Review rated by 10 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This review received a counterstatement by a party concernedRead Comment
Asthma is a disease, which causes inflammation and swelling of the airways. There are four main symptoms, which are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and the shortness of breath.
Two medicine types Preventers and Relievers can control asthma and below I have described the benefits both offer.
~~ Relievers ~~
These are in the form of inhalers and are blue in colour, these are to ease the symptoms of chest tightening and work immediately by relaxing the muscle spasms and makes it easier to breathe. A few years ago when I did not have my asthma under control I would take quite a few a day, I will not say how much as I am too embarrassed by it. Any way the tip I have if you take too many relievers in one day is to drink as much water as possible as this helps to flush it out from your body. Taking too many relievers in one day can give you the serious shakes and also an upset stomach. So beware do not let the asthma get out of control see the doctor and they may prescribe some thing that suits your needs.
~~ Preventers ~~
These are different from the relievers because
they help prevent the symptoms of asthma and do not take immediate affect in relieving an attack. These are to be taken in conjunction with the relievers and they work by protecting the lining of the airways. They are to be taken daily and your doctor will choose what dose is right for your needs. I changed my medication from Pulimcort to Qvar 50 last year. I have not noticed and change in my asthma but they do sometimes advise changing medication just to try the new varieties on offer.
If you have ever been into hospital for an asthma attack like I have on many occasions they usually put you on a machine called a Nebuliser. You wear a mask and it delivers a fine mist into your lungs giving immediate relief. Once they have controlled the attack, if it is not too severe the doctor will then prescribe a short dose of steroids or you may have a stay in hospital. I have done both and when I stayed in hospital the treatment and care I got was 100%.
Below I have found some interesting facts about asthma and some can be quite worrying.
The house-dust mite is the number one asthma trigger and it affects around 85% of sufferers. The way to deal with this is to hoover your bed at least once a week and turn the mattress frequently.
80% of people say that tobacco smoke makes their symptoms worse.
85% of attacks are related to viral infections such as cold and flu. They advise that you get vaccinated against the flu.
A child has a 60-70% chance of developing asthma if both their parents have an allergy.
Unfortunately only one-third of people ever outgrow asthma.
In the UK, almost half the people who suffer with asthma experience significant symptoms that disrupt their every day lives.
Another interesting fact is that every six minutes someone is admitted to hospital because of his or her asthma and alarmingly every six hours someone dies of it.
~~ Cure ~~
To date there is no cure but they are currently researching indoor/outdoor pollutions, allergies and gene therapy.
To finish my opinion off I will tell you a little bit about myself and asthma. I have been a sufferer since the age of 5 and I am now ONLY 31!! There have been times when it has been out of control and with the help of my doctor she has got me back on track with it and I now have very few attacks (touch wood!!) and my lungs have got much stronger. I really listen to them when they give me advice about controlling it but when I was a teenager I could not be bothered with the medication I thought it was an irritation and I was far too busy to take them. I found out the hard way and spent several days in hospital.
What always sticks in my mind was over hearing a conversation between two pupils at my school. I had just won a running race (easily I may add) and they were surprised that I was even running especially suffering from asthma. I was so hurt by this but now I am older and wiser (remember not too old) I now realise how blinkered they were about the disease. There is a lot of famous sportsman and women that have asthma yet compete for our country. I take regular exercise and the benefits to my asthma are phenomenal.
My advice for all you asthmatics out there go and enjoy life and live it to the full.
Here is an asthma helpline number if you require any help or advice Tel: 0845 701 0203.
I don't suffer from asthma (thank god) but i can see how this opinion could be the most helpful thing any sufferer could have ever read. Done well mate, cheers.
04.03.2001 17:58
Excellent op, well done
01.03.2001 23:46
An excellent review of a very distressing conditioCheers Elspeth
28.02.2001 19:21
I don't suffer from asthma (thank god) but i can see how this opinion could be the most helpful thing any sufferer could have ever read. Done well mate, cheers.