When asthma flares up, patients may experience persistent symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Fortunately, flare-ups aren’t inevitable, and there are simple ways to prevent them. Asthma is a chronic condition that can cause recurring attacks known as asthmatic episodes. These episodes can be triggered by environmental factors (e.g., allergies), exertion, or stress. An imbalance can also bring on flare-ups in the body’s natural defenses against irritants like dust mites or pet dander. To manage these symptoms effectively and keep from relapsing into attacks, it helps to know the essentials for asthma patients.
Portable Handheld Nebulizer
The nebulizer is necessary for administering medication into the lungs. It can be used as a standalone machine or with an inhaler. The portable handheld nebulizer is particularly useful for patients who use inhalers often but are also prone to asthma attacks. It can also be used to treat postoperative nausea and vomiting. There is a wide range of nebulizers available in the market. They vary in size and cost. If a patient uses the nebulizer in place of an inhaler, they should observe whether the nebulizer has an inbuilt sensor. This feature is found in some high-end nebulizers. In such a case, the patient can use the inhaler only when the nebulizer runs out of medication.
Mask
While a nebulizer may be useful for treating asthma symptoms, there may be better options for those with severe or frequent asthma. For them, a nebulizer may not be strong enough to break through the congestion. For those who need constant medication, a nebulization mask is a better option. It is a device that fits over the nose and mouth and uses a nebulizer to administer asthma medications. There are various kinds of nebulization masks available in the market. Patients should look for one that is easy to use and delivers medications without fail. Some features that may be helpful to patients are a light that indicates when medication is being administered and a temperature sensor to prevent the medication from being administered too cold—a large mouthpiece to prevent the medication from being sucked into the mouthpiece.
Emergency Medications
An asthma attack may be especially difficult to manage. A patient experiencing an asthma attack should dial 911 and call their doctor immediately. Many asthma medications are available as a nasal spray that can be used in an emergency. Patients should have the medication in their emergency kits and know how to use it. Emergency medications include EpiPen, albuterol, corticosteroids, and rapid-acting leukotriene modifiers.
Emotional Awareness for Asthma Patients
Aspiration pneumonia is a particular danger for asthma patients. This happens when medicated liquid medications are inhaled into the lungs. Patients with asthma should be especially aware of their surroundings and ensure that they don’t lean against anything or over a countertop when taking their medications. During an asthma attack, patients should keep their distance from others, avoid crowds, and remain calm. If a patient is experiencing a particularly severe asthma attack, they should call 911, avoid using the phone, and get out of the area.
Inhaler Use and Rescue Medication
Most asthma patients will use an inhaler several times per day. However, it’s important to realize that overuse may contribute to asthma flare-ups. Patients who use an inhaler too often may increase their risk of asthma symptoms and should be closely monitored by their doctor. Some individuals may be prone to asthma attacks but don’t have any noticeable triggers, such as exercise or allergies. These patients may be at increased risk of a serious asthma flare-up if they use their inhalers too often. In these cases, it may help to use the rescue medication even when a mild asthma flare-up isn’t present. Emphysema patients may also develop a cough after using their inhalers. In this case, the cough may clear up after the inhaler is used and the excess air is blown out of the lungs, but it’s important to call a doctor.
Breathing Exercises For Asthma Patients
Asthma patients may also find breathing exercises to help in managing their symptoms. While they aren’t a standalone treatment for asthma, breathing exercises can help to reduce inflammation in the lungs and relieve breathing difficulties. A doctor may recommend breathing exercises for patients experiencing asthma symptoms after a viral infection or a cold. Breathing exercises usually involve lying down, listening to a device’s music, and breathing slowly.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic condition that can affect anyone. It’s important to know the essentials for asthma patients, especially during episodes. A nebulizer is necessary for administering medication into the lungs and can be used as a standalone machine or in conjunction with an inhaler. A mask can be used for those who need constant medication and a nebulizer. Emergency medications are available for patients who experience an asthma attack. It’s important to keep inhaler use in mind during asthma flare-ups. Emotional awareness is important for asthma patients because they should be careful when breathing because they can accidentally inhale too much air. It’s also good to take breathing exercises to reduce lung inflammation and relieve breathing difficulties.
