May 3 will be observed as World Asthma Day this year. Every year, the world comes together to spread awareness about Asthma. The day aims to raise support, better understand, and address the gaps in asthma care in our community. GINA chose the theme ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’ for 2022 World Asthma Day.

Let us take a look at ‘What is Asthma?’

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that causes airways to narrow and swell. It produces extra mucus and causes difficulties in breathing. The difficulty in breathing triggers coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is a chronic respiratory disorder. It may get worse with time if left untreated.

For some people, it may be a minor ailment, and for others, it may become a major life-threatening problem. People who have a huge impact from asthma can frequently experience asthma attacks. As it is a chronic condition, there is no cure for asthma. But with proper education and awareness, one can control the symptoms.

Consult your doctor regularly. Asthma may change and get worse with time. It is important to take follow-ups and change treatment plans according to the type of asthma.

Classification Of Asthma

Asthma affects and severity is classified under the following categories-

1. Mild Intermittent Asthma

Mild symptoms of asthma are seen less than twice a week, and night-time symptoms less than twice a month. You may or may not get asthma attacks.

2. Mild Persistent Asthma

Asthma symptoms may occur three to six times a week, and night-time symptoms three to four times a month. Frequent asthma attacks can affect daily activities.

3. Moderate Persistent Asthma

Asthma symptoms may occur three to six times a week and night-time symptoms three to four times a month. Frequent asthma attacks can affect daily activities.

4. Severe Persistent Asthma

The symptoms may be observed both day and night. These frequently cause people to limit their daily activities.

Symptoms To Look For

People may show different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are the following-

1. Shortness of Breath

2. Chest Tightness

3. Wheezing

4. Coughing at Night

5. Chronic Cough

6. Cold lasting for more than 10 days

Asthma can occur in any age group. It may start from infancy or come later in childhood. Many environmental and congenital factors influence asthma and its severity. Children may seem to ‘outgrow’ asthma, but it never really goes away. It can restart at any point in your life (including your senior years).

What Triggers Asthma?

Asthma triggers are environmental factors that can affect and make asthma worse. Your symptoms may start or become worse with the exposure. Some of the common asthma triggers include-

1. Viral and fungal infections like sinusitis, colds, and flu.

2. Tobacco Smoke

3. Cold air

4. Weather changes

5. Allergens like pollens, mold, pet dander, and dust mites.

6. Irritants like strong odors from perfumes or cleaning solvents.

7. Air pollution

8. Anxiety, stress

9. Medications

Asthma attack

Just as any other body attack, an asthma attack is a sudden reaction to the worsening of symptoms. It tightens airways, swells them up, and produces mucus. Indications may include coughing (especially at night), wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness, pain, or pressure.

Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief inhaler. Here are a few tips to manage an asthma patient with the attack-

1. Make them calm and relaxed. Provide as much comfort as you can.

2. Inform the medical professional and learn how to work on calming techniques.

3. Give them a quick-relief inhaler.

Care At Home For Asthma Patients

Although you cannot completely treat asthma, you can always make changes. Follow the following tips and adopt lifestyle changes to manage and cope with asthma-

1. Do not go near any industrial area - Places, where you may get caught in the pollution, can make the symptoms trigger. Avoid going to the areas near factories, and industrial works.

2. Stay Active - Adapt yoga, jogging, running, and breathing exercise regimes to routine. These will help your airways stay active and pollutants-free.

3. Drink water - Make a habit of consuming 8-9 glasses of water daily.

4. Do not smoke - Avoid smoking. Your lungs are already compromised!

5. Nebulizer - Buy a medical Nebulizer and make a habit of taking it daily at night.

6. Get Comfort Sleep - Opt for comfort medical pillows and mattresses to sleep well. These will help your airways to breathe properly.

How Can Nebulizer Help?

Nebulizers are medical devices that help a person breathe the medicine. The liquid medicine is converted to a mist via a nebulizer and later given through a mouthpiece or mask. The medical equipment has a small plastic container, an air compressor, an air tube, and a face mask.

Although most people use handheld inhalers to take medicines, a nebulizer can be used to clear the airways and treat bacterial or viral infections. These can be used in-

1. Emergencies - Nebulizer is used when you require a high dosage of reliever medicine.

2. At Home - You can buy a nebulizer machine for home in Dubai if inhalers aren’t effective for you.

3. If you cannot use inhalers - Conditions like arthritis can disable you to operate an inhaler. You can use a nebulizer instead. Even for toddlers and small children, nebulizers are preferred over inhalers.

One may choose a nebulizer according to their needs and use. There are two types of medical nebulizers available-

1. Ultrasonic nebulizers - High-frequency vibrations are used to make aerosols. These are advanced and can be expensive. Ultrasonic nebulizers are exclusively used in hospitals. You can buy ultrasonic nebulizers from Sehaaonline. Pay via PostPay in 3 months- easy installments (no cost EMI).

2. Jet nebulizers - They use compressed gas to make aerosols. These are the most common types of nebulizers.

Shop a nebulizer for asthma from Sehaaonline. We have a comprehensive range of nebulizers in Dubai. If you have other related respiratory illnesses, we offer medical equipment like oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, CPAP, and BiPAP machines. Make sure to consult your medical professional before opting for one.

Bottom Line

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder. With proper, and comprehensive treatment plans you can cope with the symptoms and live a normal life. Adapt to some of the lifestyle changes and make sure you are medically equipped at home with the medications and devices. Check out our range of medical products. Be assured and equipped with Sehaaonline - Your Journey Towards Better Health.