Asthma Care and Cure

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and some common symptoms include

• Shortness of breath
• Sleeping problem due to short breathing
• Coughing and mucus
• A whistle like sound while breathing out
• Frequent cough and breathing problem especially with cough and cold and flu
• Tightness around chest area

When to Consult Doctor

• Increasing Frequents and longer duration of asthma symptoms, no relief and frequent reoccurrence
• No relief from existing problems
• Frequency of inhaler use increased
• Regular shortness of breath

Asthma Situation and Condition

Some individuals get mild to serious asthma attacks during certain activity and situations.Some of these common situations include

• Attacks during Workout: some people get asthma attacks during moderate to heavy workouts and especially if it is in winter and dry weather.
• At Workplace: People working in closed indoors, high dust area, chemical units, kitchens and storage may get asthma attacks.
• Allergy Triggered: At times certain allergens like pets, fur, some perfumes, smell, food, pollens and certain insects can trigger asthma attack.

Common Causes of Asthma

• Allergens like dust, pollen, insect, allergic food items and smell etc
• Respiratory infections, cough and cold, flu
• Moderate or high physical activity
• Cold and dry environment, cold air
• Some medicines for pain, beta blockers, aspirin etc
• Emotional stress
• Emotional stress
• Dried fruits, shrimps, certain vegetables, packed food, canned food and certain preservatives used in food
• Wines, beer and in some cases alcoholic drinks

Medical Emergency

• Quick worsening of condition i.e breathlessness and short breathing
• No improvement of condition even after taking inhaler for asthma relief
• Frequent episodes of asthma attack
• Breathing problem with little physical activity

Medicine and Treatment

• Asthma medicine intervention is short term for quick relief and also long term to control inflammation and other condition that can trigger asthma attack. It also varies as per symptoms, age and other health related conditions of patients.
• Specialist doctors can help with medicines.
• Quick Relief Inhalers are helpful for immediate relief in case of an attack
• Patients need to stay connected and keep your doctor updated and get medical tests done as per advice. It is important to take prescribed medicines and also get check-ups as per prescription.
• In the initial stages of treatment mostly patients need to visit doctor every 2-6 weeks depending on condition and then at intervals, as advised by the physician.
• But if the cause of Asthma trigger is identified, it must be avoided at any circumstances.

Help Yourself

• Keep a record of your attacks
• Keep watch at the symptoms that are particular to you
• Know your triggers
• Keep your quick relief inhaler handy
• Keep your doctor’s number saved in the priority or quick call list of your phone
• Do keep the emergency medical admission number of a good superspeciality hospital in your mobile

Home Based Care

• Keep your surrounding clean
• Try to be in a dust free environment
• It is good to use air purifier machine at home
• Keep the air-conditioner machine clean

Food and Nutrition

• Avoid foods that trigger allergy and asthma condition
• Include spices and regular food items like honey, lemon, ginger, garlic, onions, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg in your diet
• Try to have warm food. Drinking warm milk, warm tea, hot soup etc is also beneficial
• Avoid food items that is difficult to digest or make you uncomfortable and result in indigestion

Health Care

• Avoid cough and cold. Dry yourself well after bath and workout. Avoid cold beverages and fridge cold food.
• Keep your immunity high with a good balanced diet, shedding excess body weight and doing suitable workout that you are comfortable

Fitness and Workout

• Breathing exercises (pranayama) benefits the lungs, heart and the body in general. They also impact the mind, thoughts and help us to manage stress. A calm mind and managing stress is beneficial to avoid asthma. Certain asanas and postures help to keep the body fit and strong and can help to combat asthma conditions.
• Other exercises, cardio, stretching and postures to an activity level as advised by doctor and appropriate fitness experts.