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Asthma management in winters
Who doesn’t look forward to the arrival of winters? Almost every one of us eagerly awaits the commencement of this season as winter doubles the delight of relishing the creamy cappuccino, and chomping on crunchy nuts and assortment of dry fruits. While we envelope ourselves cosily in woollies, secretly wishing that the frosty spell never ends, there is a section of people who simply dread the approach of winter. Winter to them means more suffering, more frustration and little fun or enjoyment.
They are the people with asthma. Winter for young asthmatics heralds the aggravation of symptoms (such as cough, breathlessness), more disturbed sleep, more school absences, more football or cricket matches missed and more hospital visits.
What is asthma?
Asthma is so common a disease that almost each one of us knows someone with asthma or has a family member who is asthmatic. It is a chronic respiratory disorder, which stays with the affected person nearly for the rest of his/her life. It is usually a genetic disorder, but anyone at any stage in life can develop asthma.
Why is it important to control it?
Since asthma is a chronic (life-long) disease, with a debilitating effect on the person, it is important to take regularly treatment in order to avoid the complications.
Asthma attacks and symptoms can occur any time of the day and may pose a threat to the patient’s life. It is therefore, important for asthmatics, particularly young asthmatics, to take measures to control their asthma and enjoy a quality life, which allows them to participate in sports and engage in prolonged and strenuous activities.
Key tips for young asthmatics
Mentioned below are a few points that children with asthma should consider not only in winters but the whole year round to keep their asthma symptoms at bay and live life actively and joyfully.
Keep your bedding clean — Have your bedding washed in hot water at least once a week. The droppings of dust mites (insects spotted only through a microscope) collect on our bedding and unwashed clothes and trigger asthma symptoms such as cough and chest tightness.
Comply with your medicine —Make it a point to take your medicine on time and on a daily basis. There are two types of asthma medicines: reliever and controllers.
Reliever inhaler is used only in case of sudden attacks while controller is used on a daily basis, and helps immensely in controlling your symptoms from recurring, and reduces chances of attacks. Therefore, it is safe and best to rely on your controller medicine and not on your reliever inhaler.
Visit your doctor — Visit your doctor on a regular basis to learn about your condition. Learn from your doctor the correct inhaler technique and ask him to demonstrate the use of inhaler. Ask your doctor to give you treatment that is effective, and promises complete asthma control.
Word of advice
a.. Inform your teacher that you have asthma and that you may be permitted to use your inhaler in class, if the need arises. Do NOT feel embarrassed to use your inhaler in public.
b.. Tell your parents whenever you feel that your condition is unstable or that you are about to experience symptoms.
c.. Don’t compromise on life. Control your asthma and enjoy life thoroughly. There is no reason why you should be missing schools or quit sports because of the disease. Asthma is a completely controllable disorder. You should fight the disease and refuse to be chained down under the huge yet escapable and easily avoidable burden of asthma.
Remember, asthma is not a hindrance in your progress; many Olympic players did wonders and earned fame despite being asthmatics. You too can be one of them and excel in your chosen field.
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