When you hear the word asthma , some people get a little scared, don't they? It's normal to feel scared and frustrated when you have difficulty breathing, when your chest feels tight, and sometimes when you wake up at night. But the best news for you is that asthma is a condition that we can control well and live a normal, active life. It just requires being properly informed and following the necessary steps. In this article, we will talk about how to be a 'good friend' with this asthma, that is, live with it under control?
The first step to asthma control: A plan tailored just for you!
The best and most important way to control your asthma is to follow an Asthma Action Plan that your doctor creates for you. This is like a 'road map' that you create for yourself. Not everyone's asthma is the same. That's why this plan is unique to you.
This plan usually clearly states what medications you need to take daily, what to do when your asthma is mildly worsening (sometimes called the yellow zone), and what emergency measures you should take if your asthma is severe (red zone). It is important to remember that you need to follow the plan, especially your daily medications, even when you feel well. This will help prevent flare-ups and unnecessary trips to the ER.
Should we try these things to make breathing easier?
Once you have your own Asthma Action Plan, there are a few other things that will help you stick to it.
It is very important to understand your plan exactly.
This is very important. Talk to your doctor and find out why each medication and step in your asthma control plan is important. For example, if you have been prescribed two inhalers , understand why you are told to use one every day and the other only when you are having difficulty. When you understand exactly what is happening and what each medication does, you will feel more confident and in control of your condition. Talk to your doctor about this plan every time you see him. If you have any difficulties following it, explain why. Your doctor can then make changes to it if necessary.
Use asthma control devices and medications correctly.
Even if you feel fine and are feeling fine, don't stop taking your long-term control medicines, sometimes called 'controller' or 'maintenance' medicines, that you are prescribed to take every day as part of your treatment plan. These medicines work by reducing the swelling and sensitivity of your airways and preventing asthma symptoms from occurring.
Sometimes it can be tempting to put aside your daily medications and use quick-relief medicines, such as a reliever inhaler, only when you have a problem. However, that is not really an effective method. Think of it like strengthening the foundation of a house with a controller medicine. A reliever medicine is like a little support that you put in place in an emergency. Without a strong foundation, the walls won't hold up properly, right? That's how long-term asthma control is achieved with controller medicine.
"The doctor gave my child a blue inhaler and a brown one. He told me to use the brown one every morning and evening, even if it's not a problem. He said to use the blue one only when the cough gets worse. At first, the child was a little reluctant to use it every day. But after the doctor explained it to him, now he takes it on his own time." - You may have had similar experiences.
Make a fixed time to take your medicine.
It's easy to forget to take your medicine, especially if it's something you have to do every day, isn't it? We all have so many things to do every day. But if you make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day, or to do other things that help control your asthma, you'll be less likely to forget. Just like brushing your teeth, make taking your medicine a part of your daily routine, whether it's when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed at night. Maybe you can set a reminder on your phone. Or ask a family member to remind you.
Avoid smoking completely – this is a must!
This is something that anyone with asthma should do without any reasoning. If you are a smoker , talk to your parents, a trusted adult, or your doctor today to ask for help in quitting. This is the greatest service you can do for your asthma and your lungs .
If your friends smoke, don't be around them when they light up. Secondhand smoke is a major cause of asthma. If someone in your family smokes indoors, talk to them about how harmful it is to your health. If possible, ask them to smoke outside the house. Make them understand your health as well.
It is also very important to control your environment.
Certain things in the environment, which we call ' triggers ' , are very harmful to someone with asthma. The main ones are:
- Dust mites: These are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They live in places like our mattresses, pillows, bedding, sofas, and carpets.
- Animal fur, hair, and skin flakes (pet dander): If you have pets like dogs and cats, these substances can aggravate asthma.
- Mold: Mold that grows in damp places, such as bathrooms and walls, is also harmful.
- Pollen: When some trees bloom, pollen in the environment increases.
- Strong odors: Strong odors found in some perfumes, air fresheners, insect repellents, and paints can also trigger asthma.
So what can be done?
- If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom as much as possible. Bathe them regularly and keep them clean.
- Reduce dust by regularly cleaning your room, especially your bedroom. It's best to dust with a damp cloth and vacuum.
- Talk to your doctor about using special mattress and pillow covers . These can help reduce the effects of dust mites.
- Wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week.
- Ensure that damp areas in your home are well ventilated. If there is mold, clean it.
- Reduce the use of strong scents.
Get a flu shot every year.
Health authorities recommend that all children and young people, as well as adults, get a flu shot every year. This vaccine is especially important for people with asthma. This is because if someone with asthma gets a common cold, it is more likely to develop into a more serious illness, such as pneumonia. It can also make their asthma worse. So, make sure to get this vaccine every year.
Choose a sport or activity that suits you.
Don't think, "I can't play because I have asthma." That's a misconception. It's true that some sports, especially those that require a lot of effort and are played in cold, dry environments, can increase asthma. However, with proper training and the use of medication as prescribed by your doctor, there are many talented athletes around the world who have proven that they can play any sport.
Some sports, such as swimming (the moist environment keeps your airways from drying out), walking, cycling (which can help you control your fatigue), baseball, and volleyball, have a relatively low risk of worsening your asthma. Talk to your doctor to choose a sport that is right for you. Your doctor may recommend that you use a reliever inhaler before starting the sport.
Playing sports not only improves your physical health, but also your mental health. Playing sports improves your mood and makes you happier. It's a great help when you sometimes feel frustrated and sad because you have asthma.
Other benefits of working according to a plan
Using a management plan like this to manage your asthma is not only good for your health. By getting into the habit of following an Asthma Action Plan, you will gain the discipline and self-confidence you need to work according to a plan and succeed in other areas of your life. This means that what you learn from this can be useful for your studies, future employment, achieving personal goals, and more.
Finally, let's remember this? (Take-Home Message)
Asthma is not something to be afraid of, but it needs to be treated properly and we need to be proactive in controlling it.
- Your doctor's Asthma Action Plan is your best guide. Follow it exactly, and ask questions if there's anything you don't understand.
- Take your controller medication exactly on time, even on days when you are not having any symptoms. You cannot control your asthma using quick-relief medication alone.
- Stay away from smoking completely. Secondhand smoke is also very bad for you.
- Identify and avoid things in your environment that make you asthmatic, called 'triggers'. Be aware of things like dust, animal dander, mold, and strong odors.
- Get a flu shot every year. This can protect you from unnecessary complications.
- Stay active. Choose an exercise or sport that suits you, that you like, and engage in it.
Remember, you have the power to control your asthma and live a happy, healthy, and normal life! You are not alone, your family, friends, doctors, and all of us are here to help you. The most important thing is to stay positive and not give up.
Asthma, Asthma control, Breathing difficulties, Inhaler, Asthma Action Plan, Smoking, Respiratory diseases
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