Overview:
Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow, swell, and produce more mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In some individuals, asthma is a minor problem. In others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to life-threatening asthma attacks.
On the first Tuesday of May, World Asthma Day is globally celebrated. The Global Asthma Initiative aims to raise awareness about asthma and how to control this disease.
Objectives:
- Awareness of asthma symptoms and how to control it.
- Educating health practitioners about the importance of correct diagnosis and education about disease control.
- Supporting asthmatics and educating them on the importance of avoiding and controlling asthma triggers.
Facts:
Guidelines for the prevention and control of asthma:
The person with asthma plays an important role in controlling and coexisting with it if he follows the following instructions:
- Avoid contact with people infected or suspected of being infected with the emerging (Corona) virus.
- Prevention of internal and external allergens.
- Joint work between the doctor and the patient, and the development of a complete treatment program that includes drug therapy, basic examinations, and regular follow-up appointments.
- Follow up with the family doctor and adhere to the doctor's instructions.
- You must have a medical file in the hospital and health center.
- Do not dispense medicines on your own or buy them from the pharmacy without referring to the doctor.
- Maintain general health and physical fitness by eating healthy food and exercising.
- Quitting smoking, refraining from babysitting smokers, and avoiding the factors leading to an asthma attack.
- Taking the seasonal influenza vaccine to reduce the severity of influenza infection.
Methods of Controlling Asthma- Asthma relief spray: Prevents the occurrence of attacks or reduces them as much as possible.
- Avoid asthma triggers
- Asthma Emergency Inhaler: Used only at the time of attacks to relieve symptoms.
General Instructions- Visit your doctor regularly to follow up on your health condition and check the degree of asthma control
- Use medications correctly and regularly according to the treatment plan that your doctor has developed for you
- Stay away from irritants and be careful to prevent exposure to them
- Ensure that the sprayer or funnel is used correctly
- Avoid foods and medications that trigger allergies
- Make sure to carry an asthma emergency inhaler at all times
- Get the flu vaccine every year to avoid infection and asthma triggering
- Stay away from severe psychological emotions
Commitment to using preventive asthma inhalers on a daily basis because of its importance in reducing the severity of attacks.
It is also recommended to use some types of preventive asthma inhalers as an alternative to emergency inhalers during attacks (according to your doctor’s instructions).
Wash the mouth and rinse it after using an asthma inhaler that contains cortisone
How to use a dry powder inhaler / rotary disc inhaler.General information about dry powder inhalers- Do not wash the dry powder inhaler with water or place it under water. If the mouthpiece gets dirty, you can wipe it with a dry cloth.
- You should keep track of the number of doses remaining in the inhaler. Depending on how often you use your inhaler, you can tell when you will need to refill it and write down that date.
- Do not slip the lever or twist the bottom until you are ready to take your dose.
- Keep the inhaler closed when not in use.
- If the inhaler contains cortisone, rinse your mouth with water, gargle, and spit the water out.
- Follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions on how to use the inhaler.
How to use a dry powder inhaler- Open the inhaler or remove the cap
- Load a dose of medication by twisting the bottom of the inhaler until you hear a click.
- Hold the inhaler in the correct vertical position
- Exhale naturally – but not into the inhaler
- Place the nozzle of the device inside the mouth and close it tightly
- Inhale quickly, evenly, and as deeply as possible
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds
- Let your breath out – but not into the inhaler.
- If you are supposed to take two puffs from your inhaler, load another dose and inhale it.
- Close the inhaler or replace the cap or stopper.
- Keep your inhaler in a cool, dry place.
How to use the rotary disc inhaler (Discus):- Hold the outer case with one hand and place the thumb of your other hand on the thumb grip. Open the device by sliding your thumb.
- Hold the device horizontally with the mouthpiece facing you. Move the lever from left to right to fill the dose until you hear a click.
- The device is now ready for use. Each time the lever is pushed back, a bubble opens and the dose is ready to be inhaled. This is shown by the dose counter. Do not fiddle with the lever, as this releases doses that are wasted.
- Exhale naturally – but not into the inhaler.
- Place your mouth on the mouthpiece
- Take a continuous, deep inhale through the device, not through your nose.
- Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds
- Exhale slowly. -But not inside the inhaler.
- Close the inhaler by placing your thumb in the thumb grip, and sliding the thumb grip toward you as far as possible.
- When you close the inhaler, you will hear a click that indicates it is closed. The lever will automatically return to its original position and the device will reset.
- After shutting down and resetting the device, repeat the previous steps if recommended to inhale the content of two bubbles from your inhaler.
- Keep your inhaler in a cool, dry place.
Official date:
Globally: May 4th, 2023
Locally: Shawwal 14th, 1444H