As the title suggests, today is World Asthma Day! On the 2nd May, this annual event is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).
As the title suggests, today is World Asthma Day! On the 2nd May, this annual event is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).But we all know what asthma is, right? Actually, this isn’t the case. If it was, the multitudes of undiagnosed asthma sufferers around the world would have their asthma under control, and we wouldn’t need World Asthma Day to help people get their health back on track!
What is Asthma?
According to www.asthmaaustralia.org.au, asthma is a long-term lung condition. When people have sensitive airways and are exposed to triggers, the airways tighten and swell, and mucous production increases. This is known as a flare-up.
What Are the Symptoms?
Breathlessness is not the only symptom of asthma, but many people consider it to be the main one. People commonly experience tightness in the chest, wheezing and persistent coughing more often than acute “attacks”.
What Causes Asthma?
This is a big question. Why? Because there are a number of causes. For some, asthma can be triggered by colds and flu, which can reduce or become dormant after a period of recovery. One of the biggest triggers is seasonal allergies, such as hay fever and sinus. Other environmental allergies, like cat or dog dander, mould, dust, pollen, perfumes and fragrances, food and additives, chlorine and cleaning products can all be triggers.
When the conditions are set for a flare-up, acute attacks such as exercise-induced asthma can be a very real and scary experience.
Why We Need More Awareness?
There are many people who deal with asthma, who don’t have it under control.
Without the medical care and ongoing support, they live with less air every day, and don’t have the means to improve their health.
This is why an event like World Asthma Day is a fantastic way to spread the word!
Treatments and Care
There are two ways to look at asthma treatment. The first is through medication.
Preventer medication is available and encouraged in both chronic and acute asthma conditions. When flare-ups occur, then an asthma inhaler is used to relieve symptoms. Without these medications on hand, asthma can become a life-threatening issue for a lot of people.
The other way to keep asthma under control is to remove or reduce your triggers. This can be difficult, as many of the triggers are found in daily life. Public gardens and grass, other homes, offices, schools public toilets and shopping centres are all great sources of allergens –pollen, dust, car fumes, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and fragrances.
There is one place we can control our triggers as much as possible… and that is our own home. By steering clear of dust and dander gathering furnishings, and choosing low-allergen cleaning options and foods, the home can be a haven that helps those with asthma find the space to breathe.
We have a lot of people approach us at Eco Grind, looking at polished concrete floors as a solution to their allergy and asthma problems. It can help with reducing dust, is easy to clean, mould resistant, and it doesn’t output the high levels of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that other flooring options can – all things that wreak havoc with sensitive airways.
At Eco Grind, we encourage people to spread the word and raise awareness – and cut through the myths surrounding asthma. Share this information with your family and friends, and make sure the message gets out there!
World Asthma Day might be an annual event, but there is always a need for Australians to be aware of illnesses that affect millions of people. For more information, check out https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/ or http://ginasthma.org/. If you are experiencing asthmatic symptoms or need to better control your asthma, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, and get the fresh air you’ve always wanted!