Currently 1 in 10 adults and
1 in 6 children have asthma and it is a major reason for GP
visits and cause of hospitalisation, especially in children.
Although asthma cannot be prevented or cured it can be managed,
thereby avoiding hospitalisation. Management begins with understanding
the disease and its triggers.
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Asthma is a chronic inflammation
of the airways complicated by increased mucous production
and bronchoconstriction (spasm of the muscles in the airways). |
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Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness
of breath, tightness of the chest and cough, often worse
at night or early in the morning. |
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More often than not, the cause cannot be
pinpointed but triggers can include exercise, irritants,
allergens and viral infections. |
Asthma Management
Diagnosed asthmatics may be on at least one or two medications
and in severe cases up to five or more. Asthma management
is dependant on the following:
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Use
of a reliever (bronchodilator) - Relievers are used
only when necessary to provide immediate relief by relaxing
the airways to allow easier breathing. Effect usually
lasts 4 to 6 hours |
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Preventer (anti-inflammatory)
- Preventers reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways
and mucous production. The optimal effect is not immediate
and usually takes weeks to achieve. Taken regularly on
a daily basis they prevent worsening of the symptoms.
They should not be stopped unless otherwise advised by
a GP |
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Symptom controller (long acting beta agonist)
- Symptom controllers are somewhere between preventers
and relievers as they provide relief of symptoms not immediately
but for extended periods, up to 12 hours |
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Asthma Action Plan – A written plan
to assist in asthma management, which includes how to
recognise when symptoms are worsening, what treatment
to begin and when to seek medical assistance. |
Tips for optimal health
1.
Ensure you have sufficient medication on hand at all
times even when feeling well
2.
Maintain all apparatus by cleaning regularly such as
nebulisers, spacers and puffers.
3.
Ensure your prescriptions are in date and that you have
sufficient repeats until you see your doctor
again
4. Ask
your pharmacist or GP to teach you how to use your medications
correctly
5.
Use a spacer when unable to use puffers correctly
6.
Avoid any known triggers that aggravate your asthma
7.
Learn how to recognise when symptoms are worsening
and have an Asthma Action Plan from your GP for
management of sick days
8. See
your GP if you are using your relievers more than normal
9. Speak
to your GP about having the flu vaccine every year
10. Ask your
pharmacist for advice when using pain relievers such as aspirin
or ibuprofen as these may worsen
asthma symptoms in those who are susceptible.
Myth: Asthmatics should not
play sports
Fact: Asthmatics are able to
play various sports. If the asthma is under control, then
physical activity should not be a problem. In fact, keeping
active can actually help the condition, but always seek advice
from your GP before undertaking any activity.
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