Wednesday, July 23, 2014

How to Control Asthma

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. While there is no known cure for asthma, symptoms of asthma can be controlled both by making lifestyle changes and by taking medication. If you are tired of dealing with asthma, scroll down to Step 1 for more details.

Steps

Getting Medical Help
  1. Consult a doctor about your asthma. The first thing you should do before trying any medication is talk to your doctor about your condition. He or she will be able to prescribe medication tailored to your health and medical history.
    • Schedule regular doctors visits. Scheduling regular visits is a good idea because your doctor can check to see if there have been any changes to the things that you are allergic to or causing your asthma attacks.
    • Health conditions that mimic the symptoms of asthma include: sinus infections, lung infections, lung diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, respiratory syncytial virus, and vocal chord problems.
  2. Use an asthma inhaler. These are devices that help you to take your medication and will relieve your symptoms if you are in the middle of having an asthma attack. A common inhaler is Azmacort, which contains 75 mcg of triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid, in every spray. Your inhaler should come with instructions, but you can also use the tips below.[1] To use an inhaler:
    • Assemble the inhaler by opening and attaching the medicine container at the medicine port of the inhaler.
    • Shake the inhaler well before use. This is to ensure that the medicine in the bottle is properly mixed.
    • Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and secure it with your lips, forming a sealed connection. This way you won’t waste any medicine.
    • Press the medicine bottle and simultaneously inhale through your mouth and hold your breath for 2 seconds so that the medicine can be absorbed in the airway. Holding your breath allows the medication to settle in. Repeat this process as prescribed by your doctor.
    • Many times people will feel their rescue inhaler is ineffective but this is often because the inhaler is being used incorrectly. The stream of medication should be pointed at the airway, not at the tongue or roof of the mouth. You must also inhale and hold the breath in the lungs for as long as possible, in order to help the medication absorb. One puff is often also not enough, and taking 1-2 puffs every twenty minutes for up to an hour may be needed to calm some asthma attacks.[2]
  3. See if an asthma nebulizer relieves your symptoms. These devices deliver steroids, bronchodilators or both in an aerosol form. The metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a handheld nebulizer. This is usually what is used for asthma medications. The medication is in a pressurized canister that can be placed in an inhaler that can release medication through a mouthpiece or a nose piece.[3] To use a nebulizer:
    • Wash your hands. Place the nebulizer on a sturdy platform and plug it in an electric socket. Attach the mouthpiece/mask and the nebulizer cup to the tubing. Attach the tubing through a port of the nebulizer.
    • Put the prescribed medication in your nebulizer cup. Position the nebulizer in an upright manner so that the air flows more effectively. Turn on the machine and breathe the aerosol slowly and simultaneously hold your breath for two seconds. Holding your breath allows the medication to settle in.
    • Continue until the nebulizer cup is empty. If dizziness occurs, pause for five minutes and then continue the treatment.
  4. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for steroids. Steroids act as anti-inflammatory agents by relaxing your airways when you have an asthma attack. Steroids can be prescribed as pills, or they can be taken with the help of an inhaler or nebulizer.[4]
    • A 40 mg dose of prednisone taken every other day is a common steroid prescription.
  5. Try using bronchodilators. These medications help to relax spastic airways during an asthma attack. Like steroids, they can be taken via an inhaler or with the help of a nebulizer. A common bronchodilator is 2 to 4 mg of albuterol taken 4 times a day orally.[5]
Adjusting Your Lifestyle
  1. Follow the advice provided by your doctor. The first place you start should always be following the asthma plan that your doctor comes up with for you. Every case is different and your doctor will be able to give you specifics for you particular case and lifestyle.
  2. Know when you need to rest. It's important to recognize when you need to slow down and rest. Know when too much activity is too much, so you can rest and catch your breath before an asthma attack happens. Just by paying attention to your body and learning the feeling of an oncoming attack, you can prevent many asthma attacks.
  3. Drink more water. Staying well hydrated isn't connected to asthma specifically but is very important for keeping all of your body in good working condition and it will cut down on factors that can affect asthma (by, for example, regulating lung mucus). Try to drink a small glass of water at least once every 2 hours while you're awake. [6]
  4. Change where you live. Certain environments are just not good for people with asthma. Especially if your asthma is severe, it may be a good idea to move to another part of the country. Warmer climates and climates with clear, good quality air are best for people with asthma.
    • Humid climates may, however, contribute to asthma problems. Be careful when choosing a warmer place to move to.
  5. Lose some weight. Being overweight can add to the severity of your asthma attacks because your extra weight can add pressure to your lungs. Because of this, if you have frequent asthma attacks you should try to lose some weight. The key to reaching a healthy weight is a nutritious diet and exercise.[7]
    • Try to eat six small meals a day rather than three large meals. You should also cut back on fatty foods, sugar, and excess carbs. For more information on how to create a healthy diet for yourself, click here.
