What Are The Triggers
There are many different triggers for asthma attacks. Many asthmatics are well aware of their trigger points. However, they may not always be able to avoid them.
Pollen and pollution are increasingly responsible for triggering asthma. Many people find a worsening of their symptoms in Spring, combined with the onset of hay fever. There are many species of grasses, trees and weeds in the UK. Some people are particularly sensitive to some and do not react at all to others. There is also huge variation around the country as to when pollen is released. People can begin to suffer from hay fever as early as January. About 20% of people with hay fever are allergic to birch tree pollen and this, as well as oak and plane trees, are responsible for many unpleasant symptoms and can exacerbate asthma.
Grass pollens are the most common cause of hay fever and usually affect people in May, June and July.
Weed pollens usually release pollen from early spring to early autumn.
If you know pollen is a trigger for your asthma, speak to your GP or asthma nurse.
The Met Office issues really useful pollen advice.
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Often people find it particularly difficult to breathe out and have an increase in sticky mucus and phlegm
Its important to note that not everyone will get all of these symptoms.
How To Help In An Asthma Attack
If someone is having an asthma attack, always follow the instructions outlined on their medication. However, if they do not have them to hand, these are the steps to follow. These guidelines are suitable for both children and adults.
Be calm and reassuring as reducing the stress and keeping the casualty calm really helps them to control their symptoms. Panic can increase the severity of an attack. Take one to two puffs of the reliever inhaler , immediately using a spacer device if available.
- Stay as calm as you can and encourage them to stay calm too
- Sit them down, loosen any tight clothing and encourage them to take slow, steady breaths.
- If they do not start to feel better, they should take more puffs of their reliever inhaler
- If they do not start to feel better after taking their inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999/112.
- They should keep taking the reliever inhaler whilst waiting for the paramedics to arrive
- If the person has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector and you suspect the asthma attack may be due to an allergic reaction and the reliever inhaler is not working administer the AAI. Give this injection into the upper, outer part of their thigh according to the instructions. If worried in any way, check with the emergency services and keep them informed and updated as to the casualtys condition.
DO NOT take them outside for fresh air if it is cold as cold air makes symptoms worse.
What Percentage Of Cats Have Asthma
In the United States, around 3% of domestic house cats have asthma. Similar to humans, feline asthma is a condition in which the air passage to your cats lung is narrow and often inflamed. While asthma in cats is a chronic condition that you can not get rid of, there are plenty of ways to keep your cat healthy and comfortable with asthma.
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Know The Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack
A problem breathing is the first observable sign that your friend or loved one is having an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation. The difficulty comes from inflamed airways. The inflammation causes the muscles surrounding the airways to tighten. Features to look for that are tip-offs to an asthma attack:
Its important to know the signs that indicate this attack is a serious one because some attacks do require additional help such as a visit to the local emergency room. These include bluish tinge to the lips, skin that is puckered between the victims ribs and neck, and ongoing breathing difficulty following the use of a rescue inhaler. If any of these occur, do the following:
Stay Calm : The last thing an asthma sufferer needs during an asthma attack/exacerbation is having someone with them who becomes panicky. By staying calm you are a calming influence on the victim. Let them know you are there to help them. Speak in a measured tone, and help the person sit in a chair or on the floor if no chair is handy, as sitting up helps your friend or relative keep their airways as unobstructed as feasible.
Remove the Trigger : If you know what triggers asthma attacks in the person you are with, find it and get away from it. One example is if second-hand smoke is an issue and you are near a smoker. Move the asthma victim away from the smoker. Triggers are plentiful and include:
- Cold or windy weather
How Long Do Asthma Attacks Last
There is no set time for how long an asthma attack lasts. As a guideline, you might only have a mild asthma attack for a matter of minutes before you manage to get your symptoms under control and they begin to ease off.
If you have severe asthma, an asthma attack can last longer, from hours to days. Severe asthma is harder to get under control and often doesnt respond in the same way to medications as mild asthma. A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency and you need to call for help for emergency help straight away.
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Know The Signs Of An Asthma Attack
Youre having an asthma attack if:
- your blue reliever isn’t helping, or you need to use it more than every four hours
- you’re wheezing a lot, have a very tight chest, or you’re coughing a lot
- you’re breathless and find it difficult to walk or talk
- your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you can’t get your breath in properly
You may have all of these signs and symptoms. Or you may have just some of them. For example, you may not wheeze.
