5 Things You Must Know About Asthma

Did you know that over 3 million people in Canada suffer from asthma? There are a few things one must know about asthma. People with asthma can have anything from a mild to a severe attack when exposed to an “asthma attack trigger.” Triggers may differ between asthma sufferers and an attack causes the asthma sufferer to struggle to breathe.

For you to fully understand, here are 5 things you must know about asthma:

1. What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition which restricts your airways, possibly making it difficult to breathe, cause chest tightness, induce coughing and more. Depending on the severity of your asthma, you may encounter an asthma attack.

During an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes are inflamed. This means that the muscles around these passages, which allow air in and out of the lungs, constrict. This narrowing makes it difficult to breathe. During an attack, the chest may make a rattling or wheezing sound. Other changes include the production of increased mucus.

Identifying an Asthma Attack

In most cases, people with asthma will try to avoid specific triggers and take prescribed medication, but they might occasionally experience asthma attacks. Recognizing an asthma attack is vital to know how to help the person and provide an effective treatment. Some of the signs and symptoms that will help you identify an individual undergoing an asthma attack are:

• Wheezing or coughing, especially when exhaling
• Gasping for air
• Shortness of breath (difficulties in getting air into the lungs)
• Rapid, shallow breathing or trouble breathing
• Anxiety and fear
• Tightness in the chest
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Sweating
• Inability to talk without pausing to breathe.

Does asthma affect you constantly or do certain things trigger it?

2. Understanding the Triggers

For those who struggle with asthma, you are aware that there are certain things that may trigger difficulty breathing or an asthma attack. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. It is good to know about asthma triggers even if you do not suffer from this condition. Common triggers to avoid if you or someone you know suffers from asthma are:

Tobacco Smoke

Asthma sufferers should not not smoke. They are also very sensitive to second-hand smoke. Smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke irritates the airways, making it more challenging for asthma sufferers to breathe. People who suffer from asthma should ensure their home is a smoke-free zone, and the same must apply to their car, office, and any other areas they frequent.

Dust Mites

Dust mites can also trigger an asthma attack. The best way to prevent an attack is to avoid down-filled bedding, use an allergen-proof pillow case and mattress cover, wash bedding weekly, and keep the humidity levels low in your home (30 -50% is ideal). Asthma sufferers should dust and vacuum their homes regularly using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. They may also purchase an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce dust.

Air Pollution

Breathing in smoke from wildfires, exhaust fumes, and pollution from factories can also trigger an asthma attack. Asthma sufferers should plan outdoor activities for days when there are low air pollution levels. They can find air quality forecasts on the internet, radio, or television.

Household Pests

It is important to control household pests like ants, cockroaches, and mice because they can also trigger asthma attacks. Follow these steps:

• Keep all areas and counters in the home clean and free of water and crumbs
• Never leave unwashed dishes in the kitchen sink
• Keep trash in a sealed container
• Store all food in airtight containers
• Vacuum or sweep your home regularly
• Make sure there are no openings or cracks in walls, cabinets, and around the plumbing
• Avoid spraying or fogging your home for pests as it may affect your lungs – use pesticide baits where children or pets cannot reach them instead

Pets

People with asthma should avoid keeping pets because they shed asthma causing proteins from their skin, saliva, fur, urine, and feces. If you do have pets, it is better if you do not allow them to sleep in your bedroom, especially in your bed. They can transfer various allergens, including dust and mold into your room on their bodies.

It is also important to keep your home clean if you have pets. Since animals can cause allergies, they could trigger your asthma.

Mold

Many types of mold thrive in various climates, but usually, it is found in damp areas within a home such as bathrooms or basements. Dehumidifiers help maintain low humidity, but also make sure to keep these areas mold-free. By inhaling mold spores, you may experience difficulty breathing or have an asthma attack.

Medication

Individuals with asthma should carefully read the labels of medications because some can provoke asthma symptoms in susceptible persons. Some examples are:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Some patients have a history of aspirin sensitivity which is aggravated if the patient has asthma.
• Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and migraines. In some cases, beta-blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the airways; hence people with asthma are prescribed selective beta-blockers that have a lesser effect on the airways.
• Pain relievers with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) can induce asthma symptoms like aspirins.

Physical Exercise

Some individuals may experience asthma symptoms while doing physical exertion or intense exercise. Exercise can narrow the airways in the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Although the exact cause of exercise-induced asthma is not fully understood, factors such as breathing dry or cold air during the workout can trigger an attack.

Exercise-induced asthma can affect people of all ages and fitness levels, including professional athletes. Therefore, it is crucial to warm up properly to prepare the airways for what’s coming next. Use the prescribed medications to relax and open the airways to ease breathing during physical activity. Choose the right environment to avoid triggering an attack, such as indoors or in a warm-humid climate. Finally, as an athlete, you must gradually increase the exercise intensity over time to help the body adapt.

