What Should Asthmatics Pay Attention to?
Asthma, the leading cause of chronic respiratory diseases worldwide, affects 360 million people today. Air pollution is among the most important causes of asthma, the prevalence of which is increasing day by day. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. said that the prevalence of asthma increases by 50 percent every 10 years. Dr. “Figures show that 540 million people worldwide will be affected by asthma in 2017,” said William Checkley.
The increase in the number of vehicles, especially in industry and on the road, also causes air pollution to increase. Air pollution, a global problem, is among the main causes of many diseases. Stating that asthma is one of the leading diseases affected by air pollution, Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. from Johns Hopkins University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey, in cooperation with Anadolu Health Center. Dr. “The prevalence of asthma is increasing by 50 percent every 10 years,” said William Checkley.
Assoc. Prof. explains that exposure to allergens such as mold, pollen, pet secretions and dander, house dust mites, air pollution and cigarettes increases the frequency of asthma. Dr. “In people who already have asthma, exposure to these allergens causes inflammation in the airways, thickening of the soft tissues around the airways and mucus secretion,” said William Checkley. Assoc. Prof. explains that symptoms such as wheezing, frequent coughing, rapid breathing, chest tightness, and neck and chest pulling inwards are symptoms that should be taken seriously in terms of asthma. Dr. William Checkley said, “Serious symptoms that can endanger life are difficulty speaking, blue lips or nails. “In this case, one should definitely apply to the hospital,” he said.
7 ITEMS THAT ASTHMA PATIENTS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO
Reminding that asthma increases more rapidly especially in developed societies, Anadolu Health Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. “The good news is that approximately 80 percent of childhood asthma disappears on its own by adulthood,” said Hisham Alahdab. Dr. Alahdab listed the things that asthma patients should never do as follows;
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, get help to quit.
- Try to choose living environments free of air pollution.
- Stay away from preventable allergens that you know you are allergic to.
- Keep strong odors away from the home. Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos or lotions. Stay away from incense.
- Make special arrangements in the asthmatic’s bedroom. Remove dust-catching carpets and rugs. Remove fuzzy sofas, cushions and extra pillows. Cover your bedding with dust-proof duvet covers. Wash sheets and duvet covers frequently in very hot water and dry in the sun.
- Open windows frequently to keep the air in your home clean and fresh.
- Do not stop asthma medications yourself.
