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World Asthma Day
Asthma is a long-term condition resulting from the inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, trouble while sleeping due to coughing and tiredness. Asthma affects both children and adults, and it is the most common chronic disease among children. According to WHO, estimated 262 million people had asthma in 2019 and it caused 461000 deaths in the same year.
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with good management, which including using inhaled medications and avoiding the triggers.
World Asthma Day (WAD) is held on May 3 each year to raise awareness of asthma worldwide. The theme for the 2022 World Asthma Day is ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care.’
Below Dr. Jignesh Patel, Consultant Pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, has suggested some tips that can help manage the condition and reduce the symptoms.
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Keep The House Clean
The house should not be dusty and dirty. There should be no pet dander, mold growth, or dust accumulated at home.
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Change The Bedsheets
See to it that the mattress, bedsheets, and pillow covers are washed in boiling water thoroughly to keep away those dust mites.
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Stay Away From Pets
Pet hair and dander can aggravate asthma. So, avoid pets entering the room as that can make you cough constantly.
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Stick To Good Personal Hygiene
You will have to wash your hands with soap to prevent infections. This will also keep away germs from entering the mouth.
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Keep The Inhaler And Medications Handy
It will be imperative for you to keep the inhaler and medication handy. Avoid going out of the house when the air quality is poor or there is dust and pollen.
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Note The Triggers
Try to keep a record of the factors that worsen your condition and speak to your doctor about what can be done about the same.
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Opt For A Well-balanced Diet
Include lung-friendly foods such as apples, and berries that are loaded with antioxidants to manage the cough. Try to eat ginger and garlic which can also help tackle cough. You will have to give up on oily, junk, processed, and canned foods that can trigger asthma.
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Avoid Smoking And Second-hand Smoking
If you have asthma, then you need to quit smoking on an immediate basis. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of asthma medication. Also, avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke as it can worsen your symptoms.
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Exercise Every Day
To strengthen the breathing muscles, enhances immunity, and help to maintain ideal body weight.
