10 Paths to Conquer Asthma
Asthma is a condition where due to certain stimuli a person
experiences narrowing of air passages and difficulty in
breathing. Treatment for asthma should be done under the
guidance of a doctor and should be planned carefully. The key
lies in recognizing the causes and managing the condition such
that you are in control of the situation.
Treatments include:
1. Preventive action where you avoid situations that triggers
off symptoms.
2. Practice meditation and breathing exercises to strengthen the
air passages and lungs.
3. Exercise regularly to keep fit and to strengthen your heart
as well as lungs.
4. Use air conditioning this will reduce your exposure to air
born pollen and other triggers.
5. Keep your environment free of dust mites, pet dander, fur and
feathers by regularly vacuuming and decontaminating your
mattresses, pillows, sofas, throws, carpets, as well as curtains
and covers.
6. Use inhalers which are of three types: aerosol inhalers;
breath-actuated inhalers; and dry powder inhalers. These contain
medication in aerosol form to provide immediate relief.
7. Drugs like short acting beta agonist namely salbutamol and
terbutaline are first prescribed. The alternative medications
are long acting beta2 agnostics like salmeterol or formoterol or
antimuscarinics like ipratropium or oxitropium. In layman terms
asthma medication is of two kinds anti-inflammatory medicines
and bronchodilators. Common medicines are Albuterol, Altrovent,
Pulmocort Respules.
8. Combination therapies where a steroid along with long acting
medication are prescribed. Alternately, a combination of
antimuscarinic and short acting beta 2 agnostic is used.
9. Use of special equipments like a peak flow meter which will
warn you of an impeding attack and an inhaler spacer which will
ensure efficient disbursement of medication.
10. Allergen Immunotherapy where the patient is desensitized to
asthma causing allergens like smoke, weed, grass, pollen, dust,
mold and so on. Similarly the patient is tested for food
allergies that trigger off attacks and treated for them.
Research indicates that the best option for patients is to
maintain a dairy and record when and why attacks occur. This
will give a clear understanding of triggers. Then the next step
is to create an asthma management plan with the help of your
doctor. To strengthen the mind and spirit patients are often
asked to join therapy groups that talk about fears, problems
faced by asthmatics, personal experiences, and work together at
breathing exercises and other regimens to strengthen their
bodies.