Asthma
You may have uncontrolled asthma if you have1:
- Been supplied more than 2 courses of oral steroids tablets in the last year
- Been to hospital for asthma in the last year
- Other signs include using a reliever inhaler more than 2 times a week, and waking up at night due to symptoms.
Asthma can be different for everyone
Asthma is a long-term lung condition in which a person’s sensitive airways react to triggers resulting in a flare-up. During a flare-up, the muscles around the airways squeeze themselves tight, causing the airways to swell and become narrow. This along with mucous build-up leads to difficulty in breathing. 2
Common triggers
- Environmental allergens: dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, moulds, pet dander and rodents
- Irritants in air: bushfire smoke, pollution, dust particles, chalk dust, and strong odours from chemicals, paints, perfumes, scented soaps and petrol
- Physical exercise and other activities that make you breathe harder, especially in cold weather conditions
- Dry winds and cold air
- Expressing strong emotions: yelling, crying, fear, anger and excitement
Asthma triggers
The inflamed airways show sensitivity to environmental allergens, irritants and weather conditions that may trigger an asthma attack. It is quite common for respiratory infections such as cold, flu, pneumonia, sore throats and allergic rhinitis to trigger an asthma attack.
Symptoms to watch out for
While symptoms often vary based on severity of inflammation in lungs, these are some common asthma symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Tightness in chest
- Continuous coughing
Symptoms may aggravate at nights, early mornings and during/just after physical activity. If your asthma is well managed, the symptoms may occur only occasionally.
Medications for managing asthma
Preventers – They reduce inflammation in the airways, which helps to better control the frequency and severity of asthma flare-ups.
Relievers – they provide short-term relief from asthma symptoms by relaxing narrowed airway muscles. Relievers do not treat the underlying problem of airway inflammation and excess mucous production. Speak to your local TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacist for expert advice on managing your asthma if you are using reliever medication more than two days a week.