Asthma

There may be some of us who would love to join in on the flag football game or go for a daily jog, but there is a dark cloud of apprehension above us.  Who knows if we will make it through the activity without having an asthma attack…the fear of the unknown keeps us from doing some of the things we love to do. 

Asthma is a health condition that affects the respiratory system.  If you experience asthma, your airways will become narrow and swell at the same time.  Plus, along with the narrowing and swelling, extra mucus will be made.  That’s why when you see someone with a flare up of asthma you may see they have trouble breathing, begin coughing, become short of breath, and begin to wheeze.  It is rather a scary event if you see it for the first time.  The degree of severity of asthma ranges from those who consider it a minor nuisance, to those who view it as a major problem because it interferes with how they go about their daily lives.  Its course is rather unpredictable for some.  In addition, those who view asthma as a major problem never know if their next asthma attack will be life-threatening or not.

This condition cannot be cured; however its symptoms can be controlled.  You must see your provider frequently if you have been diagnosed with asthma.  This is because the severity and symptoms of asthma often change with time and during other specific situations.  An important point to remember is that you are the only one that knows your body and can tell when symptoms are different.  It is then each time you notice something different, that you should immediately visit your provider for an adjustment in your current treatment course in order to maintain your symptoms to avoid exacerbations of asthma that could be worse. 

Now that we know the course of asthma is virtually unpredictable and is unique to each individual involved, following are signs and symptoms of the condition to be aware of, which include:

-  Shortness of breath

-  Tightness of the chest

-  Difficulty sleeping related to breathing problems or coughing

-  Wheezing sound heard when exhaling

-  Cough or wheezing that is worse if you have an illness such as a cold or the flu

There are also signs that your asthma may be getting worse, these include:

-  More frequent symptoms that are more of a nuisance

-  Increased difficulty breathing

-  More frequent use of a fast-acting inhaler

Several situations could cause you or your loved one to experience a flare up of asthma.  You may notice some signs and symptoms that occur when you exercise, especially if the air is cold and dry.  Your job may also be the culprit in causing your asthma symptoms to come to the surface; your condition may be triggered by irritants in your workplace such as dust, fumes or other gases.  Allergies may also play a role in your asthma exacerbation, for instance if you are around certain flowers or animals you may begin to notice signs and symptoms that much more.

As previously discussed, it is important for you to be able to quickly recognize any changes that may occur in your body because they could be warning signs for that unwelcomed, life-threatening attack.  Your provider should provide you with education ahead of time in case you are ever faced with worsening symptoms so you will be familiar with what you should do, or when to seek emergency care.  The signs of an asthma emergency include:

-  Fast worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing

-  No noticeable improvement after use of a fast-acting inhaler

-  Shortness of breath with minimal exertion, or activity

Total Home Health has a program that will suit all your asthma related needs.  Our highly skilled professional staff will always be at the ready for all the obstacles of your unpredictable condition.  Our compassionate staff will see to it that you are educated on what to do before an asthma attack may happen, rather than what you could have done, or should do next time.  Rest assured, with Total Home Health you will be treated as one of our own, with our goal being for you to maintain your highest level of functioning and self-esteem.  Let us help you from this point forward!