  6. Reduce your stress levels. Stress can cause you to have an asthma attack because your body can respond to stress by restricting your airways. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night so that you have the energy to face stressful situations head-on the next day.[8] You can also try:
  7. Strengthen your lungs through moderate exercise. While strenuous exercise when your lungs are weak could lead to an asthma attack, moderate exercise can actually strengthen your lungs. To begin, start with very moderate exercises, like walking, and work your way into a more challenging workout regimen. Exercise increases your lung capacity. During exercise, your lungs work harder. Like a muscle, lungs compensate to the a harder work by becoming larger and stronger. Consult your doctor before exercising because he or she can help you to tailor an exercise routine that can fit the limitations you face because of your asthma.[9] For example:
    • Start out by walking 100 meters every day. If you can walk 100 meters everyday for a week without any problem, increase next weeks distance to 110 meters, etc.
  8. Take good care of your health. Getting sick with colds and sicknesses like bronchitis can make asthma symptoms much worse. Because of this, you'll want to take extra good care of your general health in order to prevent further problems. Eat a healthy diet, get lots of vitamin C, wash your hands, and try not to expose yourself to people who are sick.
Avoiding Triggers
  1. Identify allergens that trigger your asthma. Allergies can make your airways constrict because your body sees these allergens as a threat. When your airways constrict, your asthma can get triggered. Try avoid the things that you are allergic when it is possible to do so. If you do not know what you allergic to, go to a allergy specialist who can test you for specific allergies.[10] Common allergens include:
    • Pollen.
    • Trees.
    • Grass.
    • Molds.
    • Dust.
    • Roaches.
  2. Write down things that trigger your asthma in a journal. If you notice that your asthma is worse on some days that others, or in certain places rather than others, write down what you think triggered it so you can avoid it in the future.
  3. Be aware of environmental factors that can affect your asthma. Some environmental factors can increase your asthma attacks. These environmental factors can irritate your respiratory system, which in turn triggers your asthma.[11] Some common factors include:
    • Sudden change of atmosphere.
    • Excessive cold weather.
    • Excessive hot weather.
    • Strong odors.
    • Sinusitis.
    • Medication.
    • Food.
  4. Stop smoking. Smoking irritates the mucosal linings of the airways stimulating them to produce more mucus than in generally normal. If you have asthma, you should quit smoking to give your sensitive lungs a chance to recover.[12]
    • Avoid being around smoke in general. Second hand smoke can also wreak havoc on the linings of your airways so try to avoid being around cigarette smoke as much as possible.
  5. Avoid mold. Mold is another common trigger for asthma attacks. Make sure your home has good ventilation and keep it clean to avoid mold. You should also try to let wet surfaces and objects dry completely. Towels are a common place for mold to grow, for example.
    • You can use apple cider vinegar to kill mold on many surfaces.
    • A dehumidifier can also help control mold and make the air in your home easier to breath. [13]
  6. Control pests. Cockroaches and dust mites are both sources for asthma attacks. Keep a clean home and use pest control products to reduce this problem.
  7. Pass on furry and feathered pets. It's sad, but furry pets can cause lots of problems for those with asthma. You'll have to pass on pets like cats and dogs. While some breeds are advertised was being hypoallergenic, studies have found these to not do anything to reduce health problems. Asthma sufferers may have more luck with no-hair cats and dogs, though.
    • Try a lizard, snake, or fish if you want to have a pet that will work better in your household.
  8. Change your bedding. Down bedding and other natural bedding can cause asthma problems, due to allergic reactions. Dirty bedding, which develops mold and other soils, can also trigger asthma attacks. Choose cotton bedding and wash it regularly in hot water to keep triggers away.
  9. Read food labels and be aware of what you are eating. Asthma often goes hand-in-hand with food allergies. People with asthma are often allergic to albumin, which is found in eggs, peanuts, and other foods that cause allergies.[14]
    • If you are allergic to albumin, always make sure to read food labels to prevent the onset of an allergic reaction.
    • Watch out for sulphites. Sulphites, a common food additive, may contribute to asthma attacks for some. Avoid sulphites when you can. They are most commonly found in dried fruit and many alcoholic drinks (namely wine).
  10. Avoid perfumes and other strong, chemical smells. For those with extreme asthma, these may trigger attacks. Try not to put them on yourself and avoid areas where they are particularly strong, such as malls and auto shops. [15]
  11. Check the air report. Many weather reports, especially those online and in newspapers, will include a forecast of the pollution levels or allergens (usually called the "Air Quality" report). Avoid spending a lot of time outside on days with particularly bad reports.
  12. Stick to hypoallergenic products. Because of your asthma, you might be sensitive to certain products. This way you can make your daily life as comfortable as possible. Watch out for products with strong scents and try to find hypoallergenic versions of your favorite things, including:
    • Fabric. This includes clothing, bedding, and towels.
    • Soaps. Try to stay away from scented soaps and purchase hypoallergenic fabric softeners.
    • Pillows. Purchase hypoallergenic pillows.

