Do you have asthma? Then you know that your lungs react very sensitively to stimuli such as smoke, exhaust fumes, dust mites or pets. This can make you feel stuffy or cough. If this happens suddenly, it is called an asthma attack. Fortunately, this is not the case for everyone. How bad the asthma is varies from person to person. But what exactly is asthma? And did you know that there are different types of asthma? And how can you learn to manage it better? In this blog, you will find the answers to these questions.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition of the lungs in which your airways become inflamed. As a result, they become narrower and breathing becomes more difficult. Asthma can be aggravated by various factors, such as allergies, pollution or infections. It is a condition with many faces and manifests itself differently in everyone. For some, sudden asthma attacks occur, while others suffer from persistent symptoms.
What forms of asthma are there?
Asthma is a complex condition that can manifest itself in different ways. The forms of asthma differ in how the symptoms develop and how they affect your daily life. You can even have several forms at once. Often, your body reacts to one or more stimuli that trigger the symptoms. Sometimes you notice something right away, sometimes it takes hours before you experience symptoms.
Allergic asthma
This is the most common form. Your symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to, for example, pollen, moulds, house dust mites, animal dander, certain foods or even medicines.
Non-allergic asthma (intrinsic asthma)
Here, the symptoms do not arise from an allergy, but from other stimuli such as exhaust fumes, smoke, air pollution, fine dust, perfumes or cleaning products. The weather - cold, fog or humidity - can also play a role. Your body reacts to these factors even without an allergic reaction.
Exercise asthma
With exertional asthma, you suffer from shortness of breath during physical exertion, such as sports. Stress or intense emotions can also trigger the symptoms. Cold and humid air often make it worse.
Severe asthma
If you have severe asthma, you often experience constant shortness of breath and wheezing, even when taking medication. This form is difficult to treat and requires intensive, specialised care.
How do you recognise asthma?
The symptoms of asthma vary greatly from person to person, depending on the form and stimuli. Common symptoms are:
- Coughing, especially at night
- Tightness
- Squeaky breathing
- Periods of a lot of coughing and phlegm
- Being less fit: difficulty exercising or moving
- Having an attack due to breathing too fast and high during exercise
Do you recognise one or more of these symptoms? If so, it is important to see a GP. Only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis with tests.
What can you do yourself to make coping with asthma easier?
With the right treatment, you can usually lead a normal life. Because you live with asthma 24 hours a day, it is important to find a good balance. Focus on what you can still do and take into account what you cannot do (for a while). These tips can help:
Tip 1: Get moving
Find a form of exercise that suits you. Consider walking, cycling or a supervised sports programme. Endurance sports such as running and cycling can improve your fitness and oxygen intake. Yoga and pilates help improve your breathing and strengthen your posture. Do you experience tightness during exercise? Then consult your doctor on how to stay active without worsening your symptoms.
Tip 2: Ensure a healthy lifestyle
Do you smoke? Quitting is then the best thing you can do for your lungs. Nutrition also plays a role. Omega-3 (especially from fish) has an anti-inflammatory effect. Caffeine can temporarily improve your breathing. Vitamins B6 and C strengthen your resistance and help your body fight infections.
Tip 3: Avoid your asthma triggers
Do you know what your stimuli are? For example: house dust mites can aggravate symptoms. Vacuuming daily helps. Stress can also worsen your symptoms, so try to limit stress as much as possible. By learning to recognise your triggers, you can avoid them more easily.
Tip 4: Know your medicine
There are two types of medication: for daily protection and for acute relief. The daily medicines reduce inflammation and prevent attacks. The other you use for sudden symptoms. Always make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly and keep it handy for emergencies.
Tip 5: Get guidance from a specialist physiotherapist
A specialist physiotherapist can help you cope with asthma. Whether you want to learn to breathe better, adjust your activities or understand your medication better, they are there for you.
Need extra support?
Do you have complaints and could use some help? Then make an appointment with one of our specialised physiotherapists. Just call 085-5000333, mail to info@friskfysio.nl or fill in the contact form In.
