Asthma Management

Some asthmatics do beat this disease and get better, never experiencing symptoms for the rest of their lives. But we can’t say that asthma can be cured, because it can’t. It often comes back after years of no symptoms. In many cases it never goes away. But for most patients –no – all patients, it can be controlled so that there are no limitations whatsoever in enjoying a normal, active lifestyle. Asthma management is the key.

This article does not deal with some of the exciting new approaches in getting at the root causes of the disease and eliminating them through a holistic approach to life style (diet, breathing exercises, motivational exercises etc). Rather, only the traditional asthma management steps are discussed here.

If you have decided to embrace a holistic approach, your chances are exceptional that you will bury your asthmatic symptoms. But in the immediate term, there is still a need for the traditional management programs and asthma action plan to control symptoms or reduce their frequency.

Managing asthma means controlling symptoms by staying away from the triggers that affect you and taking medication as prescribed by your caregiver.

A very important point in dealing with asthma is that the onus is not on your caregiver to make your life more comfortable. It is on you, the individual. It is you who needs to be consistent in avoiding triggers and taking meds as prescribed. Your caregiver can only help you formulate your action plan. You must manage it.

Know your triggers

It’s very important to work with your caregiver in building your asthma management program. Part of this process will be defining your triggers and determining what, if anything you can do to avoid them. Some classic examples follow:

·        If animal dander is triggering your asthma, get rid of the animals in your environment. If that is not possible, at least maintain some pet free rooms in your home (particularly your bedroom) that you can go to for relief. Many asthmatics can’t bear to get rid of pets when they are diagnosed, but this is a decision you need to think very carefully about. If you’re serious about conquering your asthma, find a good home for your companion. Your chances of managing this disease successfully if you are always exposed to a trigger are very small.

·        Don’t smoke or allow smoking in your home. This is a no brainer. It is conclusively proven that tobacco smoke triggers asthma. Stay away from it.

·        If allergens such as pollen are a trigger for you, spend more time indoors when it is particularly heavy (normally spring and fall). Asthmatics with this type of allergy will usually be able to feel when the pollen count is high. Air exchangers do an excellent job of keeping the interior of homes free of all outside allergens.

·        One of the classic asthma triggers is dust mites but these can be controlled. Bedding should be cleaned regularly and the home should be dusted and cleaned frequently. Again, an air exchange system can do absolute wonders in controlling the quality of interior air.

·         Viral infections are dangerous for all asthmatics and will often trigger attacks. Obviously, it is important to do everything possible to prevent the onset of a cold or flu. Wash hands often (one of the biggest causes of viral transmission is a virus coming into contact with your hands and then you touching your mouth, noise, ear or eyes, thus allowing the virus inside the body) and get a flu shot annually.

·        If cold air is a trigger for you, try not to breath deeply or rapidly on cold days and wear a scarf over your mouth and nose. This really will help heat the air before it gets into your lungs.

·        Exercise induced asthma is a problem for some people. However, the answer to this one is not avoiding exercis. Being in shape is a vital part of conquering this disease. But you can work with your caregiver to determine ways to be active without suffering asthma symptoms.

And if you must work out vigorously (and many people are driven to), then at least have the medication necessary to respond to symptoms as soon as they appear. (Most caregivers will also recommend taking a broncho dilator before exercise.)

·     If certain types of food bring on asthma symptoms, it is obvious any management plan would include avoiding those particular triggers. It is not uncommon for asthmatics to be allergic to sulphites – these are found in some wines, carbonated soft drinks, some prepared meats and dried fruits.

·        Try to keep humidity levels in the home between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity by itself doesn’t normally trigger asthma but those conditions are conducive to mould growth which can cause problems. Again, air exchange symptoms are excellent for controlling humidity levels. In fact, an air exchanger of some sort is an excellent tool in supporting your asthma action plan.

·        Humidifiers are not a good idea, although may be necessary if the household atmosphere is too dry (this may be the case whenever there is a need for heat).  If a humidifier must be run, follow the cleaning routines methodically and refill with fresh water at least daily.

·        If you live in a home with a furnace and forced air heating system, ensure filters are changed every three months. Consider installing higher efficiency filters as well. They cost more, but they will take more particles out of the air, thus reducing the chances of an asthmatic lung being irritated.

·        Be careful with sprays like deodorants, perfumes, or air fresheners. Even strong smelling cleaners can trigger an attack in some children. Don’t expose them to it.

·        Carpeting. Not a good idea for an asthmatic. Carpets hold an unbelievable amount of dirt, dust mites, etc etc that frequent vacuuming just doesn’t pick up. Just removing carpet and going to some other type of flooring will make a dramatic difference and significantly reduce the incidence of asthma symptoms.

Use the Action Plan!

Once you have an asthma action plan designed, follow it! It is staggering, how many asthmatics do not follow their plan and do not manage their condition successfully - only through their own fault.

Learn how to use the meds you get correctly. Make sure you know how to use the inhaler properly (many people don’t) so your medication isn’t just hitting the back of your throat instead of getting into the lungs where it belongs. Don’t be afraid to ask for a spacer to go along with your inhaler if you need it. And if you’re having any difficulties in taking your meds, see your doctor immediately to sort things out.

Monitor your symptoms carefully. Any diagnosed asthmatic will know the warning symptoms when an attack is immanent. Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing are the classic ones. Use a peak flow meter to monitor lung capacity. If you see a reading 20% or more below your normal, chances are you are having an asthma attack.

Understand when the action plan needs changing

In living with asthma, there may be times when control of the disease is lost. Ironically, many asthmatics don’t realize this and continue with the same action plan (assuming they have one) when what they need to do is get the disease under control again. The following signs might indicate it is time to reassess your action plan and consult with your caregiver:

·        Meds aren’t as effective.

·        Frequency of symptoms increases.

·        Symptoms become more extreme.

·        Nights are becoming particularly difficult and symptoms are causing loss of sleep.

·        Asthma is keeping you home from work or home from school.

·        Your peak flow number is 20% or greater lower than average levels and is varying between morning and evening.

·        Rescue haler is required more often (every day is too much)

·         You have to go to the emergency room or doctor because of an asthma attack.

As a final thought, managing asthma is about a healthy life style. But this also includes avoiding the triggers that initiate asthma symptoms. Work with your caregiver to determine what you need to do and do it. Simple.

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