks of asthma. Corticosteroids are preventer drugs and when taken through inhalers — are harmless — even if taken for long periods.
Relievers:
These are drugs (salbutamol, terbutaline) which give immediate relief and should be kept in the patient’s pocket. Be aware of the symptoms of an asthma attack, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty in breathing, and use the quickrelief medicine (Relievers) prescribed by the doctor
[Times City, Jan 12, 2009]
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