How Can Asthmatics Know When To Seek Medical Attention
Asthma is a chronic lung disease affectingthe airways in the lungs. It is caused due the inflammation of the airways that result in the narrowing of bronchial tubes. This makes it difficult for a person to breathe. At times when a person does not receive immediate attention, he or she may experience a life-threatening situation. Thus, it is essential to know when can asthma symptoms be managed at home, and when does a person need medical attention.
Managing asthma symptoms, avoiding asthma triggers, taking controller medication regularly, getting your inhaler technique corrected and following more preventive measures like these can help to improve asthma control and reduce the risk of an asthma attack. However, it is always advised to be prepared for emergencies. Every asthmatic must have an asthma action plan that guides throughan emergency situation, so that they and others around them know what must be done to handle the situation. One essential part of asthma care and management is to get the right help when it is needed.
When to see your Doctor
Generally, an asthmatic is advised to take controller and reliever medications. The controller medications are for a long term while the reliever medications are used to relieve a person from experiencing asthma symptoms likes coughing, wheezing, chest tightening and breathlessness. However, there might be emergencies that need medical attention or the person needs to consult with a doctor or in extreme conditions the person needs to be taken to the nearest hospital. Situations that require medical attention are:
• Symptoms are worsening
Along with the main asthma symptoms, there might be other symptoms such as discoloured nails, lips or face, difficulty in talking or walking, extreme anxiety or panic, rapid pulse, pale or sweaty face, etc. These symptoms indicate an asthma attack or severe asthma. It needs instant medical attention because the person’s life might be in danger.
• The Peak flow Meter Reading Goes Down
When the peak-flow meter reading is 50% or less of the ‘personal best’ reading, an asthmatic must consult the doctor as it indicates a medical alert. An asthmatic must record the PEF for two to three weeks, twice a day when asthma is in good control and the highest PEF rate of these three weeks can be called the ‘personal best’ reading of the person. It is the number to which all the other PEF readings will be compared. It is necessary for this reading to be above 50% of ‘personal best’ to ensure that asthma symptoms are in control and the breathing function is fine.
• Rescue Inhalers Are Used More Often
An asthmatic might have frequent episodes or flare-ups, and this result in more use of rescue medication or rescue inhalers. This indicates asthma worsening and poor management. It can also mean that controller medications are not effective. Therefore, it’s essential to consult the doctor about the frequent episodes so that he can guide for the necessary steps to be taken. The doctor may go through the prescribed medication and update the prescription as per the asthma symptoms, asthma risk factors, type of asthma, and the patterns of symptoms that are experienced by a person.
• Symptoms are Hindering Daily Activities
When asthma symptoms make it difficult for a person to execute daily physical activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, exercising etc. he or she must consult with the doctor. Difficulty in performing daily activities indicates poor asthma management, and to make it better the asthma action plan and medications can be revised by the doctor.
The above mentioned emergencies would be a part of the yellow or red zone in an asthma action plan. This sheet will also include emergency contact information, contact of the nearest hospital and contact of the health care provider.One can immediately refer to this plan for better guidance. In case of mild symptoms, asthmatics can manage symptoms without medical help, and to know more, read on how to manage asthma at home.
