Fact Checked
How you can help
- Help The Casualty to Rest
- Assist the casualty into a position where they feel comfortable. Usually, this means sitting straight, slanting forward with arms resting on a table.
- Help With Treatment
- Help the casualty take any ‘reliever’ medicine they have. Generally, if an asthma pump is available, the casualty should use it to take the capsules, one puff at a time.
- Provide 5 puffs of the treatment and then repeat this dosage after about 5 minutes if no progress has occurred.
- If the casualty does not have any medication available, be ready to use a ‘reliever’ from someone who does have one.
- If the casualty has no medication or it doesn’t seem to be working – phone for an ambulance right away.
- Carry on giving the casualty about 5 puffs every 5 minutes till an ambulance gets there.
- Continual Care
- If you notice progress, keep the casualty at rest until the skin color returns to normal.
- Generally, if the casualty is young, make sure that the parents are aware and advise a medical assessment with a physician.
Overview – What is asthma?
- It is a prolonged lung disease
- It produces a tightening of the air passages to the lung
- Lastly, produces trouble in breathing.
Symptoms
- At first, wheeziness
- Cough and cold
- Tension on the chest
- In addition, sticky mucus
- Lastly, anxious
Causes
- Genetic factors
- Ecological factors such as dirt, mite and pollen
- Work-related exposure to irritants
- Nutritional changes
- Lack of exercise
Risk factors
- Colds and infections
- Aggravations such as cigarette smoke, fragrances, smog etc.
- Cool air or change in climate
- Physical effort such as running
- Allergens like dust, pollen, cat or dog fur
- Certain medicines
- Toxicities
- Anxiety
Myths
- It is infectious
- It can’t be managed
- Asthma medications are addictive
Management
- Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be managed
- Keep your home clean from dust
- Use wooden or tiled floors
- Avoid rugs and carpets in the house
- Avoid owning pets with fur (if you do, make sure you wash your hands when petting them)
- Use fresh bed sheets and covers for your pillow
- Make use of an air conditioner for clean and fresh air
- Maintain low moisture within the home
- Anti-inflammatory medications contain:
a. Inhalers
b. Sodium Chromoglycate
Related video
FACT CHECK
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/
https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/what-is-asthma#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653