World Asthma Day
Posted on May 07 2019
Today is World Asthma Day. It is an inflammatory condition of airway that affects people of all ages and groups. This imposes a human and economic burden on the individual and family
As per a News18 articlethere are 300 million + asthmatics worldwide with 1/10th of those living in India.
According to India's largest community of verified doctors Curofy in a poll of 1040 doctors, 82% said that there has been an increased asthma incidence in children due to increased environmental pollution.
Though asthma is thought to have a genetic predilection, the recent increase in asthma in children is a cause of concern. This surge has been blamed on various causes ranging from allergies to environmental pollution.
Environment pollution needs to be controlled to save our younger generation.
Asthma triggers
Mayo Clinic has outlined various possible asthma triggers . Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:
- Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
- Cold air
- Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
- Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen
- Strong emotions and stress
- Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
The Truth About the Air You Breathe
Asthma attacks and symptoms onsets can be triggered and worsened by a number of airborne allergens that we unknowingly breathe in every single day. Smoke, pollen , dust mites, pollutants ,pet allergens and mold are just a few of the unseen irritants in your air that could trigger an attack.
Although unsettling, it is important to realize that the air in your home may be up to two to five times more saturated with these irritants than the outside air.
These days we spend maximum time indoors – either at home , office or in a vehicle.
Taking steps to improve the air quality will definitely help in minimizing some of the common triggers of asthma .
- Keep the floors clean . Use a high quality vaccum that will remove the dust effectively
- Avoid carpets as much as possible
- Make your home a no-smoking zone
- Avoid aerosol sprays , air fresheners
- Switch to mild cleaning agents that do not use chemical fragrances
- Open windows regularly for ventilation and avoid buildup of pollutants indoors
- Bring nature in – add houseplants to your home
- Use eco friendly air purifiers in every room of the house , car and workplace
Remember #EveryBreathMatters