Every year we celebrate National Asthma Week, and 2020 was no exception.
National Asthma Week in Australia is celebrated in the first week of September, and our theme this year is “Busting Asthma Myths”. We are debunking the myths surrounding asthma by stating the facts and clearing up all the misconceptions about this chronic disease.
Breath in. Breath out.
Let’s start this article by reminding you how these simple actions can help those living with asthma.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterised by the swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, usually in reaction to allergens, stress, physical exhaustion, or extreme temperature changes. Recurrent attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath are often the symptoms of asthma. Asthma is a life-long condition and not exactly curable, but it can be controlled to a certain extent.
FACTS:
- 1/3 of Australia (63%) are impacted by asthma, and the main risk of an attack of asthma is every September in Australia. This is due to temperature change and an increase in pollen count, which may trigger an asthma attack for some people.
- Women are twice as prone to having asthma as men. Studies have discovered that hormone fluctuation and gender differences can contribute to higher asthma rates among women.
- A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise can significantly improve lung health and prevent development.
Busting Asthma Myths
Now we have mentioned asthma facts, we will move on to asthma myths which is the main theme of this year’s event. Here are some misconceptions many people might have.
- Asthma is psychological only.
- Asthma symptoms are the same for everyone.
- People with asthma can’t exercise.
- Asthma can’t be fatal.
- People can outgrow asthma.
All of these are myths, and they do not entirely represent the asthma condition.
First, asthma is not psychological. As mentioned, it is a chronic ailment characterised by narrowing and swelling in the airway. And NOT all symptoms are the same. They differ from one patient to the next and may also vary from episode to episode.
People with asthma need not be wary of exercising for fear of aggravating their condition. In fact, proper and regular exercise has been proven to be beneficial for people with asthma. Unfortunately, asthma attacks can be fatal. They are rare, but they happen. Asthma symptoms can differ, but they do not entirely go away. There is no current cure, and symptoms can resurface at any time.
Now that we set the record straight on the most common myths about asthma, let’s move on to the asthma action plan and First Aid for Asthma.
Controlling Asthma
Studies show that 60% of asthma-related deaths would have been prevented if people had knowledge of basic asthma care. The best way to manage and reduce the severity of asthma symptoms is to take a proactive approach to consult your doctor on having an asthma action plan and ensuring that medications are used correctly and reach the lungs during an asthmatic episode.
During an Asthma attack:
1. Follow the Person’s Asthma Plan, if possible
2. Give Asthma First Aid
- Sit the person upright.
- If there is inhaler medication, assist the person in using it.
- Use an inhaler with a spacer, if possible.
- Continue using the inhaler until breathing becomes normal
3. Monitor the Person’s Condition
- If there is no improvement, dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
National Asthma Awareness Week is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of asthma in the general population and highlighting ways to help people manage this condition
For more information about Asthma and Asthma First Aid Course, call 08 8382 4677 or click here.
