How To Best Manage Asthma
Read on to find out more about asthma and how the appropriate use of the blue inhaler can help you manage it
Text: Hui Yi Phua
credit: Luci
Did you know that asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in Singapore? It is a respiratory disease caused by chronic inflammation of our airways, leading to breathing difficulties and other symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptoms of asthma vary in frequency and intensity, and are caused by various triggers including weather changes, exposure to allergens or irritants, and even exercise.
The danger of asthma lies in the undertreatment of this disease, which can lead to severe exacerbations that may result in hospitalization or mortality. However, the good news is that for most people, asthma symptoms can be minimized. With good, regular asthma management, it is possible for those who have this disease to continue living their lives to the fullest.
To achieve that, we have compiled a list of tips from the Asthma & Allergy Association (AAA) and Healthy Lung Initiative on how to best manage asthma through natural methods:
1. Know how well you are managing your asthma
The most important advice for asthma patients is: to be aware of your symptoms and possible indications that your asthma is not under control.
These are some questions that can guide you: Are you using a blue inhaler three or more times a week? Is it affecting your sleep or daily activities? Are you experiencing symptoms often?
These are all signs that your asthma isn’t being managed well. If you encounter these signs, speak to your doctor immediately as poorly controlled asthma can develop into severe, and possibly fatal, asthma attacks.
2. Manage your reliance on the blue inhaler
This tip is essential to good management of your asthma. Blue inhalers are usually used by asthma patients for quick relief when their symptoms are showing.
However, from 2019 onwards, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) no longer recommends the use of the blue inhaler because although it helps to relief symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness, it does not manage the root cause of asthma attacks. In fact, a study has found that using the blue inhaler more than three times a week can put people at risk of an asthma attack while masking the worsening symptoms.
To prevent an over-reliance on your blue inhaler, you can take the Blue Reliever Reliance test and share your results with your doctor.
3. Use the right medication
credit: Asthma & Allergy Association (AAA)
The best medication for people with asthma is a preventer inhaler, which helps to control your symptoms effectively. Some signs to indicate that your asthma is well-controlled include: not having to restrict your activities and the absence of significant symptoms.
4. Identify your triggers
There is a myriad of possible triggers for asthma symptoms. As everyone’s asthma is different, it is crucial to identify the triggers specific to your asthma so that you can avoid them or find ways to minimise their impact.
5. Stop smoking
The chemicals in cigarettes can irritate and inflame your airways, which in turn, aggravate your asthma symptoms. Speak to your doctor about stopping smoking to improve your asthma.
6. Stay active
Although exercise can act as a trigger for asthma symptoms in some people, this should not deter you from exercising regularly as that is still an important component of healthy living. What you can do instead is to work with your healthcare professional so that you can treat your asthma properly and improve your performance.
7. Create an asthma plan
Working with your healthcare professional also enables you to develop a written asthma plan, which ensures control over your asthma and makes sure that you’re able to deal with your triggers effectively.
AAA is currently running a campaign – Beat the Asthma Blues, to raise awareness of over-reliance on blue inhalers for asthma patients. For more information on this campaign and asthma, visit AAA’s website here.
