Doha: As asthma is one of the most prevalent lung diseases, especially among children, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) offers advice for asthmatic patients on how to prevent and treat asthma attacks.
This disorder is most likely caused by internal genetic (inherited) factors and external factors people are exposed to throughout their life.
Dr. Mohamed Raslan, Family Physician at PHCC’s Umm Slal Health Center, said that external factors include inhalation of air polluted with dust, dust mites on carpets or rugs, pollen, or pet dander, as well as inhalation of smoke or fumes, perfumes, and other respiratory irritants. Further, cold weather is a common asthma trigger that can lead to an asthma attack.
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. Its signs and symptoms include a minor but continuous cough that increases at night and may lead to trouble sleeping for children with asthma, as well as chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath, wheezing when exhaling, especially in children. The condition may worsen to become instable and develop speaking difficulties, which is one of the most severe signs of an asthma attack.
As colds and viral infections are among the most common causes of asthma flare-ups, Dr. Raslan advised asthmatic patients to get the seasonal flu vaccine on a yearly basis, in particular, before winter comes. He also advised asthmatic patients to avoid exercising in extreme cold air, and if necessary for adults, they may exercise in closed halls or on treadmills.
Dr. Raslan recommended wearing appropriate clothes when going outside that fully cover the entire body, including the head, neck, mouth and nose. The clothes should be with several layers that do not cause sweating and give appropriate warmth. This would isolate the body from the cold surrounding it, thus preventing possible asthma attacks.
Dr. Raslan said that washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting viral infections, noting that parents should change their children’s clothes as soon as they come back from public parks, places or gardens, to prevent any contact with respiratory irritants.
Parents should consult their family doctor about any medicines needed when going outside to treat their children quickly and effectively if case asthma attacks occur after exercising, as there are hand-held inhalers that can be carried anywhere, he added.
He noted that some medications may lead to an asthma attack or may not help improve it, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin for some people, in addition to some blood pressure medications that cause coughing.
Dr. Raslan explained the difference between chest allergy and asthma, stating that chest allergy is not clinically different from asthma, however, it may come once in life, and may never return, while asthma occurs almost every year.