Know your early warning signs
An asthma attack happens when your symptoms get much worse. This can happen quite suddenly or can build up gradually over a few days.
You can stop an asthma attack before it happens, or make it less serious so you dont end up in hospital, by recognising when your symptoms are getting worse.
When To Call 999
Dont delay getting help if you have an asthma attack. Call 999 if your reliever isnt helping, or lasting four hours, or youre worried at any time.
An asthma attack is a real emergency, and could be life-threatening, says Asthma + Lung UKs in-house GP, Dr Andy Whittamore.
Getting help when you need it is so important, to make sure youre treated quickly. Never think youre wasting anyones time.
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Chances Of Asthma Symptoms Getting Worse When Treated With Psoriasis Medicine Is Likelyyour Browser Indicates If Youve Visited This Link
Psoriasis medicine licensed to treat the skin condition worsened symptoms in patients with severe asthma, according to trial results recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Information found in a University Hospitals of Leicester press release shared the Journals data which presented that the study investigated whether risankizumab could potentially improve the symptoms and reduce attacks in people with severe asthma.
Managed Healthcare Executive
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How To Stop An Asthma Attack
Stopping an asthma attack is easier if you know what to do once one starts. In some cases, it may not be possible to stop an asthma attack entirely without an inhaler. However, there are certain steps you can take to lessen the duration and intensity of an asthma attack. These include:
- Use your inhaler
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Can Certain Foods Help With Asthma
Theres an increasing amount of evidence that suggests certain foods can help to control asthma. One example is ginger. Researchers found that ginger, when combined with commonly used inhaled medications, enhances airway dilation. It is believed that the ginger reduces the contraction of the muscles surrounding the airways.
A study showed that omega-3 fatty acids may help patients be less reliant on rescue medications, and improve quality of life. Its easy to get more foods high in these fats. Sources include walnuts , salmon, pumpkin seeds, and more.
Additionally, it may help your child to get more vitamin B6. It has been shown to help with breathing early in the morning and reduce acute wheezing episodes, and its especially beneficial for patients who are dependent on a steroid for their asthma.
It may also help your child to increase their intake of vitamin C. Studies showed that this reduced episodes of wheezing in children.
You may want to talk to a professional before incorporating new foods into your childs diet.
How Do You Fix Asthma Without An Inhaler
Caught without an inhaler during an asthma attack?
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Get Reacquainted With A Dust Cloth
A review of vacuum cleaners, including ones with HEPA filters, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that although vacuums can suck up dust bunnies and other allergens that make you sneeze and wheeze, some work better than others. Both the machines and the act of vacuuming itself stir up allergens, worsening your exposure and your reactions. Furthermore, bacteria can live in the vacuum cleaner bag for up to two months. Those same bacteria get reintroduced into the air every time you turn on the machine. To help your asthma, try using a dust cloth with furniture spray or a cloth sweeper that attracts and holds fine particles it may be more effective and less expensive. If you rely on a vacuum cleaner, even in part, consider upgrading to one with the latest technology, make sure it works correctly, and change the filter and bag regularly.
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How To Prevent Vocal Cord Dysfunction
VCD can reoccur in patients who have gone through treatment. But prevention is all about behavioral changesremembering to relax, keep your body up straight and use your diaphragm to breathe, Bettina says. VCD symptom flareups can happen again, but usually patients just need a reminder of the techniques theyve learned.
To make an appointment with Bettina Lopez-Lam, please call 732-739-5955, or find a speech pathologist at a rehabilitation center near you.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
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How To Help Someone With An Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler
Asthma is a very common condition with around one in 13 of us affected. Its been increasing since the 1980s and affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Theres currently no cure for asthma, but typically with the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, most people diagnosed with asthma are able to live normally without severe symptoms.
However, very occasionally, a person with asthma may be caught off guard. They might find themselves facing an attack without an inhaler to help them. Fortunately, this doesnt need to be as bad as it might sound. With the right assistance, they could get through an attack using some simple coping techniques.
If you know someone with asthma, learning more about their condition, as well as what you can do to help them, can be valuable.
What Triggers Asthma Attacks
When you experience an asthma attack, your airways narrow and it gets more difficult to breathe. An asthma attack can come on slowly and gradually, for example, if your usual symptoms arent so well controlled or if youve not been using your preventer inhaler as regularly as you should be. If youve got an upper airway infection then this can also trigger an asthma attack.
Other factors that can trigger asthma attacks include a sudden change in the temperature and cold weather, environmental factors, allergens and even stress or certain foods and drinks.
