The Asmatics and Triggers.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY: The Asmatics and Triggers. 

I will start with the story of a boy that developed Asthma following recurrent use of insecticide in his household. It followed each day after the use of these indoor chemicals, the boy would start with mild catarrh then cough and finally breathing issues which usually resolves with the use of Salbutamol nebules. After about 4 episodes each following the use of insecticides and frequent visits to a doctor who diagnosed possible asthma, then the mother noticed. She avoided the identified cause and the symptoms ceased for a very long while. 

Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the air pipes are constantly ready to react and over react to any perceived or real allergen. Allergens are things that are capable of stimulating responsiveness of the airway protective mechanism. These allergens are usually foreign bodies, among others like emotional and physical stress, medications as the case may be; can make the airway go overboard causing excessive narrowing and prevention of air from freely moving in and out of the lungs.

It could be in the family line; that is, it can be inherited. One does not need to have Asthma in the family sometimes but family history of atopy is a risk factor. That's why your doctor will ask if things like excessive itchiness of the eyes and throat, prolonged and recurrent nasal discharges and skin conditions run in the family. Asthma can develop without a family history; a constant respiratory infection in childhood and repeated exposure to environmental antigens like the boy in our story.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma include:  

Wheezing: This may be heard (rhonchi) like continuous whistling. 

Coughing: without bringing anything out.

Difficulty in breathing 

Chest pain.

Asthma can be managed. Asmatics do live and lead a normal life including participating in sports and reducing frequency of attacks (exacerbation). There are medications that relieve symptoms and another that controls symptoms frequency. These will be prescribed by your doctors. What the asmatics must do is to identify and avoid their identified allergens. Common allergens include; dust mites, animals, cockroaches, mold and pollen.

As An Asmatic.

1. You must know the use of an inhaler and carry it with you.

2. Have a medical bracelet stating your status and possible triggers.

3. Have your doctor give you your individualized self management plan.

4. Avoid your triggers.

5. Keep clinic appointments.

6. Avoid drugs like aspirin and others not prescribed.

7. Try quitting smoking. 

Asthma can present like many other airway diseases. This is why diagnosis comes in ro rule out other conditions. Get closer to your doctor, work with your self management plan, understand your symptoms, be ready to take charge of your health and finally avoid your triggers. 

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