Preventing asthma

Fact Checked

How you can help

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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"<yoastmark

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

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