symptoms and prevention of asthma.

 

What is asthma?

 

Asthma is a dangerous illness that can interfere with the supply of oxygen and lead to severe death.

 

 

The causes of asthma are the reactions of the bronchi to various stimuli. It is a bronchial disorder that occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed. Asthma can be accompanied by paroxysmal dyspnea, coughing, and wheezing.

 

Asthma is also a type of paroxysmal illness in which flare-ups and asymptomatic periods occur at random. Most asthma attacks are short-lived, usually lasting from a few minutes to several hours, and seem to resolve completely after the attack.

 

However, in some cases, the patient may experience airway obstruction every day. In these cases, they sometimes have severe or no seizures, but in severe cases, they can last for days or weeks, making the condition more severe and even fatal.

 

 

Asthma symptoms

 

 

▶     Runny and stuffy nose worse with the seasons.

▶     I have a tickling sensation in my throat

▶     I feel like I have phlegm in my throat

▶     A paroxysmal cough that does not stop easily.

▶     A wheezing sound in the throat with every breath

▶     chest tightness and pain

 

 

Asthma triggers

 

1. environmental factors

 

▶     Allergens such as house dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mold.

▶     Air pollution, exposure to various chemicals

▶     Food additives such as medicines, preservatives and colors.

▶     Cold, cold air, yellow dust, stress

 

 

2. Genetic factors

 

Although not necessarily inherited, if you have allergies or asthma in your family, your child is more likely to develop asthma.

 

 

How to prevent asthma

 

1. Treatment of aggravating factors

 

1) Prevention of respiratory infections

 

To avoid contracting a viral respiratory infection, such as the common cold, it is imperative to practice good personal hygiene, that is, avoid crowded places, wash your hands frequently, rest, and keep warm. It is also recommended that people with asthma get a flu shot.

 

 

2) temperature change

 

Sudden exposure to cold air can trigger asthma attacks, and in cloudy weather or low blood pressure, asthma sufferers may feel tightness in their chest, so it is recommended to wear a mask, especially when going outside in winter. In addition, it is recommended to keep the indoor temperature at an appropriate level so that there is not a big difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures in summer or winter.

 

 

3) Cigarette smoke, chemicals, strong odors

 

Cigarette smoke causes bronchospasm with a strong stimulating effect, and even inhaling cigarette smoke near you causes these symptoms. In addition to this, you have to be careful because asthma attacks can also be caused by various irritating sprays, paints, varnishes, acetone and perfumes used in the home.

 

 

4) Prevent indoor pollution

 

Flammable substances from heating and cooking food, furniture polishes, air fresheners, insecticide sprays, etc. Do not use in the presence of the patient.

 

 

5) Air pollution

 

Sulfur dioxide, one of the air pollutants, is produced in large quantities in motor fuels and thermal power plants, causing bronchial constriction. Be careful, especially in Korea, because the yellow dust that occurs in China in March and April can make asthma worse. Therefore, on days of high air pollution or yellow dust, it is recommended to avoid excessive physical activity outdoors and not go outside as much as possible.

 

 

6) Physical activity, exercise

 

Correct exercise strengthens cardiorespiratory function and muscles, but many people with asthma may experience severe shortness of breath because exercise, especially jogging in cold air, can narrow the bronchi. Therefore, you can prevent asthma by using appropriate medications and warming up before exercise.

 

 

7) drugs

 

Although very rare in children, 5-10% of adults with asthma can develop asthma attacks while taking aspirin or similar anti-inflammatory drugs. For antipyretic pain relieving effects, it may be relatively safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead of aspirin.

 

 

8) Food supplements

 

Sulfites are widely used as food preservatives and antioxidants and are known to be harmless to normal people. However, in some asthmatics, hypersensitivity to dietary supplements can exacerbate asthma. Sulfite is found in large quantities in dried fruits, vegetables, fruit concentrates, wine, beer and juices, especially potatoes and shrimp, so it is recommended that sensitive asthmatics avoid them. In addition, it is advised to avoid asthma attacks due to yellow pigment, etc.

 

 

9) stress

 

It is true that psychological conditions have a significant impact on the onset of asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms are aggravated by mental stress, such as increased attention to exams or housework, scolding or divorce from parents. This is because when you are psychologically stressed, the parasympathetic nerve is stimulated and the narrowing of the bronchi becomes severe. Therefore, asthma sufferers benefit from minimizing stress and leading a relaxed lifestyle.

 

 

2. Environmental management

 

1) Management of the internal environment

 

House dust mites, pets, cockroaches and mold are the causative agents of asthma and its symptoms. In addition, the problem lies in the heating of the room or the formation of gas during cooking. Therefore, periodic cleaning of the house and proper ventilation are very important, as well as the care of the living environment in the room, including bedding.

 

① House cleaning

 

The house should be cleaned frequently to keep it clean. When cleaning, it is recommended to use a damp mop or vacuum cleaner to avoid blowing out too much dust. When using a vacuum cleaner, it is effective to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a special filter to prevent pathogens such as house dust mites from flowing out again. To reduce cockroach infestation, it is necessary to close the cracks in every corner of the house, and when storing food, it is good to wrap it with plastic wrap.

 

 

② Selection and washing of bed linen

 

Bedding such as blankets, mattresses and bed mattresses should be covered with a special material that can block the entry of house dust mites. Do not use plant materials such as buckwheat, millet or duck down, but use synthetic resins or special pillow materials. Be sure to wash your pillowcases often.

 

 

③ Maintaining proper temperature and humidity 

 

Humidity is the most important factor for the reproduction of dust mites. Therefore, it is important to create an indoor environment in which it will be difficult for house dust mites to live. That is, it is recommended to maintain the humidity in the room at 40-50%, and for this purpose it is recommended to adjust the humidity accordingly with a dehumidifier or air conditioner in summer when the humidity is high. Humidifiers increase indoor humidity and breed many mold and dust mites. Therefore, strict management is required.

 

 

④ Do not use carpets, thick fabric sofas or curtains.

 

 

⑤ Do not keep pets indoors.

 

 

2) Management of the external environment

 

① pollen

 

Patients sensitive to pollen should refrain from going outside during pollen season and keep indoor windows well closed. When going outside, it is recommended to use a mask that prevents pollen poisoning.

 

 

② Air pollution

 

Sulfur dioxide, one of the air pollutants, causes bronchospasm. Especially in Korea, care must be taken as asthma can be aggravated by yellow dust that comes from China in March and April. Therefore, avoid excessive outdoor exercise when the air or yellow dust is heavily polluted.

 

 

③ Environmental management in the workplace

 

Exposure to various substances in the workplace can cause or worsen asthma symptoms. Protective equipment with good performance must be used.

 

 

How to treat asthma

 

Asthma is an inflammation of the airways and therefore requires constant treatment and monitoring. The typical treatment for asthma is an inhaler that quickly relieves symptoms, prevents flare-ups, and reduces mortality.

When a drug is administered through an inhaler, the components of the drug are delivered directly to the bronchi, which is effective for opening the airways and has the advantage of relatively few side effects.

 

 

How to use the inhaler

 

 

① Open the lid of the inhaler and shake 3-4 times.

 

② Exhale slowly until the end

 

③ Bite the inhaler's mouth with your lips to prevent the medicine from leaking out, and inhale slowly and deeply, pressing firmly with your thumb and middle fingers.

 

④ Take the inhaler out of your mouth, hold your breath for about 10 seconds, and then exhale.

 

⑤ If you need to use the inhaler again, do it again after about 3 minutes.