Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : May 21, 2014 3:18 PM IST
5th May 2014, is World Asthma Day
Asthma is considered a debilitating condition by many, and for some it is. But there is a lot an asthmatic can do to live a normal life and keep the number of asthma attacks to a minimum. Here are 11 tips to keep asthma attacks at bay.
Avoid flowers and pollen: Certain trees and plants germinate at particular times in the year. Know when this happens (experience will tell you) and ensure that you avoid coming in contact with them. If you love flowers and are allergic to pollen then opt for the artificial ones. Although they might not be as pretty, they are a good substitute. But beware that even artificial flowers can also collect dust and cause an allergy so make sure you dust them as well.
Get rid of dust: According to Dr Nerurukar,a leading ENT surgeon 'Allergies to dust, dust mites, pollen, inhalants that we contract at our workplace, etc. all these can set off an allergic bout of asthma. To prevent a bout of asthma the best way is to avoid constant exposure to the allergen. Another way is to wear a mask so that you can prevent the inhalation of the irritant.' Dusting regularly and installing meshes to keep dust out might be a good way to prevent an asthma attack. But make sure you get the mesh cleaned once a week to avoid collection of dust on them either.
Let the sun in:Dr Mehul Thakkar, renowned pulmonologist says, 'Dust mites and fungal growth is very common in homes, especially in India where the weather is often warm and humid. So I would suggest allowing the sun to do its job and naturally disinfect your home.' The sun has UV rays which is a very potent disinfectant. It not only curbs the growth of fungus but also kills bacteria. So keep your doors and windows open at least once a day and let the sun in.
Choose natural room fresheners: Often at home or in our workplace we tend to use room fresheners to help keep the area fresh. But did you know that these are actually very commonly known allergens? Apart from that the components present in room fresheners can very well set off an allergic reaction and asthma. So what do you do if you want a nice smelling room and avoid an asthma attack? Well, try using natural options like pot-pourri (a mixture of dried aromatic petals and spices commonly used to perfume a room), natural oils, and even certain flowerless plants (like mint) that can help improve the smell of a room.
Quit smoking: Smoking is inhalation of fumes, and any asthmatic will know that this is a bad idea when it comes to avoiding a severe attack. Moreover smoking tends to coat the lungs, making an already depressed respiratory system even more susceptible to infections and allergies. Smoking lowers your ability to fight off infections and reduces the blood flow to the rest of your body. Read more about tips to quit smoking.
Avoid having pets: According to Dr Mehul Thakkar, 'Pets are very common sources of allergens. Things like pet dander, their hair, dirt they bring from the outside etc. can all set off a severe reaction. While some people may not experience it immediately, over time their symptoms become worse and they suffer a full blown attack.' The best way to keep this allergen in check is to avoid having a pet at all. But if you simply must have a pet make sure you are a stickler for cleanliness and allow the pet in only certain areas of the home. Vacuuming and constant dusting are great ways to help curb the menace.
Get some exercise: Contrary to popular belief, asthmatics should exercise. In fact it's the best strategy to manage asthma as it increases your lung capacity. However, you should consult your physician before starting any exercise regime and make sure you have your medication at hand. Another good tip is to tell someone who is working out with you that you suffer from asthma, that way they will be able to be prepared in the case of an asthma attack. Read more about exercising with asthma.
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
Deep breathing: Deep breathing has a number of health benefits and it can work wonders for asthmatics. It not only helps the body recover from the deficit of oxygen but it also helps strengthen the lungs, increase its capacity and improves your immune system's response to an allergen.Read more about the health benefits of deep breathing.
Get your nutritional supplements: A study published in the Alternative Medicine Review : A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic {1} found that vitamin E, C, selenium, zinc, B6, B3,B12 magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids help reduce the inflammation and improve immune response in asthmatics. So load up on your vitamins by either including certain foods in your diet or having supplements to keep asthma attacks at bay.
Drink enough water: Water has been shown to help asthmatics immensely. Not only does it help remove toxins from the body, moisturise that skin but it also helps them pass motion regularly a fact that is immensely important for asthmatics according to practitioners of osteopathy. A handbook of osteopathic treatments from the Academy of osteopathy{2}, lists drinking enough water to help bowel movements as one of the most effective methods to treat asthma. The book states that good bowel movements help improve the overall functioning of the body and immune system, reducing the chances of an asthma attack. Take your 8-10 glasses per day seriously. Read more about tips to boost your water intake.
Avoid stress: A study published in the Journal of Brain, Behavior, and Immunity{3} found that stress is a very potent and often ignored trigger of asthma. The study found that stress triggers the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and the adrenal pathway to trigger a severe asthma attack. So, do whatever acts as a stress-buster for you be it meditation, movies, music, friends or playing with kids. Read more about yoga asanas you could try to bust stress.
Apart from the 11 tips, there are a few dos and don'ts every asthamatic should abide by, they are:
Don't neglect a cold: Common cold can lead to an attack of asthma. So, try to avoid catching cold. Wash your hands often. Choose to greet someone with a namaste instead of shaking hands. If you do catch one, take all the necessary precautions.
Inhaler dos and don'ts: Always carry your inhaler in your bag. Check the dose counter on your inhaler regularly (if it has one) so you know when to get a new one in good time. Always keep a spare inhaler and most importantly ask your doctor to teach you how to use the inhaler correctly.
Consult your doctor regularly: It doesn't matter if your asthma is under control or not, meeting your doctor regularly is essential in the management of asthma. Share your doctor's number with close friends and relatives in case of emergency.
Reference:
{1} The etiologies, pathophysiology, and alternative/complementary treatment of asthma. -- https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/11207455
{2} Academy of osteopathy Osteopathic treatment of asthma - https://www.lille-osteopathie.fr/upload/1949.pdf#page=173
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