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Home  Feature Articles Ways to Breathe Easier
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Ways to Breathe Easier |
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Friday, 30 June 2006 |
Taking a deep breath may be easier said than done, especially if you suffer from asthma.
Asthma can develop at any age. If you’re younger than 30, allergies are most likely to bring on an asthma attack; if you’re over 30, it can also be triggered by exposure to irritants such as a virus, cold air or cigarette smoke. Since the 1960’s, allergy to cockroaches has been recognized as another asthma trigger that’s prevalent in urban areas.
There are obvious ways to avoid a serious asthma attack—keep away from exposure to irritants and stay indoors as much as possible when the air quality is considered unhealthy, when the pollen count is high or on cold days. Since the flu can set off a serious asthma attack, asthmatics are advised to receive annual influenza vaccines.
Try to keep the humidity low at home and at work—about 40 to 50 percent is best. High humidity promotes the growth of mold and dust mites, also known asthma triggers. Using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier may help.
Fortunately, there are warning signs before most asthma attacks that can give you time to seek treatment. Signs include: increased shortness of breath or wheezing; chest tightness or pain; and disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. And for many people, cold symptoms may precede asthma symptoms by a day or two.
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