ASTHMA; A life threatening disease by Elegbede Victoria

By Victoria Elegbede

“He took me by surprise, I was shocked, he blocked my airways, seized my breathe, I felt life moving out of me; Tried to mutter few words but none came through. He was ASTHMA”.

Asthma is a chronic disease which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, it may produce mucus; thereby restricting the flow of oxygen which sustains life.

The development of asthma was traced to environmental factors such as allergens, mould spores, pollen, chemical fumes, dust, cold-dry air. Smoking or indirect inhalation of narcotics during pregnancy can cause asthma in the foetus.

Accumulation of waste product and mucus in the system can cause asthma that’s why it is common to see asthmatics having problem with excretory organs.

Hormones play a significant role in triggering asthma. According to centers for disease control (CDC), “Asthma is more common in adult women than men”.

This was also backed up by Medical News Today which stated that ” Asthma may worsen during menstruation while it may improve during menopause” Hormones at work!

It is important to know that asthma symptoms are not the same for all asthmatics. You may have different symptoms at different times.

This is why it is important to know your asthma triggers; signs and symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include; coughing, wheezing, chest tightness,trouble sleeping and shortness of breathe.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee,an asthma patient once said and I quote “There are few restrictions on your life with asthma, as long as you take care of yourself” the question is “How can you take care of yourself? ” See a doctor so as to get proper care and suitable inhaler or nebuliser.

Avoid medications that triggers asthma, for example, Aspirin,non-steroid,beta-blockers (for treating high blood pressure). Be careful during cold-dry weather, stay warm.

Stay away from pollutants and allergens that triggers your asthma attack. Castor oil and honey in a 1:5 proportion is a great reliever during asthma attacks, a tablespoon for adult and teaspoon for children but not to be taken by pregnant women. Swedish bitters rubbed on the chest,ribs and back during attack is a good reliever too. Harry styles, an asthmatic pop star once said during a concert ” You have asthma?Are you okay? Does anyone else have asthma? Make some noise for asthma!!

© Elegbede Victoria