An asthmatic has very sensitive airways that become inflamed and tighten when they breathe in anything that irritates them. However, most people with asthma who receive the right treatment — and take it correctly — can control their symptoms and lead normal lives, says Dr Ruchika Mukherjee, Associate Medical Director, Cigna Global Wellbeing Solutions, Dubai. A key to minimising the impact of the disease is to keep an eye out for triggers.
Play safe
While participating in sports and exercising with severe asthma can result in narrowing the airways in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and coughing, this does not mean you must avoid sports.
“Take your inhaling medicines ten minutes prior to the exercise to prevent the airways from contracting, Dr Mukherjee says. “Moreover, warm up before you start to exercise and cool down appropriately and slowly.” She suggests taking part in sports with short exertion periods such as walking, volleyball, swimming and wrestling as they let you have a cool-down period.
Dr Trilok Chand, Specialist — Respiratory Medicine at Burjeel Hospital, too recommends staying away from exercises or active sports when you have respiratory infection or acute asthma attacks. However, if your asthma is well controlled, exercise will be beneficial.
Travel with care
Dr Sandeep Pargi, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, says sufficient planning is essential for an asthmatic before any kind of travel. The first step is to visit your doctor and discuss all precautions to avoid exacerbations. While travelling, ensure you carry your prescribed medicines including inhalers and the medication to be taken in case of emergencies. “Make sure your mode of commute is well planned at all times,” he says. “Stay cautious when engaging in activities that expose you to dust like a safari.”
Dr Mukherjee adds that cabin pressure, adjusting to new climates and being active tourists can affect your asthma condition. Her checklist includes carrying an asthma attack card and a personal action plan to treat yourself when need be. “Be aware that pollen seasons vary in different countries, which can sometimes worsen the asthma,” she says. “When booking a hotel, book a non-smoking room and opt for an air-conditioned room.”
Similarly, Dr Chand wants you to keep in mind the environment conditions of the destination and potential asthma triggers while travelling. “Do not change your asthma medications or schedule before travel. Pack your asthma kit in a carry-on bag with controller and rescue medications.”
He advises taking a flu vaccine and avoiding infection. “Consider skipping the pool, as pool water or chlorine can exacerbate your asthma.”
Pregnancy precautions
Dr Pargi says asthma is one of the most common forms of chronic lung diseases in pregnancy and can cause decreased oxygenation. “The condition if not managed properly during pregnancy can be fatal to the growing foetus,” he says. “Pregnancy does not cause asthma, however if you already have asthma, the condition may worsen during pregnancy.
A lot of times symptoms manifested are either disregarded or misunderstood. He also recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid complications.
Dr Mukherjee says that if you are asthmatic and expecting, it is important to consult your doctor to understand the severity of your condition and prescribe the appropriate medicine. “They can tell you what medicines are safe to take during your pregnancy and talk you through all the things you can do to stay well with your asthma,” she says.
Also, exercise with caution if being active in the past has triggered an attack.
Dr Chand insists that you should not stop asthma medications during pregnancy, without a physician’s advice.
Stay away from feathery or furry pets, keep home clean, eat nutritious diet and avoid smoking. “Use mask in extreme weather conditions, stay up to date with immunisation, including flu vaccine, and do not refrain to take steroid containing inhalers during pregnancy — these are the main stem of asthma treatment, even during pregnancy,” he explains.