5 things people with asthma can do to protect themselves during a pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic continues in all its splendor, and while many countries are considering lifting restrictions and reviving economies, many people remain afraid to go out and catch it. Especially those who suffer from other diseases such as asthma.

People diagnosed with asthma have narrower and more inflamed airways than those without, and often produce extra mucus. In fact, they are among those most at risk of contracting the new coronavirus, so they must be especially careful to avoid it.

To help them in this task, several experts on the subject have issued a series of recommendations that people with this lung disease can follow to avoid an asthma attack in the midst of this pandemic.

Know the triggers of asthma

According to Mayo Clinic, asthma triggers can vary from person to person, but the most common are contact with cold air, the presence of pollen or pollutants in the air, pet dander, and even stress.

Likewise, beer, dried fruits and shrimp could also be a trigger due to the sulfites and preservatives that have added, so the diet should be careful.

"I hope every asthmatic understands well the things that are most likely to trigger their asthma and tries to avoid them," Rizzo told CNN, urging those affected to be vigilant about their particular triggers.

Identify early symptoms

Experts on the subject recommend that asthma sufferers keep track of symptoms such as cough and wheezing, as well as chest tightness and pain, all of which are typical of the disease. They should even use peak flow meters to measure the strength of the breath.

"They must assess how often they are searching for their rescue medications. They should assess how often they wake up at night with coughing or wheezing. These are the signs of some instability that could be occurring. "

On the other hand, Lakiea Wright, specialist in allergies and immunology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, suggests taking the temperature daily so that, when going to the consultation, they have a record of it that would be useful for your doctor.

Medications on hand

People with asthma should have their medications on hand, and this includes their rescue inhaler in case of an attack. The disease can disappear for years in many people, but they must still make sure that these resources are not expired.

"We have data that suggests you should have a rescue inhaler no matter what else you are taking," American Lung Association spokesman Dr. Mitchell Glass told CNN. "So that would be your albuterol or levalbuterol, the inhaler strictly for rescue if you have an acute attack."

Using the inhaler correctly

It is also necessary to have a good understanding of the treatment to be used in the event of an asthma attack, and to know the correct way to use them, either through an inhaler or a spacer. This recommendation is valid for both children and adults.

"I have (patients) getting their inhalers and spacer and demonstrating how they are using it to make sure they are using it correctly," Dr. Matt Dougherty, pediatrician at Esse Health in St. Louis, Missouri, told CNN.

Have an action plan

With everything said so far, it is more than clear that people with asthma must have an action plan that includes knowing how to use what medications to use and how to use them, and from this discern the need to see a doctor.

"That asthma action plan will help them decide: 'Do I need to call my doctor and get some additional medication?' And I emphasize calling a doctor because you don't want to rush to the office or the emergency room unless you're in severe distress, "Rizzo concluded.