"Every time I had a seizure, I felt like I was going to suffocate." This is a phrase that is often on the lips of an asthma sufferer. Asthma, as a common chronic disease, has brought great distress and pain to the lives of countless patients. However, the development of modern medicine has given us hope. Today, we have invited senior respiratory experts to answer the methods of asthma control in detail. Through scientific management and effective treatment, breathing is no longer an unattainable dream.
The basics of asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract. It is characterized by airway narrowing, hyperresponsiveness of the airway to various stimuli, and reversible airway obstruction. People with asthma often experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Causes of asthma
The causes of asthma are complex and diverse, including genetic factors, environmental factors, and individual characteristics. Common triggers include allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, animal dander), air pollution, viral infections, exercise, emotional agitation, etc.
Diagnostic approach to asthma
Symptom Analysis
Doctors usually make a preliminary determination of asthma by looking at the person's symptom history. Recurrent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing are typical symptoms of asthma.
Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests are an important tool for diagnosing asthma. Common assays include peak flow rate measurement and bronchodilator testing. With these tests, the patient's lung function status and airway responsiveness can be assessed.
Allergen testing
To better understand the patient's allergens, doctors may do a skin prick test or a serum-specific IgE test. These tests can help determine which substances a patient is allergic to, allowing for a more personalized treatment plan.
Asthma control strategies
Avoid triggers
The first step in controlling asthma is to avoid exposure to known triggers. Patients should try to avoid exposure to allergens, keep room air fresh, and avoid tobacco smoke and other irritating gases.
Use medication to control
Medication is the core of asthma control. Depending on the severity and frequency of the condition, the doctor will prescribe different types of medications.
Control medications
Control medications are those that are used for a long time, mainly inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2 agonists. These medications can reduce airway inflammation and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Relieving medications
Reliever medications are used during an asthma exacerbation to help people relieve symptoms quickly. Common reliever medications include short-acting beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics.
Use the inhalation device correctly
Many asthma medications need to be inhaled through an inhalation device, so it's crucial to use the inhalation device correctly. Under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, patients should learn and master the correct way to use the drug to ensure that the drug can reach the airway effectively.
Monitor changes in your condition
Regular monitoring of lung function and recording changes in symptoms can help patients and doctors better understand their condition and adjust their treatment options. Patients can monitor peak flow rate values daily using a peak flow meter and record the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.
Life management of asthma
Eat a healthy diet
A sensible diet can help boost immunity and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Patients should eat foods rich in vitamin C, E and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and nuts. Also, avoid foods that can trigger allergies, such as certain nuts and seafood.
Exercise moderately
Moderate exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Patients should choose appropriate exercise programs such as walking, swimming, and yoga. Pay attention to environmental conditions when exercising and avoid exercising in an environment with poor air quality.
Keep your mind at peace
Mood swings can trigger an asthma attack, so it's important to maintain a calm mind. Patients can relieve stress and anxiety through meditation, deep breathing exercises, and proper psychological counseling.
TCM treatment of asthma
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that asthma is mostly caused by the dysfunction of the lungs, spleen and kidneys. Commonly used traditional Chinese medicines include ephedra, almonds, skullcap, etc., which have the effects of relieving asthma, clearing heat and dissolving phlegm.
Acupuncture therapy
Acupuncture can regulate the body's qi and blood flow, enhance immune function, and thus play a role in relieving asthma symptoms. Commonly used acupuncture points include Lung Yu, Ji Zhong, Zu Sanli, etc.
Daily care for people with asthma
Keep the environment clean
People with asthma should keep their living environment clean and reduce allergens such as dust, mold and pet dander. The use of air purifiers and dehumidifiers can effectively improve indoor air quality.
Regular follow-up
Regular follow-up visits can help doctors understand the changes in the patient's condition and adjust the treatment plan in time. Patients should have regular pulmonary function tests and allergen tests as recommended by their doctor.
Have an emergency plan in place
Develop a detailed asthma contingency plan, including how to use emergency medications and emergency contact details in case of a sudden asthma attack.
Although asthma is a chronic disease, through scientific management and effective treatment, patients can live a normal life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and control strategies of asthma, and actively cooperating with your doctor's treatment and care recommendations, can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Hopefully, this article will provide useful information for people with asthma to help them realize their dream of breathing well.