Reducing Relapses by Avoiding Asthma Triggers

Bumisuka.com – Reducing Relapses by Avoiding Asthma Triggers. There are many chronic non-communicable diseases, one of which is asthma. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 262 million people worldwide have asthma in 2019. Meanwhile, according to the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), the prevalence of asthma in Indonesia is 2.4 percent.

Do not be considered trivial, because asthma can cause death. During an attack, the airways narrow and make it difficult for oxygen to enter. As we know, humans cannot live without oxygen.

Realizing how important this issue is, @manukafarm held a live Instagram with the theme “Often Feeling Short of Breath? Beware of Asthma Symptoms” on Wednesday afternoon (7/12/2022) and explained further by dr. Muhammad Syah Abdaly, SpPD. Listen, come on!

1. Asthma causes the airways to narrow

WHO defines asthma as a condition when the airways in the lungs narrow due to inflammation or inflammation. In addition, the muscles around the small airways tighten.

2. The most frequently complained symptom

according to dr. Daly, asthma has four main symptoms, namely:

• Wheezing: A “wheezing” sound that is like a squeeze or sounds like a high-pitched whistling.
• Shortness of breath: Such as not being able to get enough air or making an extra effort to breathe.
• Chest pain: It feels like the chest is being pulled or pressed, making it difficult for us to take deep breaths.
• Cough: Especially at night and keeps us awake.

3. Most are triggered by allergens

Quoting Everyday Health, in most cases, asthma occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to external things known as allergens. Examples of allergens are pollen (pollen), dust mites (dust mites), proteins from the oil glands found in dander (flakes of animal skin), mold, and cockroach droppings.

In addition, asthma can be triggered by other things such as dust, cigarette smoke, air pollution, fire smoke, chemicals, and cold air. In fact, dr. Daly said that there are people who suddenly relapse shortness of breath when experiencing acute respiratory infections, flu, or colds.

4. The risk of developing asthma is greater in certain people

Certain people are more at risk of developing asthma than others, examples are:

• Family history, especially if a close relative such as a parent or sibling has asthma.
• Have another medical condition, such as eczema or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Being born with low weight or prematurely (born before 37 weeks of gestation).
• Intense exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, or certain chemicals.
• Growing up or living in urban areas.
• Overweight or obese.

5. As much as possible, minimize contact with asthma triggers

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. One of them is by staying away from asthma triggers so they don’t relapse. The goal is for people with asthma to live a normal life like people in general.

Don’t forget to bring your inhaler anywhere in case of an attack. There are two types of inhalers, namely bronchodilators (such as salbutamol) to open the airways and steroids (such as beclomethasone) to reduce inflammation in the airways. Of course, both can relieve asthma symptoms.