asthma | signs, causes,triggers and first aid

ASTHMA:Because out of all the things you could be bad at…

You suck at breathing.

ASTHMA | Definition

What is Asthma?1

ASTHMAAsthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

.

ASTHMA | Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?2

Asthma signs and symptoms include:◉Shortness of breath◉Chest tightness or pain◉Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or

wheezing◉A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a

common sign of asthma in children)◉Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a

respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

ASTHMA | Causes, Triggers & Risk factors

What causes asthma?3

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited)

factors.

Causes of Asthma

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:

Factors that Triggers Asthma

Asthma Triggers include:

Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites.|Respiratory infections, such as the common cold|Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)

|

Strong emotions and stress|Physical activity(exercise-induced asthma)|Sulphites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine

|

Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke|Cold air|Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat|

Risk factors of Asthma

•Exposure to second-hand smoke•Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution•Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing

A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These include:

•Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma•Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)•Being overweight•Being a smoker

ASTHMA | InhalersWhat are the types of inhalers?4

Types of inhalers and their uses◉ Metered-dose

(MDI)

◉ The most common type of inhaler is the

pressurized metered-dose inhaler

 (MDI). In MDIs, medication is

typically stored in solution in a

pressurized canister that contains a

propellant, although it may also be a suspension. On

activation, the metered-dose

inhaler releases a fixed dose of

medication in aerosol form.

An asthma spacer is an add-on device used to increase the ease of administering aerosolized medication from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Types of inhalers and their uses

Nebulizerssupply the medication as an

aerosol created from an aqueous formulation.

Nasal inhalers contain decongestant drugs to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Many are sold over-the-counter without a prescription.

Types of inhalers and their uses

Types of inhalers and their uses

Dry powder inhalers release a metered or device-measured

dose of powdered medication that is inhaled through a DPI device.

ASTHMA | First Aid

What to do during asthma attack?5

First Aid | With the use of an inhaler

If there’s st

ill no

impro

vement call f

or

emergency assistance

Give medicatio

n

Sit the person upright

Wait 4 minutes

_Shake the blue releiver puffer

_Use a spacer if you have one

_Give 4 separate puffs into the spacer

_Take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff

2

_If there is no improvement, reapeat step 23

_Be calm and reassuring

_Do not leave them alone1

_Tell the operator the person is having an asthma attack

_Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes while you wait for emergency assistance 4

“Never, ever let up on your asthma medications even if you feel your condition has improved,” -A/Prof Loo.

Asthma needs constant care and proper management at all times. Your very life depends on it.

However, should you be caught without your inhaler due to unforeseen circumstances, you could try these coping techniques:

First Aid | Without inhaler

1. Sit upright 2. Take long, deep breaths 3. Stay calm

Stop whatever you are doing and sit upright. Bending over or lying down can constrict your breathing even

more

This helps to slow down your breathing and prevent

hyperventilation. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through

your mouth.

Staying calm may prevent further tightening of your chest muscles and

make your breathing easier.

If the wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty do not subside

after a period of rest, seek immediate medical attention.

Hot caffeinated drinks like coffee can help to open up the airways slightly, providing

some relief for an hour or two. Both contain a chemical similar to the old

asthma medicine theophylline. (These days, there’s usually better medicine with

fewer side effects, but theophylline worked.) Many doctors deduce, however, that the amounts in these drinks are too small to do much good, but seems to me they’re worth a try. Don’t go overboard. You’re probably drinking a cup or two a

day already, and that’s plenty.

. The asthma attack could be triggered by dust, cigarette smoke or

the smell of chemicals (e.g., ammonia, chlorine gas, sulphur

dioxide). Get away from the trigger as soon as possible and go to an air-

conditioned environment or any place with clean air.

6. Seek emergency medical help

5. Take a hot caffeinated beverage4. Get away from the trigger

THANKS!

Any questions?

“Love is not what takes you by surpriseAnd leaves you totally breathless.

Dude, it’s called asthma attack.

CREDITSSpecial thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free:

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Reporters:SY, Van AngeloSANTIAGO, Jane MaryeleBERNARDO, Tijohna IngridMALLARI, Jamaica SEVILLANO, MarilynKAWAGUCHI, Mikki

Powerpoint presentation:SAMALCA, Rizza Mae

REFERENCEShttp://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asthma-treatment

http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2012/05/03/asthma-attack-without-inhaler-9/

http://www.healthxchange.com.sg/healthyliving/ManagingChronicIllnesses/Pages/How-to-Survive-an-Asthma-Attack-if-Youre-Caught-Without-Your-Inhaler.aspx

http://bottomlinehealth.com/how-to-survive-an-asthma-attack-without-an-inhaler/

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Asthma-medications-and-inhaler-devices

http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice/illnesses-and-conditions/asthma-attack.aspx

http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/first-aid