Important Steps to Prevent Asthma Attack
Asthma is a very complex disease that makes some researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many genes have the potential to cause asthma. But there are also many environmental factors that can cause asthma in children. With so many variables, preventing asthma can be very challenging, if possible. Asthma prevention focuses on preventing attacks. Here are some tips from experts and suggestions to avoid asthma attacks.
Prevent triggers and allergic substances
Breathing near something that triggers inflammation of the respiratory tract can often lead to asthma attacks. Asthma attacks accompanied by the inclusion of mucus can close the respiratory tract. The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to identify and prevent the trigger as much as possible.
Air filter system
Air filters can help you get rid of various triggers of asthma attacks, including most fungi, pollen, mites, and other allergens. The best systems will use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. According to AAFA, filters can clean air from pollutants up to 99.9%. Air filters are recommended to control the asthma triggers. But people with asthma should not be dependent on air filters alone in controlling their symptoms.
Moisturizer
This tool can increase moisture level in air with water vapor. If clean and well cared for, moisturizers can help reduce and alleviate asthma symptoms for the sufferer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy in allergy problems, serves to increase or suppress the immune system. The purpose of immunotherapy is to reduce the sensitivity of allergens over time. For the first few months, injection will be given usually once a week. Sometimes, it can also only be given once a month. This can last for several years until the immune system becomes sensitized. If you can not avoid asthma triggers, consult your doctor about whether immunotherapy can be one of your choices.
Use preventative treatment
Using asthma treatment is a two-step approach. First, you may be using the usual treatments you do to prevent attacks. But, in addition, acting immediately when the first symptoms appear is the key to preventing the attack.
Some may use inhalers, some using oral means, and some from injection. Here are common treatments taken by asthmatics.
Corticosteroid suction
It is a natural hormone and prevents inflammation. Steroids are the ultimate treatment for asthma, but their long-term effects make it not recommended for everyday use.
Leukotriene modifiers
This treatment works by fighting leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are substances released by white blood cells in the lungs that cause airflow to be inhibited.
Beta agonist
Beta agonist is used to prevent the onslaught of triggers present in activities and sports. These treatments are bronchodilators and work by soothing the respiratory tract, making breathing more lancer.
Check the lung function
It is important to monitor how well your asthma treatment works by examining lung function on a regular basis. You can use a peak flow meter to measure the amount of water that flows from your lungs. This personal examination can reveal the narrowing of the respiratory tract before symptoms appear.
You should determine what triggers your asthma, when to stop or add treatment, and when to contact the emergency department using a peak flow meter to balance basic measurements, then regularly check your peak flow size.
An asthma prevention plan
Asthma experts, including those at The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend developing an asthma prevention plan along with your doctor. This planning will be an important archive for your daily treatment, how to deal with asthma attacks, and how to control your long-term asthma symptoms.
Most plans, including one recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (part of the NIH), use 3 asthma zones marked with a color code that refers to the type of symptoms.
Green Zone: Good
There are no symptoms of asthma during the day until night
Able to run daily activities freely
Yellow Zone: Asthma worsens
Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath
Waking up at night due to asthma symptoms
Able to run everyday activities but not all
Symptoms remain the same or worsen within 24 hours
Red Zone: Medical treatment!
Very short breath
Quick treatment is no help
Can not move normally
