Asthma and Medical ID Bracelets
According to the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 25-million Americans suffer from this condition. And more than 7.7% of adults and 8.4% of children in the United States have asthma. While asthma can be a minor condition for some people, it can be a major illness that affects the quality of life for some others. The latter can experience life-threatening asthma attacks at times. This article provides information on the importance of wearing an asthmatic bracelet if you suffer from chronic asthmatic conditions.
Symptoms of Asthma
While the condition cannot be permanently cured, asthma attack symptoms can be controlled. The symptoms of the condition may vary from individual to individual. Some people may have symptoms all the time while others may have symptoms only at specific times such as when exercising or being exposed to dust mites. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of an asthmatic attack include:
. Tightness or pain in the chest area
. Shortness of breath
. Coughing and wheezing
. Sleeping trouble due to wheezing and shortness of breath
. A whistling sound when exhaling
Some people get asthma symptoms and flare-ups during certain situations such as:
. Exercising - Exercise-induced asthma can worsen when working out in cold and dry air
. Allergies - Allergy-induced asthma is usually triggered by airborne substances such as mold spores, pollen, and pet dander
. Occupational - Occupational asthma is triggered by workplace irritants such as gases, dust, and chemicals
The actual cause of the condition is still a mystery. But medical experts believe that both the environment and genetics have a role to play in contracting the disease. There are many environmental triggers that can increase asthma flare-ups. These triggers may differ from person to person. The common triggers include:
. Common cold, flu, and other respiratory illness
. Cold and dry air
. Physical activity such as exercising
. Airborne substances such as mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and cockroach waste
. Air pollutants like smoke
. Certain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and beta-blockers
. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease
. Emotions and stress
There are many other factors that could increase your risk of asthma such as:
. Smoking
. Obesity
. Hereditary conditions where a parent or sibling is suffering from the condition
. Having an allergy
. Exposure to environmental pollutants
Asthma can worsen when not treated immediately. The symptoms of the condition can easily interfere with your work and recreational activities. You will have more sick days where you stay away from work or school when the condition worsens. Permanent narrowing of the airways or bronchial tubes can result in breathing difficulties. You may require emergency room visits for severe asthma attacks.
Asthma Prevention and Treatments
While there is no permanent cure for asthma, you can work together with your healthcare provider to develop a step-by-step plan for living with the condition. Here are some steps you need to follow to manage or prevent asthma flare-ups from interfering with the quality of your life.
. Getting Vaccinated For Influenza - The flu is a major trigger of asthmatic attacks. That's why you need to stay current with vaccinations for flu and pneumonia.. Following An Action Plan - Your healthcare provider will offer a detailed plan for managing and preventing the condition. Asthma is a long-term condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Following the asthma action plan is important to manage and prevent the condition from interfering with your day-to-day life.
. Monitor Your Breathing - Your awareness is important to prevent asthma attacks. You should learn to recognize warning signs of the condition such as slight coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Get a home peak flow meter to regularly measure and record your peak airflow.
. Avoid Asthma Triggers - Avoid any triggers that can worsen your asthmatic condition. Both indoor and outdoor pollutants should be avoided for this purpose.
. Take The Medications As Prescribed - Just because the condition seems to be improving, don't change your medications without consulting with your healthcare provider. Long-term treatment is needed to manage asthma.
. Wear A Medical Alert Bracelet - While most asthma attacks are manageable, there are times when the attack can be extreme. The people surrounding the patient should have an idea about the condition of the patient. That's where an asthma bracelet or a medical alert bracelet comes in handy. The bracelet will alert the others about the wearer's health status. And, also alert people, such as first-aid staff, rescuers, and medical professionals of the appropriate action to perform when the wearer is involved in an emergency. That's why you need to invest in an asthmatic bracelet for yourself or your loved one who suffers from asthma.