Fragrances are used to remove unpleasant odour and provide a wonderful aroma and smell. Fragrances exist in many products with a wide range of usage. Some asthmatic patients were reported to suffer an asthma attack following exposure to fragrances. Other than asthma, patients with rhinitis and migraine are also affected. Asthma has a long list of triggering factors including pollen, dust, fruits, and fragrances. Exposure to the triggering factor will cause a hypersensitivity reaction of the airway. The chemicals in fragrances or contamination of fragrances are said to be why some people develop certain illnesses. This results in an asthma attack with a set of signs and symptoms. Medication can help you fight against asthma or other diseases you are suffering from.
Asthma is a chronic condition that usually diagnosed early in life. They are mostly diagnosed before the age of seven. This condition varies in severity, has multiple signs and symptoms, and a list of complications. Asthma is a life-threatening disease in certain countries with inadequate health facilities.
It’s always better to prevent rather than cure. First, you must know the symptoms of asthma. They are:
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest indrawings
- Cough
- Bluish discolouration of the skin or mouth
- Skin lesions(eczema)
- Symptoms worsen at night and early morning
- Noisy breathing
- Symptoms worsen by exercise
Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding the triggers and allergens will help in preventing an asthma attack. The triggers and allergens are:
- Cold weather
- Exercise
- Dust mite
- Pet dander
- Moulds
- Certain food
- Pollens
- Cigarette
- Fumes from perfumes or cleaning agents
- Certain medications like antihypertensives
After knowing when to act and what to avoid, let’s go through other ways to prevent and fight asthma. They are:
- Asthma diary
- Compliance to follow-ups and check-ups
- Proper techniques in using inhalers
- Consume medications on time
Asthma patients must always come for a follow-up and medical check-up accordingly. This is important as treating asthma is different from other diseases as doctors might need to increase or reduce the doses of the drug. Doctors also need to decide whether to add or reduce the drugs taken by a patient
What helps doctors to decide? They will decide based on the asthmatic control which patients should record every day in what known as an asthma diary. Other factors are the patients’ well-being, findings upon physical examination and results from any test conducted.
Cough has a direct impact on your abilities to inhale and exhale air or breathe. You may face difficulties in breathing and you will need extra effort to inhale some air. You will start to become conscious of your breathing and that will worsen your condition. Untreated asthma cough may lead to a more severe form of an asthma attack. The complication of a severe asthma attack is respiratory failure.
Respiratory failure is when your breathing fails to take in enough oxygen to meet your body’s demand and also fails to wash out the carbon dioxide. As a result, your body will be at a state of low oxygen but high carbon dioxide. Respiratory failure is a life-threatening and emergency condition that needs immediate medical attention and intervention. Treating the underlying causes and secure the airway will be the main objective.
Asthma can be treated at home with the given medications. If you are an asthmatic patient, make sure you always keep your medications at home or within reach. You can’t afford to run out of stock as that may lead to death.
