One of the well- known causes of an asthma attack is the change of season, especially during monsoon. During this period, there is a rise in humidity, frequent changes in temperature, dust storms, all of which can trigger asthma attacks. Also, the frequency of these attacks increase by 25 per cent.

Often the occurrence of this disease is underestimated and misdiagnosed for being a seasonal cough or cold. This, in turn, leads to a large percentage of patients missing out on proper treatment that can prevent a full-blown asthma attack.

Other common causes are mites present in the dust in homes, animal dander (hair), food items, like certain seafood and canned food with preservatives.

Symptoms to look out for

Asthma symptoms may vary over time, and also from individual to individual. In an asthma attack, there is a temporary narrowing of the airway with termed spasms. The patient experiences breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. A few people may experience episodic coughing without breathlessness or wheezing, while some patients may experience breathlessness or other symptoms only when they exercise. Yet others may only have these symptoms at night time.

Dos and don’ts to

control asthma

Patients who have been diagnosed with asthma should continue to take the prescribed preventive medication.

Asthma patients should avoid exposure to frequent temperature change (for example, going out in the sun from an A/C environment or drinking chilled water immediately after getting back from the heat).

It is advisable to avoid contact with dust. While going out, if there is a duststorm, cover your face and nose with a mask.

Keep your environment clean as house dust can also trigger an attack.

It is also recommended to take influenza or flu vaccine once every year and pneumonia vaccine once in three years as infections are also common causes for an asthma attack.

One must not try any alternative treatments at home.

It is important to remember that asthma at times can be fatal. So, always seek medical advice.

Asthma management: Myths & Facts

Myth: Modern medicines don’t offer a complete cure.

Fact: Well-in-time diagnosis, coupled with suitable treatment, can effectively control the condition.

Myth: Inhalers are recommended only for advanced cases of asthma.

Fact: Established medical standards advise the use of inhalers as first-in-line therapy as it is most efficacious and has minimum side-effects. When you show symptoms, take an inhaler puff. At times, even several puffs can be taken in short intervals of 1-2 minutes for quick relief.

If inhaling is found to be difficult, a nebuliser (form of mist) can be used at home. If inhalation fails to give relief within half an hour, then one must opt for emergency medical treatment.

Myth: Asthma patients should not use steroids.

Fact: Use is unavoidable in case of life threatening or potentially life threatening conditions. In some cases, withholding steroids has even proved to be fatal. Therefore, asthma self-care instructions almost always include self-administration of first dose of steroid even before seeking medical help.

The writer is director, dept. of pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Artemis Health Institute,

Gurgaon

Dr R.K. Mani