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Climbed a few stairs and now want to rest? Afraid of keeping up with the pace of others? Want to take a deep breath even after reading this? Is that all you? If yes, I dread to tell you but you might have asthma. All of these symptoms might even point at something as simple as a seasonal allergy but it can be asthma too. Even if it is, you need not worry. We are here to help you through it, by teaching you all about asthma management.
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs characterized by inflammation and narrowing of airways making breathing difficult. Symptoms like cough, wheezing, and chest congestion are part and parcel of asthma. It is also referred to as chronic respiratory disease or bronchial asthma. Asthma affects 334 million people worldwide. It is estimated that 20% of the pediatric population in Pakistan is suffering from asthma. Statistical data from the last few decades denotes an increase in the prevalence of this disorder in both the child and adult population of Pakistan. To get this problem addressed properly you will need to find and consult a pulmonologist.
Read more about Asthma.
Symptoms of Asthma
Symptoms of asthma appear due to inflammation and overproduction of sticky mucus in the bronchioles. The symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Tightness, pain, and pressure in the lungs.
Asthma symptoms vary from patient to patient. While some may have all the classic symptoms others may have only a few of these. Symptoms of asthma may even differ from one attack to another in the same patient. In many people, symptoms remain subsided for long intervals worsening periodically during asthma attacks only. Some people suffer from asthma during exercise only this is called exercise-induced asthma. Others can face this when affected by viral infections and cold. Mild asthma attacks are common compared to severe ones that need immediate medical attention. It is important to recognize and treat even mild forms of asthma to limit the chances of severe asthma attacks that can be life-threatening. If you need to consult the best pulmonologist in Pakistan, you can use Marham.pk.
Types Of Asthma
Asthma is classified into four different types according to the severity and frequency of symptoms.
1. Mild Intermittent Asthma
This is a case where there are few asthma attacks, mild asthma symptoms appearing less than twice a week, and nighttime symptoms less than twice a month.
2. Mild Persistent Asthma
This kind of asthma may interfere with daily life activities as symptoms occur 3-6 times a week. Nighttime symptoms are 3-4 times a month.
3. Moderate Persistent Asthma
With symptoms occurring 3-6 times per week and nighttime symptoms surface 3-4 times in a month. This type of asthma can disrupt the routine life of the affected people.
4. Severe Persistent Asthma
Symptoms continue 24 hours, and this condition can necessitate patients to limit everyday activities.
Treatment Of Asthma
Understanding asthma treatment options for short-term relief and long-term control is essential for anyone suffering from asthma. This will aid in improving your quality of life and better management of the condition. In case of an asthma attack, you should know when to seek help to avoid the progression of the condition into a medical emergency.
Asthma Action Plan
An important part of asthma treatment is the Asthma Action Plan. This is where your doctor helps you to recognize and understand your symptoms and manage your condition accordingly. Having an Asthma Action Plan in place enables you to make directed efforts. This plan may have instructions regarding:
- How to analyze if your symptoms are getting worse?
- Which medicine to take in case of an asthma attack?
- What care to follow when you have no symptoms?
- Contact details of a doctor in case of an emergency?
- How to manage asthma triggers?
- How to recognize you are in a state of a medical emergency?
- What to do in case of a medical emergency?
Learn about the Asthma Action Plan.
Medicines For Asthma
Asthma medicines include those that you inhale to open up tightened airways. These make breathing easier and relieve symptoms in case of an asthma attack. No one should use these medicines more than twice a day without informing their doctor. These include:
- Short-acting beta-agonists
- Anticholinergics
- Oral corticosteroids
- Combination quick-relief medications
Other types of medicines prescribed for asthma are those meant for prevention and long-term management of this condition. These include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists
- Combination inhaled medicines
- Biologics
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Cromolyn
- Theophylline
- Long-acting bronchodilators
- Oral corticosteroids
Asthma Management Through Lifestyle Choices
Along with taking your medication, some simple lifestyle choices can help you manage your breathing issues. These asthma management tips can lessen the severity and reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks.
- A healthy diet: A healthy diet will improve your overall health. This will help you build immunity and show a positive effect on your respiratory system.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excessive weight can lead to everything bad and this includes asthma attacks. Your asthma will be worse if you are overweight or obese, so losing weight is your best bet.
- Exercise: Proper breathing exercises and physical activity can help you elevate or lessen the symptoms of asthma. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of breathing problems.
- Quit smoking: Cigarettes are the worst enemy of your lungs. These can trigger asthma and increase your risk of COPD.
- Manage stress: Stress can trigger an asthma attack and make stopping an attack difficult.
Many people believe in home remedies for asthma. These might work for some people but remember in case of severe asthma attacks do not rely on any home remedy as the condition may worsen rapidly. Also staying in touch with your pulmonologist is important to keep your treatment plan up to date.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top pulmonologists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online appointment booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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