Ways To Monitor Your Asthma At Home During These Times
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways and makes them narrow resulting in difficulty in breathing. However, it can be managed well with the help of the right treatment and also with a right Asthma Action Plan.
What is an Asthma Action Plan?
Asthma Action Plan is a personalized plan made in consultation with the doctor that asthmatics can follow to control their asthma and prevent asthma attacks.
Importance of Asthma Action Plan in these times?
In times like these, having an asthma action plan is especially important as it would help keep asthma under control and reduce one’s frequency of going to the doctor. The person can even tele-consult a doctor on how to manage symptoms and adjust medication dose according to the frequency of symptom
An Asthma Action Plan consists of:
- Knowing how to monitor symptoms at home
- Knowing when and how to use an inhaler correctly
- Adjustment in medication dosages, if needed according to symptoms
- Identifying asthma triggers and avoiding them
- Knowing what to do in case of an asthma attack
- Following steps to reduce stress and anxiety, which could trigger an asthma attack
- Lastly, having a good supply of medication to avoid last minute urgency
Home Monitoring of Asthma
Monitoring asthma at home is one of the first steps of an action plan. During these times, the asthma action plan should be in place to help in controlling the symptoms and take the necessary precautions to manage asthma. Asthmatics can take the following steps to monitor asthma at home.
1. Make Sure An Asthma Action Plan Is Ready
An asthma management plan is wherein all the necessary steps are noted down about daily medications and other emergencies. The necessary medications, when to take them, and in which situation must they be taken, should all be mentioned in the asthma action plan. This should be made only under a doctor’s supervision. This sheet can be shared with friends and family members of an asthmatic so that they can help immediately during emergencies.
2. Monitor Breathing Using A Peak Flow Meter
Peak flow meter is a simple and portable hand held device that evaluates peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which is a measure of how hard and fast one can blow out air from their lungs. It helps in ascertaining any obstruction in the lungs. A peak flow meter helps to measure:
- Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) that is the maximum speed at which a person can exhale air from the lungs, after inhaling a big breath
The daily readings of a peak flow meter are essential for monitoring the severity of symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment. Asthmatics must continue to monitor their breathing using a peak flow meter.
Advantages of Peak Flow meter:
- Peak flow monitoring provides asthmatics with an important early warning sign that an asthma episode is approaching.
- When used with a daily log and a clear action plan, peak flow monitoring provides asthmatics with an essential tool in managing their condition.
The peak flow meter will help an asthmatic to know if the symptoms are controlled, and also help to determine the effectiveness of prescribed medications. If a decrease is noticed in the peak flow over time, he/she must go through the asthma action plan and take the appropriate steps.
It is important to keep the peak flow meter clean, one can always read the instructions given in the peak flow meter information leaflet. Make sure to clean the peak flow meter regularly, before and after use to avoid the spread of infection. And never to share a peak flow meter. Store the peak flow meter in a clean, dry place and avoid bringing it in contact with other family members to maintain hygiene.
3. Record Symptoms And Patterns
While using asthma monitoring devices like a peak flow meter, an asthmatic can record any unusual pattern in his or her PEFR that needs attention. He may also record his symptoms as and when he gets them. For instance, the symptoms may worsen mainly at night or morning, or they may occur during or after exercise, or the symptoms may come and go over time during the same day. Letting the doctor know of these patterns can help to identify the type of asthma, and then develop a better plan to monitor asthma at home. In case asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, or chest tightening start to worsen even after using an inhaler, an asthmatic must consider the immediate medical attention of the doctor.
4. Use Daily Maintenance And Controller Medications
An asthmatic is given two types of medications, one is the daily controller medication and the other is quick-relief medication which is used when an asthma attack is experienced. Controller medications help to prevent asthma symptoms for the long term, and an asthmatic must take these medications daily, as prescribed by the doctor. One should also check if all the prescriptions are up to date.
5. Avoid Asthma And Allergy Triggers
Along with taking the daily controller medications, asthmatics need to avoid asthma triggers. Triggers can worsen asthma symptoms or cause an asthma attack, thus asthmatics must avoid common triggers such as smoke, dust, odour, pollen, etc
6. Maintain overall Hygiene
Other measures include overall hygiene to prevent respiratory infections. The use of hand wash and sanitizers is a must. Wearing a mask when moving out and maintaining social distancing is very important. Keeping the inhalation devices clean and dry is also necessary. Keeping the surroundings clean and sanitizing the house must also be done.
During these times, asthmatics can monitor their asthma at home and lead a healthy life. They should follow their doctor’s instructions and advice diligently.
Along with monitoring the symptoms, asthmatics must also take the necessary preventive measures to avoid an anxiety or asthma attack during these times.
Read more to know how asthmatics can control an anxiety attack.
