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Living With Asthma: I Really Would like to Breathe Again



Here are some asthma facts for you. Did you know that there are more than 200 million asthma sufferers in the world? Did you also know that this disease can kill you if not treated well? Especially in low income countries where mortality is higher than that to first world countries. Even after being presented with these asthma facts, many asthmatics generally have a good quality of life that’s because this disease can be treated easily and can be prevented just as easily too.

To get us started, here are some asthma facts to know about. Asthma is derived from a Greek word meaning “panting”. This disease is characterized by wheezes and difficulty of breathing. There is no exact cause for this disease but many medical experts speculate that genetics and the environment could predispose one to asthma. But usually the attack is caused by allergens in the environment like dust, pollen, animal dander and pollution. Although there are cases where in emotional stress and physical exertion like exercise can trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma is usually treated with the use of bronchodilators delivered either through an inhaler or a nebulizer. This hand held device basically sprays medicine (known to the medical world as bronchodilators) into the airway passages, instantly reducing inflammation and promoting relief. While a nebulizer, simply makes a very fine mist from the medicine placed in its chamber with almost the same effect. Medication is very important in treating asthma but lifestyle changes and vigilance is also important in the prevention of an asthma attack.



Prevention is better than cure and for asthmatics, preventing it is the best way in countering the disease. Asthma prevention can be classified into two namely, environmental changes and lifestyle changes. First preventive measure is modifying the environment namely by avoiding allergens that cause the attack. Always have a clean surrounding be it at home or at the workplace. Air filter are also a great help since they function by cleaning the air from pollen and dust. Although air conditioners are helpful, if you don’t have one, invest on an air purifier which is also a good device to use at night while you sleep.

Lifestyle changes are necessary in preventing another asthma attack. Starting off with stopping vices like smoking and alcohol. Some good asthma tips for this is to avoid smoking and second-hand smoke and also alcohol. Another is doing regular moderate exercise to help strengthen your lungs but work with your doctor to find the right exercises for you. With good exercise, practice good nutrition at the same time avoiding foods that can cause an allergic reaction. Weight control is very important for an asthmatic because excess weight can worsen asthma symptoms. Most importantly, find time for you to relax and don’t get to riled up with our emotions.

Living with asthma can be a tough challenge. But with proper preventive measures and early treatments, asthmatics can live a happy, normal breathe easy life.



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