Last Tuesday was World Asthma Day, and we celebrated it with the first part of an interview with the general director of the Roger Torné Foundation. We still had, however, to present you with a very important document that, in the form of a decalogue, has been edited by the Group of Respiratory Tracks of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics.
As you can imagine, it refers to asthma, and has been disclosed under the premise 'know your asthma so that your asthma doesn't control you' . Despite all the information we have today, there are many people who suffer from asthma, and this prevents them from having a good quality of life. The decalogue can help us because it is written directly and very specifically: We find a brief description of the disease and its symptoms; detail of the triggers (such as mites or animal hair) and reminder about the need for control ... Then I fully copy the decalogue.
- Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the bronchi. Various factors cause the bronchi to swell and narrow hindering the passage of air into the lungs.
- Asthma symptoms are variable and you must recognize them. When an asthma crisis occurs, the main symptoms are cough, beeps coming out of the chest and choking. Sometimes only one of them occurs and other times chest pain or fatigue can occur.
- Asthma is suspected by symptoms, and in older children it can be confirmed with pulmonary function tests such as spirometry. Allergy tests are done to rule out associated allergies. The pediatrician will advise the appropriate time to do them.
- Asthma can be triggered by several causes. The main triggers are allergies (mites, pollens, fungi, animal hair), respiratory viruses and exercise. Exposure to tobacco smoke and pollution are other factors that cause asthma and make it worse. Avoid them!
- Good control is essential. Symptoms appear if asthma is not controlled. Avoid triggers and treat airway inflammation with the control medication indicated by your pediatrician. Treat symptoms early when they appear.
- There are two types of asthma medications: those that relieve it, which are used when symptoms appear (bronchodilators); and those who control inflammation or anti-inflammatories. Your pediatrician will recommend them if you need them and will tell you when you have to leave them..
- Use inhalers well. They are devices that help introduce medication into the airways while you breathe. Rehearse its use with your pediatrician or nurse! You have more information on: Management of inhalation devices in the treatment of asthma
- Use the written and personalized treatment plan that you have agreed with your pediatrician. It will clearly indicate the triggers to avoid, the bronchodilators to take in case of symptoms and the control treatment to follow to control asthma in the long term.
- The school must offer a safe environment. Teachers should know if you have asthma to help you in case of presenting a crisis or symptoms with the exercise and collaborating with your parents and your pediatrician informing them.
- With the right treatment you can make a normal life. Even, practice the sport that you like. Being active will help your health.
As you can see the content of this decalogue is very complete, and at the same time simple to remember.
