Asthma is a condition in which the airways in the lungs constrict, potentially getting blocked by mucus due to environmental as well as psychological triggers. Its main symptoms involve coughing, wheezing, tightening of chest, and shortness of breath, with most patients having accompanying allergies and concomitant rhinitis symptoms or concurrent sinus disease which enhances and exaggerates the symptoms. With children and adolescents, Asthma can be diagnosed in two thirds of people before the age of 18 as most develop it before the age of 5. It has been shown that anxiety, depression, as well as family conflicts have been linked to bad control of asthma symptoms and increased rate of hospitalization as a result. The goal of treatment in general is to alleviate the symptoms, but it is often very difficult to do so due to the patient’s inability to stick to a specific plan that allows for the monitoring of the disease (by follow up visits) as well as inadequate knowledge and education about the disease and its elements.
Therefore, the consultation is aimed at informing and explaining to our patients as well as their parents (if applicable) about the conditions of asthma, helping them potentially identify triggers of attack (like air pollution, dust, exercise, sinus infection, flu, perfume, etc…) as well as to keep track of what triggers affect them the most. They would be also informed about the different types of medications they may consider (long term medication like inhaled corticosteroids and short-term medication like inhaled short-acting beta agonist) with their side effects as well as to make sure that the patient understands the importance of carrying short term medication at all times to treat sudden attacks. We also assist our patients with understanding how to use their inhalers properly as improper uses of it compromises the effect of the inhaler on the symptoms. As a result, these consultations allow for patients to learn more about their condition, understand how to monitor it, as well as how to control it through medication and elimination of stress inducing situations.
Simple things you can do to avoid asthma triggers are:
- Protect yourself against dust mites;
- Wash all bedding in hot water at least twice per month;
- Change filters on heaters and air conditioners at least once per year;
- If you cannot get rid of your carpets, vacuum them often with a multi-layer, allergen-proof vacuum bag;
- Dust often and everywhere, including lampshades, walls and windowsills with a damp cloth;
- Store toys and books in closed bookshelves, drawers, or closets;
- Put all clothing in drawers and closets, and keep them closed;
- Cover air ducts with filters or cheesecloth. Change them frequently;
- Do not use pillows and bedding made with feathers;
- Clean bathrooms regularly with products that kill and prevent mould. Use exhaust fans to vent steam after a hot shower;
- Avoid perfumes and cosmetics with strong fragrances (hair shampoos, conditioners, body lotions etc);
- Get flu shots to prevent chest infections;
