Blog
Asthma
Asthma
A condition in which a person’s airways
become inflamed, narrow and swell and
produce extra mucus, which makes it
difficult for them to breathe.
Asthma may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough and wheezing. The symptoms may sometimes flare up. Generally Asthma can be managed with rescue inhalers to treat symptoms and controller inhalers that prevent symptoms. However severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways open, as well as oral steroids.
Taken from: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma
How can I prevent asthma attacks?
You can do several things to help prevent your asthma symptoms getting worse or developing into an
asthma attack.
Know what triggers your asthma and try to avoid or reduce your exposure to these triggers
Take your medications as instructed by your doctor, even when you feel well. Follow your personal
written asthma action plan, developed with your doctor
Make sure you are using your inhaler (puffer) properly
Common asthma triggers
- Colds, flu and other respiratory infections
- Cigarette smoke
- Allergy related triggers
- Exercise
- Other triggers
There are a number of other triggers that
Many affect individuals at various times. These
include:
- Weather e.g. cold air, change in temperature, thunderstorms
- Work-related triggers e.g. wood dust, chemicals, metal salts
- Irritating substances breathed in the air, such as bushfire smoke
- Certain medicines, e.g. aspirin, some blood
- pressure drugs
- Stress and high emotions, such as crying
Signs you are having an ASTHMA ATTACK
- You have increasing wheezing, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath
- You are waking often at night with asthma symptoms
- You need to use your reliever again within 3 hours
When is it an ASTHMA EMERGENCY?
- Your symptoms get worse very quickly
- You have severe shortness of breath, can’t speak comfortably or lips look blue
- You get little or no relief from your reliever inhaler
Call an ambulance immediately: Dial 000
More information
You can find more information on managing your asthma, including how to avoid asthma flare-ups when you are exposed to your triggers here. (https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/how-is-asthma-managed)
Watch this short clip on Asthma http://youtu.be/lofkrQCTQls
Always keep a Stocked First Aid kit at home, at work and even in the car !
While First Aid knowledge is great for treating small injuries and incidents, don’t ever hesitate to seek additional help if the situation is bad or worsens.
Call your doctor, head to a hospital, or call 000.
