Asthma is one of the diseases that affect the respiratory system, and it can be quite dangerous if left unchecked. So dangerous that it can lead to loss of life, and unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition. However, the good news is that the disease is easily manageable to the point where the patient can live a normal comfortable life. Here are some things you should know about asthma and how to manage it.
It is not the end of the world if you are diagnosed with asthma. Your doctor will likely educate you on how to manage it and the medications that will suit you depending on how your respiratory system behaves when you have an asthma attack. Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatments available for the condition.
Asthma attacks are caused by substances in the body called Leukotrienes, which cause muscle contractions by binding with muscle cells, thus causing contractions that cause asthma. Leukotriene modifiers are designed to prevent the binding process or even to prevent leukotriene production. This treatment option is more suited for long-term use and does not produce immediate results.
This is a more common method of managing asthma that is mainly administered through inhalers. Corticosteroids ease or prevent inflammation caused by asthma. They are also ideal in cases where asthma causes wheezing or coughing and is an ideal solution for immediate relief. Corticosteroids can also help reduce the frequency of asthma attacks since it helps prevent the occurrence of muscle spasms.
This is a medical procedure that is conducted on adults that suffer from chronic asthma attacks. It happens to be the only non-drug treatment available for asthma patients. It involves the insertion of a flexible tube into the trachea through the mouth or nose. Radiofrequency waves are then passed through the tube to clear out some of the smooth muscle in the windpipe. Patients need three sessions that are less than an hour-long for the entire process to be completed. This method is usually recommended where other forms of asthma treatments were unsuccessful.
This might be a good treatment option for anyone that has asthma-induced wheezing, especially in severe cases. It involves the use of a controller that behaves like a bronchodilator, and it is designed to prevent muscle-constriction around the windpipe. It is also considered a long-term approach because it does not provide immediate relief. This treatment option can be administered daily through an inhaler.
This is an emergency-type of asthma treatment which forces muscles around the windpipe to relax, thus making it easier for the patient to breathe properly. This type of treatment is inhaled, and it is known as long-acting beta-agonists because their effects last as long as 12 hours or even more. Doctors usually recommend that asthma patients should inhale this type of medication twice a day.
If you do not have access to any of the above treatment options or wish to try natural alternatives, the good news is that you can. Some easy home remedies ease the effects of asthma. For example, scientists from Columbia University found that ginger tends to relax muscles that are found in the airway, thus making it easier for asthma patients to breathe. It might thus be a good idea to consider consuming ginger.
Also, consider doing some exercises that will help your lungs to get as much oxygen as possible. Exercises will boost your diaphragm strength, thus making breathing easier. Although both ginger and breathing exercises are a good approach, subscribed medicines are the best way to combat asthma attacks.