Tips

  • Replace filters in vents frequently (air conditioners, kitchen exhaust, dryers, etc...)
  • If someone in your family has asthma, you are also more likely to have it.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter.
  • Asthma medicines come in two types—quick-relief and long-term control.
    • Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack.
    • Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks.
  • Asthma can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children under 5. Regular physical checkups, including checking your lung function and checking for allergies, can help your doctor make the right diagnosis.
  • Worried about that stuffed animal your asthma-burdened child refuses to give up? Place it in the freezer for about a day once a week to kill dust mites. Be sure to wash it to remove their residue.
  • Get rid of fabric curtains and replace them with window shades or mini-blinds.
  • People who have asthma should get the flu vaccination as part of their routine care.
  • Avoid potted plants. They are a breeding ground for mold.
  • Use washable pet beds or blankets.
  • Instead of carpeting, try vinyl or wood floors. Use area rugs that can be shaken out.
  • Wipe the tub or shower dry after use to prevent the growth of mold.

Warnings

  • Respiratory infections are more serious in patients with asthma. These infections can often lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.
  • Adults with asthma are at high risk of developing complications after contracting the influenza virus.
  • Poor, inner-city minorities have disproportionately high rates of mortality from asthma.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ Kozier, B. et al Fundamentals in Nursing Concept, Process and Practice 2006 Person Prentice Hall seventh edition.
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/basics/treatment/con-20034148
  3. ↑ Smeltzer S. and Bare, B. 2006 Brunner and Suddarth Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing Vol 2. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Inc.
  4. ↑ Ernst, A & Herth, F (2012). Principles and Practice of Interventional Pulmonology
  5. ↑ Smeltzer, S. ET. Al.(2008). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing.
  6. ↑ http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/common_college_health_issues/asthma.php
  7. ↑ Ernst, A & Herth, F (2012). Principles and Practice of Interventional Pulmonology
  8. ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/how-stress-triggers-asthma.aspx
  9. ↑ http://www.asthma.org.uk/knowledge-bank-living-with-asthma-exercise
  10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/allergies-asthma
  11. ↑ http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=18&po=6
  12. ↑ Smeltzer, S. ET. Al.(2008). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing.
  13. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm
  14. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-triggers
  15. ↑ http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3&chunkiid=19111

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