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Practicing Buteyko Breathing Technique
This is also a system of breathing exercises. Buteyko Breathing Technique focuses on breathing out through the nose and not the mouth. Breathing out through the mouth can dry up the mouth and the airways very fast resulting in more problems. Practising and using BBT also makes you less prone to suffering from respiratory infections. Buteyko Breathing Technique can also be instrumental in decreasing your asthma symptoms with the help of slow and gentle breathing through the nose.
Does Steam Help Asthma
Hit the Steam Room Many people with asthma find warm air soothing. A steam bath in a sauna or your shower at home can help clear out mucus that can make it hard to breathe. One word of caution: Some people find that heat makes their asthma worse, so its important to know your personal triggers.
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Other Asthma First Aid Directions
Not everyone with asthma uses the same reliever medication.
Some people use a different blue reliever called Bricanyl which comes in a different type of inhaler called a Turbuhaler.
See the asthma first aid steps for those using Bricanyl.
Other people use a dual-purpose reliever. A dual-purpose reliever contains budesonide and formoterol together, and is used as-needed.
The combination of budesonide and formoterol in the dual-purpose reliever, when used as-needed, relieves symptoms and reduces risk of experiencing serious asthma flare-ups. It does this by relaxing tight airway muscles and treating inflammation in the airways.
Note: you may also be prescribed these medicines as a preventer. Always follow your doctors instructions on your asthma action plan about what to use in an asthma flare-up or asthma attack.
How To Calm The Wheezing And Coughing Of Minor Asthma
Quincy AdamAsthma Lifestyle, Asthma Natural Options, Natural Options
1. Have a Hot Cup of Freshly Brewed Black Coffee
Due to the caffeine content in freshly brewed black coffee, you can find relief from your asthma symptoms after drinking a cup or two. Caffeine acts like theophylline, which is a common chemical in asthma medications, opening up the airways so you can breathe more easily. However, the coffee has to be black without cream or sugar to work successfully.
2. Eat or Breathe in Some Raw Organic Honey
Most often, an asthma attack begins with wheezing. As soon as you begin to feel the wheezing, grab some raw, organic honey. Hold it under your nose and breathe in the vapors. Honey contains natural alcohol and ethereal oils that help reduce asthma symptoms naturally. You can add honey to your tea or take a spoonful of it before bedtime to help relieve chest congestion and soothe coughing, enabling you to get plenty of rest.
3. Chomp on Some Raw Garlic or Onion
Onion and garlic contain sulfur compounds that help relieve wheezing and coughing naturally. They are also rich in antioxidants that reduce airway inflammation, preventing wheezing and coughing from occurring.
In order to receive the relief these super foods provide, you must eat them raw. Eat just one clove of garlic or a slice of raw onion.
4. Savor a Steamy Cup of Honey Lemon Ginger Root Tea
5. Take a Hot Eucalyptus Mint Bath
6. Grab an Organic Dark Chocolate Candy Bar
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What Are Natural Remedies For Asthma
With all the studies on alternative medicine and natural remedies, you may wonder if thereâs a natural cure for asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma at this point. In fact, you should avoid any treatment or product natural or otherwise that claims to be a cure for .
Some natural therapies may help you manage symptoms of asthma. For instance, a negative response to emotional can cause an asthma attack. Some natural relaxation remedies like deep , progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and can help relieve stress.
Other findings suggest that plays a role in easing asthma symptoms. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in high-fat like , mackerel, and cod may help your body fight . Whether this may help people who have is still unproven.
Follow Your Childs Action Plan
An asthma action plan tells you which medicines your child takes every day and how to treat asthma attacks. It may include an asthma diary where your child records peak expiratory flow and/or symptoms. You also can list the cause of the symptoms and the quick-relief medicine used for asthma symptoms. This helps you to identify triggers that can be changed or avoided and to be aware of your childs symptoms. A plan also helps you make quick decisions about medicine and treatment.
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Stay Awake From Smoke
You probably know you shouldnât smoke or let people light up inside your house, but smoke from a wood stove or fireplace could cause you just as much trouble. Hot, dry air tends to trigger asthma. On top of that, wood stoves emit volatile organic acids that cause even more drying. Pellet stoves, according to Dr. Lee, are slightly better for some people, in part because theyâre well sealed. Keep in mind that smoke from cooking can also trigger asthma, so run the exhaust fan to clear out kitchen fumes.
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