New Delhi: There are a number of different things that can increase your chances of developing asthma - a chronic lung condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Family history, having a severe respiratory infection as a child, having an allergic condition, or being exposed to certain chemicals that can cause asthma are the most common risk factors for developing the condition.
Asthma has no cure but it can be managed with medications, including inhalers that help prevent and treat symptoms of long-term lung disease. In fact, there’s good evidence that shows basic asthma care can help save lives. Yet, a survey carried out by the Asthma UK has found that young people have greater chances of having a deadly asthma attack than any other age group living with the condition.
According to a BBC report, the findings from the survey of more than 10,000 people with asthma also showed that young adults are twice as likely as people over 60 to need emergency care for their condition. The Asthma UK poll, which included 751 replies from people aged 18-29, also found that two-thirds (67%) of young adults reported they were not getting basic asthma care, higher than any other age group.
Basic asthma care: Why it matters
The Asthma UK says basic asthma care can help reduce your annoying symptoms that affect your life as well as cut your risk of needing emergency treatment. This strategy consists of three simple elements -
A written asthma action plan - it will tell you what medicine to take and when, how to identify if your asthma’s getting worse and what to do, etc. It will also help you spot the signs of an asthma attack, thereby reducing your risk of landing up at hospital emergency with the condition.
Inhaler technique check - knowing and using the right inhaler technique is extremely important. It can really make a difference on how well you manage your symptoms. Using the correct inhaler technique means you’re breathing in the medicine straight into your lungs, where it’s needed. You’re also less likely to get side effects of the medicine.
You can check out these short videos by Asthma UK to learn how to use your inhaler properly and better manage your asthma symptoms
An annual action review - you can talk to your doctor about anything that may concern you, how you are or even check things like peak flow readings that can help you and your healthcare provider monitor asthma control.