World Asthma Day 2022: How to Recognize Early Signs of Asthma Attack | Health

World Asthma Day 2022: World Asthma Day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of May every year to raise awareness. This day was first observed by the Asthma Global Initiative, a medical guidelines organization founded in 1993. This year’s theme is “Filling the Asthma Care Gap.” Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, affects 300 million people worldwide and has 15 million asthma patients in India alone. (Read again: Endless Walks to Pranayama: Yoga Experts on Tips for Managing Asthma).

Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal, director of respiratory department at Banagatta Road, states that coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and dyspnea are all symptoms of an asthma attack. Dr. Padegal explains how asthma attacks occur and explains: The body is blocking the airways. According to experts, it is important to be aware of early warning signs or changes that may occur before or at the onset of an asthma attack.

“The symptoms of an early asthma attack are usually not severe enough to interfere with daily activities, but recognizing these signs can stop or prevent the asthma attack from getting worse,” says Dr. Padegal. ..

Here are some of the early warning signals for asthma attacks that you should be aware of:

• Severe cough, especially at night

• Decrease in peak flow meter value

• Dyspnea

• Fatigue or weakness

• Exercise-induced asthma

• Feel tired, frustrated, or moody.

• Decreased lung function

• Symptoms of allergies or colds (sneezing, runny nose, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache)

• Difficulty in sleeping

“The intensity of asthma attacks can quickly worsen, so it’s important to treat these symptoms as soon as possible,” experts say.

What is the cause of such an attack?

Specific exposure trigger It can cause asthma attacks and can extend to diseases such as tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergens, pets, mold, smoke from burning trees and grass, and influenza. Paying attention to triggers can be the key to preventing asthma attacks.

What are your treatment options?

“To manage asthma, follow the proper prescription prescribed by your doctor and avoid anything that could cause seizures. All asthma patients take the same medications that some medications are inhaled. However, other medicines should be taken as pills, “says Dr. Padegal.

Two types of asthma medications include those that provide immediate relief and those that provide long-term management.

“Quick relief medicines are used to control the symptoms of asthma attacks. Long-term control medicines help reduce and reduce the onset of asthma, but they are ineffective at the onset of asthma. Talk to your doctor. Please. There is also the possibility of adverse effects on the drug, “says experts.

What happens if I don’t treat asthma?

Dr. Padegal states that asthma may worsen, breathing may become more difficult, and wheezing may increase if medications and treatments are not taken.

If treatment is delayed, you will not be able to speak and will have a bluish tint around your lips. This is called “cyanosis” and indicates that the oxygen in the blood is becoming more and more depleted. You can also read up to a state called a silent chest.

“Using a peak flow meter during an asthma attack can result in lower than the individual’s highest reading. If the lungs continue to contract during an asthma episode, the peak flow meter may not be available at all. There is a “silent chest”, known as a warning indicator, “says Dr. Padegal.

He suggests that in the case of a severe asthma attack, it is wise to go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

When should I see a doctor?

Experts say home treatment may be sufficient if symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) levels improve.

“If home treatment does not improve your symptoms, you may need to see your doctor right away.

If the asthma symptoms recur, use a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler as directed by the written asthma plan. An individual’s highest PEF value of 51% to 79% indicates the need to take a fast-acting medication prescribed by a doctor, “concludes Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal.