How To Deal With Asthma

How To Deal With Asthma
Image courtesy of marin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
One who has asthma will experience difficulty of breathing every once in a while. Such episodes are usually caused by triggers that make his airways constrict and thus allowing only a small amount of air into his system. With only a small amount going into the lungs, correspondingly, only a small amount of oxygen will reach the different parts of the body. That is why, in worst-case scenarios some have died because of severe asthma attacks.

One must understand that one cannot cure asthma; one can however address the symptoms of it to minimize the effects. One must first understand though how such condition operates in order to better appreciate what is going on inside his body when he has asthma attacks.

One can start by picturing the airways that bring oxygen in and out the lungs. Now imagine an inflamed inner wall of these airways how do you think this condition would affect your respiratory system? With asthma, the inner walls of your airways are swollen and are very sensitive to things you are allergic to.

With triggers that swell your airways, less air becomes available for circulation. Common triggers are molds, smoke, pets, grass pollens, cold air, polluted air, dust and in some cases, exercise. Infections that are caused by viruses also trigger asthma attacks.

The narrow airways make it difficult for more air or oxygen to reach the lungs for distribution. The narrow airways also cause you to make that wheezing sound during breathing. Additional symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath.

Asthma attacks or episodes as they are called aptly describes the condition wherein the symptoms are worse than they usually are. During such episodes, the inner walls of the airways have become more swollen, the muscles around the airways are constricting the area and mucus are present inside making it more difficult for the patient to breath. In worst conditions, there becomes a depletion of oxygen supply in the vital organs making it a very dangerous state for the patient to be in.

Again, asthma has no cure but this can be controlled to a point where the individual concerned can live near normal lives. Treatment can be categorized as relievers or preventers. Relievers relax the muscle spasm thereby remedying tight breathing. Preventers on the other hand will suppress the inflammation.

It is thus best for an individual with asthma to constantly schedule a session with his doctor for check up. One needs to be informed well with his condition and how he can effectively address his asthma symptoms. He can also ask certain myths about asthma so that he can proceed with sufficient knowledge about his condition. Asthma is a bad enough condition and not being knowledgeable about it will put you in a bind as to how to go about your health - and life in general.

Without giving your asthma condition its due attention you will most likely be affected in other aspects of your life as school and work. You may also tend to live a sedentary lifestyle giving up in doing things you like as sports and more. So if you don't want to miss out on the important things in your life and in the fun activities you can do take a proactive role in addressing your asthma problem.

Work with your doctor to get your asthma in control by preventing severe symptoms from coming out. You will also have to consistently monitor your condition to fight any signs of an attack not having to wait before it gets serious enough beyond your control.

Medications as prescribed by your doctor should be taken as scheduled and you should provide timely feedback to him if you are not responding to the medicines. This ensures you will be given the most fitting medication for your case, which would result to keeping your asthma within control meaning a life that is close to normal without those pesky asthma attacks.

Related Articles From WebMD:

0 comments :