ASTHMA
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system affecting the airways and the lungs. Asthma is usually developed in childhood, however asthma can also be seen in elder individuals. It is usually characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Asthma is one of the major non- communicable disease.
Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors include exposure to air pollution and allergens. Other potential triggers include medications such as aspirin and beta blockers.
In 2015, 358 million people globally had asthma, up from 183 million in 1990. It caused about 397,100 deaths in 2015, most of which occurred in the developing world. Asthma often begins in childhood, and the rates have increased significantly since the 1960s. Asthma was recognized as early as Ancient Egypt. The word "asthma" is from the Greek, which means "panting".
Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night. During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swell, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Recurrent asthma symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity levels and school and work absenteeism. Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic disease.
CAUSES OF ASTHMA:
Before coming to the prevention part, we should know the probable triggering factors of asthma. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways, such as:
· Indoor allergens (for example, house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander)
· Outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds)
· Tobacco smoke
· Chemical irritants in the workplace
· Air pollution.
· Other triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise.
· Certain medications can trigger asthma: aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and migraine).
· Urbanization has been associated with an increase in asthma prevalence. But the exact nature of this relationship is unclear.
There is no proven relationship between asthma and corona virus, however asthmatic patients may have high chance of getting infected due to inflamed airways and lungs. Anyways prevention is better than cure. Therefore it’s of paramount importance to follow some precautionary measures to put stay on uproar of the pandemic.
10 PREVENTION STEPS INCLUDE:
1. Keep a supply of month long medication to prevent movement outdoors frequently like budesonide, salbutamol. Make use of e-pharmacy for the Best healthcare service provider in India.
2. Follow all the guidelines issued by the health ministry such as protective face mask, keeping a distance. Sneeze or cough into sleeves near elbow, avoid visiting sick people, wash hands with soap and water frequently, throwing used tissue in trash and washing hands later.
3. Make use of sanitizer and avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose. Online medicine delivery 24 hours.
4. Always carry your inhaler, no matter where you go even if for short duration. Learn the correct usage of inhaler. Use nebulizer only if necessary as the chances of virus transmission may be raised. Do not share your inhaler with others.
5. Avoid allergens as much as possible to prevent frequent attacks of asthma: common allergens include pollen dust, house dust, smoke from tobacco usage or incense sticks, extreme weather conditions, pets, mites, alcohol, food additives, heavy exercise, acid reflux etc.
6. Frequently clean and disinfect door handles, countertops and places which are touched frequently. Avoid cleaning agents which trigger asthma.
7. Avoid anxiety and stress: stress can trigger asthma attack. Practice of yoga, meditation will fill you with peacefulness and reduce stress issues.
8. Strengthen the immune system: A person needs a healthy immune system to fight any type of infection, especially COVID-19. Adopting these healthy habits can help strengthen the immune system;
· strive for at least 7 hours sleep per night
· reduce stress levels as much as possible
· eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
· get regular exercise
· maintain a healthy weight
9. Use of home remedies like garlic (due to anti-inflammatory properties), ginger (anti-inflammatory properties improves asthma), Honey is frequently used in cold remedies to help soothe the throat and reduce coughing. You can mix honey with a hot beverage like herbal tea to provide relief for your symptoms, caffeine as a bronchodilator and reduce muscle fatigue.
10. It is important to continue taking your controller medications and do not stop them. Stopping a controller medication will put the person at risk for developing an asthma exacerbation—especially as we enter spring allergy season. In the current pandemic, treatment of an exacerbation will likely require going to the emergency department or urgent care, where the individual has a much higher risk of being exposed to infections. So, in a way, by continuing to keep asthma under control, the person with asthma is actually reducing their chance of exposure to infectious viral.
CONCLUSION:
Precautions serves a mandatory tool in current pandemic. When whole of the population is at risk, it’s of paramount importance for asthmatic patients to take extra care to avoid complications. Stay indoors as much as possible. Maintain your medications timely. Keep checking WHO guidelines for newer measure. World asthma day is observed on 5th may to create awareness.