Managing Anxieties Of Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a chronic condition, an inflammatory disease of the lungs. Asthma attacks are distressing they can stir up anxiety and panic.
Airway obstruction causes tightening and twitching of the muscles reducing air flow both in and out of the lungs. Likewise, airway inflammation causes swelling and extra mucus that can make breathing difficult and could lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma attacks are distressing so avoiding triggers can make a difference to the quality of life.
- Chief symptoms of an attack include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.
- Certain things can trigger an attack such as pollen, dust or dust mites, viral infections, mould, and even pet dander. Keep them at bay.
- Other contributory factors include air pollution, food additives, allergies, emotional stress, occupational factors and even regular exercise routines. Anyone of these issues may act as triggers. Avoiding known triggers is simply good health practice.
- It”s important to know your triggers and to eliminate as many as you can or to minimize them.
- If you suffer repeatedly from asthma attacks or breathing difficulties your asthma may be in an uncontrolled state.
For proper treatment of asthma ensure that your condition is carefully monitored. It's essential to connect with your specialist, family doctor or healthcare team.
Never assume that your asthma is cured as there is no cure for asthma. Nor should you cut back or skip taking your prescribed medication, even if you feel well. It”s important to carry out attentive self-monitoring of your asthma to help you respond swiftly to asthma attacks and other changes in your condition.
Asthma medications can help control your symptoms either by a rescue inhaler or daily maintenance medications. Rescue inhalers can be used for a sudden attack of breathlessness and wheezing.
Whilst maintenance medications are to be taken every day whether or not you”re experiencing asthma symptoms.
Stay informed about asthma, and find comprehensive information about it.There is support, advice for treatment and resources available, do not be reluctant to talk about your asthma.
Share your knowledge with friends and family because they can be a great support when needed.