Change of weather, in particular the contrast between day and night may have an impact on people with asthma, a condition mainly caused by the constriction of muscles around the airways that then become inflamed, narrow and fill with mucus.
“In fact extreme weather can be an asthma trigger in people who are sensitive to not only cold but also hot climate,” said Dr Saipin Littikote, a pediatrician at Mahasarakham Hospital. “A change in temperature _ up or down _ can set off a bronchial spasm, which can become bronchitis that can lead to such symptoms as wheezing, coughing, feeling tight in the chest that make it difficult to breath.”
Asthma symptoms often strike at night during sleep.
In severe cases, asthma attacks can be life-threatening in the absence of timely and proper treatment. but Dr Watchara Boonsawat, president of Easy Asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Clinic Network said that asthma is usually not considered a deadly condition because preventative treatment options are readily available.
“Now standard practice for asthma treatment in Thailand is much better than in the past _ both controllers and relievers,” said Dr Watchara. “It’s unfortunate that some attacks occur as a result of the refusal of patients to accept their asthmatic condition and their poor compliance. while most cases of severe asthma attacks occur in people who don’t have an appropriate treatment and don’t take their medication correctly.”
Today, asthma treatment can be easily accessible. According to Dr Watchara, there are now over 900 hospitals nationwide which develop easy asthma clinics that are able to provide standard treatment for asthma attacks including quick assessment of lung function, inhaler and educational programme on how to well cope with the condition and exercise for asthmatics.
“We believe that the activities can help patients with asthma to this end have improved quality of life,” Dr Watchara said.
Developed since 2009, Easy Asthma Clinic programme is a collaboration between Easy Asthma and COPD Clinic Network and the National Health Security Office. by following the group’s standard treatment guidelines, Dr Watchara said it’s found that the number of patients with acute asthma attack have decreased to less than 50 per 100,000 population. the number of patients who have been treated with steroid medication increased, while the number of patients needing admission decreased.
“All clinics, even in some rural areas, are now able to provide standard practice for asthma treatment so that they provide convenience for patients who don’t need to visit a provincial hospital,” said Dr Watchara.
To keep asthma attack at bay, nothing is important than the classic self-care measure of taking good care of oneself. to achieve this, asthmatics should eat well-balanced meals that include different food groups and regularly exercise.
“Asthmatics should drink enough fluids every day, as well,” said Dr Saipin, who is also president of Holistic Asthma Care Model of Mahasarakam Hospital that won the first prize at the EACC Excellence Award 2011, given to hospitals that have an outstanding record for asthma treatment.
Another key element of asthma attacks, control and prevention, Dr Saipin said, is to avoid triggers, pollen, airborne allergens. Dusty bedroom particularly can exacerbate asthma. the doctor drew attention to bedding, pillows, rugs and carpets where dust and invisible dust mites may be present and can accumulate.
“Hanging blankets in the sun may not be enough,” said Dr Saipin. “Better wash the sheets and blankets every week in hot water for more than 30 minutes to kill dust mites. and make sure that water is hotter than 55-60 Celsius.”
Patients with asthma, Dr Saipin said, are recommended to have a peak flow metre, a tool that is used to monitor asthma symptoms, at home. It’s a simple device that asthmatics can use to measure how well their lungs are working so that they can decide if they need to take action in order to keep asthma exacerbation under control.
“On top of that, asthmatics should have a thorough knowledge of their illnesses that can be varied with season, and record their illnesses that can help them monitor and manage symptoms effectively. Also strictly follow medication and treatment plan as prescribed by a doctor,” Dr Saipin said.
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