7 Health Tips for Asthma
7 Health Tips for Asthma
I have picked 7 of the most relevant health tips for asthma, given the current COVID-19 situation.
There is a general feeling of helplessness and vulnerability as we head into uncertain times and rightly so. With an asthma diploma up my sleeve, I am putting my skills to use by providing a health tips for asthma guide. Take a look at ways to try and avoid catching the virus and to keep healthy and on top of your asthma.
1. Follow Hygiene Advice
It has been said from the start of the outbreak, that following good hand washing techniques will help stop the spread of coronavirus. This means using soap and water and washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. IF you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, then hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is a good substitute.
Ensure surfaces are regularly cleaned with antibacterial spray/wipes. Handles, surfaces, keyboards are good places to start with. If you or anyone you know coughs or sneezes, they must catch it in a tissue or their sleeve. Avoid catching in hands and ensure tissues are put straight in the bin and hands are immediately washed.
2. Social Distancing
Follow government guidelines, check here for regular updates. If you have to go out then please ensure that you are 2 meters apart from other individuals. If you or someone in your home has symptoms of COVID-19 then self-isolation must be practised and you must remain 2 meters away.
3. Preventer Medication
If you have been prescribed preventative medication for your asthma by your GP/Asthma Nurse then please continue to take throughout the next few weeks. A preventer inhaler is normally an inhaler that is not your blue one. If you haven’t been taking your inhaler as advised, then please start taking it now and continue to do so until advised otherwise.
4. Reliever Inhaler
You must carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times to treat the sudden onset of asthma symptoms such as cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. This is normally a blue coloured inhaler. If your inhaler is like the one used in the infographic at the end of the blog (PMDI), it is best to use via a spacer or aero-chamber device.
5. Asthma Action Plan
Your Asthma Nurse should have provided you with an Asthma Action Plan. These are important now more than ever. Your Asthma Action Plan will guide you on the best course of action if you feel your asthma is changing. As people are being asked to avoid places like their GP surgery, it is highly likely if you do need medical advice – it will be given over the phone or online. Your Asthma Action Plan will also help your Nurse or GP with how you are feeling, what your symptoms are and what current medication you are taking. If you don’t have an Asthma Action Plan, you can download one here.
6. Peak Flow Meter
Peak Flow readings are a really useful way to monitor your asthma and work well alongside an Asthma Action Plan. Your Peak Flow readings will tell you if your asthma is stable or whether or not you should take action. If you are not regularly checking your Peak Flow, now is a good time to start. You can buy one online, from your pharmacy or order from your GP surgery.
7. Hayfever
Spring is in the air and for those that suffer from hayfever, it is not an always welcomed time of year! If you get hayfever and it impacts on your asthma, now is a good time to start taking your antihistamines and nasal spray. If you go outside for exercise, ensure you change your clothes and have a shower when you get home as pollen is a stickler for clothing and hair!
So there you have it, 7 Health Tips for Asthma. I hope you found them useful? Remember to ensure that you have the right medication at home but DO NOT stockpile – there is no known shortage of medication as things stand. Keep up to date with current government advice, stay safe and stay healthy!