Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways of millions of people around the world are inflamed and obstructed. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and labored breathing. Although asthma is a relatively controllable condition, early detection of its symptoms and understanding home management techniques ensure a good quality of life.
Let’s see how to identify asthma symptoms and help manage them in the comfort of their homes.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is the inflammation of airways in lungs, which makes excess mucus, leading to breathing difficulties. It can be triggered by any allergen, physical activity, respiratory infections, weather changes, or even stress.
The severity and frequency of asthma symptoms vary, but unmanaged cases may cause extreme effects on daily activities. Recognition of the symptoms and its management, including the use of medications like deriphyllin tablet, will prevent flare-ups and eventually reduce hospital visits.
Signs and Symptoms of Asthma
1. Common signs
You feel that you can’t breathe properly, often during strenuous exercise.
You have persistent coughing, usually at night or early morning.
You hear a whistling noise while you exhale.
Chest tightness: It gives a sensation of pressure or feeling compressed, like something heavy is lying on the chest.
2. Pre-Astham Attack Symptoms
Rapid breathing and having a rough time in speaking complete sentences.
A severe wheeze or cough that does not stop.
Blue lips or fingernails, which clearly shows a lack of oxygen.
Severe sleepiness or drowsiness during an attack
If you or anyone else experiences such symptoms, then go for medical attention right away
Self-Management of Asthma from Home
Managing asthma is all about preventing triggers, reducing inflammation, and ensuring smooth airflow through the airways. While medical intervention is necessary for severe cases, there are several strategies you can adopt at home to manage mild to moderate symptoms.
1. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Triggers vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Irritants: Smoke, strong perfumes, and air pollution.
Weather changes: Cold air or sudden change in temperature
Exercise: Exercise can be extremely vigorous, especially in the cold air.
Keep a diary: To notice if the episode recurs and check for any consistency which might connect it with any trigger.
2. A Clean EnvironmentÂ
Regular vacuum cleaning and dusting
Air cleaners can help purify the indoor environment.
Use air cleaners as dust mites love moisture-laden fabrics to increase the probability of finding life
3. Stay by your Asthma Action Plan
Work with your doctor to create a personal asthma action plan. This should include:
Daily medications and dosages.
Steps to take during mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Emergency contact information.
4. Use Medications Effectively
Medications are the mainstay of asthma management. Two commonly used medications are:
Deriphyllin: A bronchodilator, this works by relaxing the airway muscles; thereby increasing air passage and symptomatically reduces wheezing and breathlessness. Deriphyllin is of use during an acute attack.
Dericip Tablet: It is a long-acting bronchodilator. Since the bronchodilator ensures keeping the bronchioles open, the medicine ensures long periods of relief, hence inflammation also can be curtailed.
These medications should be used as prescribed by your doctor. Misuse or overuse may cause side effects or loss of response.
5. How to Use an Inhaler
Inhalers are the best method of getting medications directly into the lungs. The most effective use of inhalers is made when they are used correctly. Do the following:
Shake the inhaler before using it.
Exhale completely before inhaling the medication.
Wait for some seconds after inhalation to let the medication seep in.
Lifestyle Modifications to Asthma
1. Healthy Diet
There are a few food products which can reduce inflammation and work to improve the functioning of lungs too:
Anti-inflammatory foods: Fresh fruits are berries, and vegetables are spinach and kale.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish such as salmon help reduce inflammation in the airways.
Vitamin D-containing foods: Eggs, mushrooms, and fortified milk can be helpful for the respiratory system.
Avoid foods that are processed, sugary drinks, and foods you could be allergic to as these tend to trigger asthma.
2. Be Physically Active
Exercising improves lung capacity and general health but be sure to do something that will not trigger your asthma. Options include:
Walking or swimming.
Yoga encourages controlled breathing.
Always warm up before exercising and carry your inhaler in case symptoms arise.
3. Breathing Exercise
Breathing exercises can strengthen your lungs and cope with the symptoms during the attack. Pursed-lip breathing techniques and diaphragmatic breathing will enhance air movement and reduce breathlessness.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking and passive smoke can really deteriorate the condition of asthma. If you are a smoker, quitting is probably the best solution to enhance your lung health.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Home management is very effective for mild symptoms, but go to the doctor if:
You have symptoms even when taking medication.
You wake up a lot at night due to asthma.
You have to use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week.
Asthma attacks are increasing in frequency or severity.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications or change the ones you are already taking to better control your asthma.
Asthma in Children
Asthma is very common in children, and their symptoms are a little different from adults. Young children often present frequently with episodes of coughing, decreased activity, or refusal to feed.
Control Childhood Asthma with the following:
Teach the child about the condition.
Ensure that the use of the inhaler or spacer is proper.
Monitor the surroundings for triggers.
Empower Yourself Against Asthma
Asthma management is empowerment—knowing the triggers, following an action plan, and making lifestyle changes that reduce flare-ups. Medications like Deriphyllin and dericip tablet are invaluable in managing symptoms, but they work best when combined with a proactive approach.
Asthma does not have to control your life. If you recognize symptoms early and learn to manage them, you’re going to lead an active and fulfilling life.