Food

Although food-induced asthma is relatively uncommon, some ingredients are likely to trigger asthma. For example:

• Sulphites: Sulfites are additives in certain processed foods and beverages to enhance flavour and prevent spoilage. Some persons with asthma may experience symptoms after eating dried fruits, shrimp, and potato chips and drinking wine or beer.
• Food preservatives such as benzoates and butylates are used in processed foods like soft drinks, snacks and processed meats.
• Salicylates: Salicylates are a natural compound of fruits, vegetables and spices. They are generally well-tolerated, but some individuals with asthma might experience symptoms after eating strawberries, tomatoes, oranges or curry powder.

Other Asthma Triggers

There are many ways asthma can be triggered. Items such as cleaning products and disinfectants can trigger an asthma attack. Look for products that contain up to 3% hydrogen peroxide or ethanol. Other products, like bleach, should be used sparingly and always clean with open windows. Products with fragrances should be avoided, and never mixing disinfectants and cleaners.

With all of this in mind, it is important for us to know about asthma and how those who have it are affected.

3. Monitoring and Controlling Asthma

Asthma can be controlled with general knowledge and medication if the person can keep a record of the symptoms and what causes the attacks. Once a person knows what is causing the attacks, they can learn to avoid certain situations.

Adequately controlled asthma means that a sufferer should not need to use their inhaler more than two times a week, wake up with nighttime symptoms more than twice a month, or need to refill an inhaler more than two times a year.

4. Knowing your Medication

In asthma management, there are two main categories of medications: long-term control medications and quick-relief medications.

Long-term control medications are commonly used as maintenance and controller medications. These medications englobe prescribed medications that can be used regularly to maintain asthma control, reduce inflammation, and prevent symptoms. Some examples are:

• Inhaled Corticosteroids: Used daily and can reduce airway inflammation.
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs): Usually prescribed with inhaled corticosteroids. They help relax the muscles around the airways and provide sustained symptom control.
• Leukotriene modifiers: They block the action of inflammatory substances.
• Theophylline: This is an oral medication that helps open the airways when other treatments are not effective.
• Immunomodulators: Used in severe asthma patients, they target specific immune system components involved in asthma.

On the other hand, quick-relief medications are intended for immediate symptom relief during asthma attacks or when symptoms are not fully controlled. Typically, a rescue inhaler is prescribed to patients with mild and intermittent asthma, but in severe cases, patients are given inhaled steroids. Inhalers offer quick relief as needed. 

Some examples of quick-relief medications are:

• Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): Typically used on an as-needed basis for rapid symptom relief. They help relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up during an asthma flare-up.
• Oral corticosteroids: This medication is used briefly during severe asthma exacerbations to reduce inflammation and quickly relieve symptoms.

In every case, individuals with asthma must work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication. If coughing or shortness of breath persists, the asthma sufferer must see a doctor. Additionally, by the doctor’s recommendation, the patient can start using a spacer.

A spacer is also known as an aerosol spacer or holding chamber, a device used with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) to improve the delivery of medications into the lungs. It connects with the inhaler and helps reduce medication deposition in the mouth and throat, decreasing side effects and enhancing medication delivery.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled. Avoid your triggers and have medication available.

Care for Asthma

As a first aider, if you encounter someone having an asthma attack, it’s essential to stay calm and reassure the person. The Canadian Red Cross guide suggests a couple of steps to follow as a first aider to help an individual with an asthma attack. The steps are:

1. Encourage the person to sit up straight; this position allows better lung expansion, easing breathing.
2. Help them take their prescribed quick-relief medication. Usually, people with asthma carry around a prescribed inhaler. As a first aider, you could assist the person by shaking the inhaler and having them take a deep breath while administering the medication.
3. If the person doesn’t have an inhaler or it doesn’t provide immediate relief, stay with them and provide emotional support. Encourage the individual to take slow, deep breaths and assure them that assistance is available if needed.
4. Loosen tight clothing. Help the person loosen tight clothing around the neck or chest to help them breathe.
5. Assist with the prescribed emergency plan. Some patients have a personalized emergency action plan provided by their doctor. Make sure to follow the instructions to help during the emergency.
6. Call for medical help. If the person’s symptoms worsen, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
7. Help the person move to a quiet, well-ventilated area. Now that you know the asthma triggers, move the individual to an environment free of these triggers to minimize the symptoms.

5. Have an Action Plan and Make Lifestyle Changes

Every asthma sufferer should have a management plan developed together with their doctor. This plan tells them the dose and frequency with which they can take their medication and when to use rescue medicine. They also know when to seek medical care. The plan also sets out what triggers to avoid. If you are experiencing an asthma attack or are near someone who is, stay calm and follow the plan.

If you would like to learn more about asthma and how to help someone experiencing an asthma attack, please be sure to enroll in a First Aid and CPR/AED training course. Regardless of what you know about asthma, being certified in First Aid and CPR/AED is a great skill to have.