Self Care Articles

Is this your symptom?

• You are having an asthma attack
• Use this care guide only if a doctor has told you that you have asthma

Symptoms of Asthma

• Symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, a cough, tight chest, and trouble breathing.
• Wheezing is the classic symptom. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling or purring sound. You can hear it best when you are breathing out.
• The diagnosis of asthma requires attacks of wheezing or trouble breathing that recur. This may start in childhood or later in life.

Causes (Triggers) of Asthma Attacks

• Infections that affect breathing(like colds or the flu). You often can't avoid these. Know that they might cause you to wheeze and use your inhalers, as instructed.
• Pollens(trees, grass and weeds). Keep windows closed and stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Animals(dogs, cats or rabbits). If they are a trigger for you, avoid contact with them, if you can. Do not allow them into your bedroom. Bathe them regularly.
• Tobacco smoke. Avoid smoking. Quit, if you are a smoker. Avoid second-hand smoke, too. If anyone in the family smokes, ask them to quit or ask them to smoke outdoors (away from you).
• Irritants(such as smog, car exhaust, barns, dirty basement). Avoid areas where there may be dust or fumes. Keep an eye on weather reports of the air quality. Stay indoors if the air quality is poor. Storms and bad weather can also trigger attacks.
• Food Allergy (serious). Asthma attacks caused by a food allergy can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Common triggers are nuts or fish. Avoid foods that you know will trigger your asthma.
• House Dust Mites.
  • Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself.
  • Don't use down-filled bedding: pillows, quilts, or comforters.
  • Wash your bedding weekly and dry it completely.
  • Vacuum carpets, area rugs, and floors weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Keep relative humidity levels in the home low, around 30- 50%.
• Pests(mice, cockroaches) are often found where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. To control pests in your home:
  • Clean dishes, crumbs, and spills right away.
  • Keep trash outdoors or in a sealed container.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Vacuum or sweep areas that might attract pests every 2-3 days.
  • Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean.
• Exercise can trigger an asthma attack.
• Mold.
  • Mold grows in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Clean these areas weekly. Remove mold as soon as it starts to appear.
  • Keep rooms well ventilated or use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
  • Fix any leaks that are causing dampness. Replace any materials that have become badly affected by mold, such as carpets or rugs.

Asthma Attack Scale

• Mild - Green Zone (doing well). No asthma symptoms. You can talk normally. Normal work, activities and sleep. Peak Flow Rate 80-100% of normal rate.
• Mild - Yellow Zone. No breathing problems. May have a mild cough or wheezing off and on that does not last. Peak Flow Rate higher than 80% of normal rate.
• Moderate - Yellow Zone (getting worse). Some breathing problems. Speaks in short phrases. Wheezing can be heard. Mild retractions are present (ribs pull in with each breath). Chest might feel tight. Frequent cough. Peak Flow Rate 50-80% of normal rate.
• Severe - Red Zone (medical alert). Lots of breathing problems. Speaks in single words. Wheezing may be loud. Rarely, wheezing is absent due to poor air movement. Retractions may be severe. Peak Flow Rate less than 50% of normal rate.
• 911 asthma symptoms. Struggling to breathe. Can't speak. Drowsy or confused. Plus other Severe asthma symptoms (above).
• Some people with asthma can get worse (go from mild to severe) very quickly. If this has happened to you before, get care right away if you start to wheeze.

Peak Flow Meter:

• A peak flow meter measures Peak Flow Rates (PFR). It tells us how well a person can move air out of the lungs.