Asthma is a medical condition where an individual's airways become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed. This results in the production of excess mucus, making breathing difficult. It is a lung disease that impairs the movement of air in and out of the lungs. The main types of asthma include:
Adult - onset asthma.
Asthma - COPD overlap.
Allergic asthma.
Exercise - Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Non - allergic asthma.
Occupational asthma.
A person with asthma may have the following symptoms
Difficulty in breathing or breathing through the mouth.
Fast and frequent breathing or shortness of breath.
Respiratory infections.
Wheezing when exhaling.
Chest pressure, fast heart rate.
Throat irritation.
Anxiety, early awakening.
Cough can occur during exercise or at night.
Dry cough with phlegm.
Asthma is often a mild inconvenience; however, for some individuals, it can become a serious condition that disrupts daily life and may result in life-threatening asthma attacks.
Below are some common causes of asthma
Pollution
Smoking
Allergies to dust, pollen, mold spores, pet danger, etc
Household chemicals
Exposure to bacteria and viruses
Fatty food
certain medications
Some foods and beverages
Genetics
Although asthma cannot be cured, its symptoms can be effectively managed. Since asthma often evolves over time, it is crucial to maintain regular communication with your doctor and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
Have a look at some preventive measures
Get vaccinated for pneumonia and influenza.
Follow your medication plan strictly.
Avoid smoking.
Identify asthma triggers.
Stay away from allergens or household chemicals that cause breathing problems.
Take allergy shots.
Recognize warning signs, do not take attacks for granted.
Prevent colds.
Be careful while using any new medicine, discuss with your doctor first.
For asthmatic people, having a good management plan is the best way to prevent symptoms.
Use a rescue inhaler.
Monitor asthma with regular visits to your doctor.
Be prepared for what to do when asthma gets worse.
Know your triggers and stay away from them.
Keep yourself fit with exercises that suit you. The key to safe exercising while having asthma is to make sure that your asthma is under control before your start.
Always have an inhaler with you and learn how to use it properly in front of your doctor.
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes plays a significant role in helping you live as a healthy individual. This is especially important since asthma tends to become more common as countries undergo industrialization.
Include these lifestyle changes in your routine
Do the following yoga asanas to relieve asthma
- Sukasana pose (Easy pose)
- Uttanasana (Forward bend pose)
- Dandasana (Staff Pose)
- Baddhakonasana (Butterfly pose)
- Bhastrika pranayama along with kapal bhati.
Reduce the intake of fatty foods.
Vacuum regularly with a HEPA.
Protect your pillows and mattresses by using special encasings designed to block dust mites.
Minimize the number of stuffed animals in children's rooms, and only keep ones that can be washed regularly.
"There are few restrictions on your life with asthma, as long as you take care of yourself" - Jackie Joyner Kersee.
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