Bronchial asthma, or simply asthma, is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. Clinically, it is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, with or without chest tightness or cough, which can lead to airway structural changes over time.
Surveys show that asthma affects over 260 million people annually and results in more than 450,000 deaths. However, many of these cases are preventable. May 6th, which just passed, marked World Asthma Day this year, themed “Unleashing the Power of Education,” emphasizing the need for asthma patients to receive necessary education to better manage and control their condition. Treating asthma is a long-term commitment that requires joint efforts from both healthcare providers and patients to cooperate in treatment and build a line of defense for health. Here are some basic aspects to consider in daily management for asthma patients.
Proper Use of Inhalation Medications
Common bronchodilator drugs can be administered via inhalation, orally, or intravenously. Compared to other methods, inhalants have advantages such as smaller doses, fewer systemic adverse reactions, rapid onset, and suitability for long-term treatment. Therefore, inhalation medications form the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Asthma patients should master the correct inhalation technique and use them regularly at the frequency prescribed by their doctor, without reducing the dose or discontinuing medication without consultation.
Regular Follow-up Visits
Asthma patients should schedule regular follow-up visits, even if they feel well and their asthma is under control without any episodes. They should see a respiratory specialist at least once a year and undergo lung function tests and other relevant examinations to assess their lung function and receive effective advice to help better control and prevent asthma.
Avoid Adverse Factors
Asthma patients should avoid factors that may trigger asthma attacks in their daily lives.
Firstly, avoid inhalation allergens. The dry and windy seasons of spring and autumn make it easy for airborne pollen from certain plants and flowers to float in the air, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal itching, coughing, and runny nose when inhaled, potentially triggering an asthma attack. Therefore, during windy weather and in spring and autumn, it's best to stay indoors. If going out is necessary, wear a mask to prevent inhaling allergens that could trigger asthma.
Secondly, avoid ingesting allergens through food. In daily life, various allergenic substances may be encountered, including not only inhalation allergens but also those ingested. Common foods such as milk, animal meats, seafood, and nuts contain foreign proteins, and eating these foods can be a significant factor in triggering bronchial asthma. Therefore, asthma patients should avoid, to the extent possible, foods that they suspect might cause allergic reactions based on past experiences.
In addition, actively prevent colds. After catching a cold, asthma patients are prone to develop bronchial asthma or worsen existing symptoms. Some may also develop bacterial respiratory infections, complicating the condition further. Therefore, asthma patients should pay closer attention to changes in weather and adjust their clothing accordingly. They should also avoid crowded places to prevent colds from triggering or worsening asthma.
Herbal Tea with Traditional Chinese Medicine
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, asthma is caused by phlegm lodging in the lungs, triggered by certain factors or pathogens, closely related to phlegm. Drinking Tangerine Peel Black Tea can strengthen the spleen and resolve phlegm, aiding in asthma control. Take 5 grams each of tangerine peel, poria, and ginger, place them in a cup, pour in an appropriate amount of boiling water, and steep for 15 minutes before drinking once the temperature is suitable. Consume once daily.
Editor: Zhang Zhiyuan