The COVID-19 pandemic is nothing short of a nightmare for us. It becomes one step more undesirable for patients with respiratory problems, because catching COVID-19 could be potentially fateful for them. Patients with asthma, COPD, bronchitis etc. have probably been on the edge since this pandemic began. It is very essential for them to take extra care and precautions to avoid catching the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asthma can affect people of all ages. Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing or feeling tightness in your chest can vary in intensity and time of occurrence. If an asthma patient gets infected, their chances of developing an asthma attack also increase due to worsening of symptoms. Prevention is the best cure for viral infections. Easy steps to prevent catching an infection are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stress often triggers asthma attacks, especially during uncertain times. When you feel stress building up inside you, try one of the following two exercises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Start by breathing in and out slowly.
2. Use your nose to breathe in and mouth to breathe out.
3. Inhale for 7 seconds, hold your breath 7 seconds and then exhale for 7 seconds.
4. Try to clear your mind of other thoughts while breathing.
5. Do this three times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Select your favourite natural object from around you. Like the clouds, moon or maybe a tree.
2. Try to really focus on it for a minute or two.
4. Don’t think or do anything but focus on your object.
5. Imagine you’re seeing it for the first time. Let yourself be filled with wonder.
6. Relax as you focus and observe it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One might think that by restricting their time spent outside the house, they are safely protecting themselves from the virus. You might be surprised to know that that\u2019s not true! While we are sanitizing every item that we bring into the house, have we given a thought to the air inside our house? We are, after all, breathing it in 24\/7! The quality of air inside your houses plays an important role in determining whether or not we catch a viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you experience any of these symptoms: Dryness and irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and skin, headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, hypersensitivity, dizziness and coughing, but they disappear after you step out of the house for a while, it means that the air quality of your home is contaminated. Here\u2019s how you can make sure the air inside your house stays clean for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should always be ready for when an asthma attack may <\/em>grip you, despite your best efforts. Keep an eye out for emergency symptoms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think you\u2019re having an asthma attack, you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n After an asthma attack, you should see a doctor immediately. Keep your family and friends informed and trained to assist you during these times. Stay educated, stay safe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n REFERENCE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Asthma. Available at: https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health-topics\/asthma. Accessed on 23 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. How to prevent infections. Available at: https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/how-to-prevent-infections. Accessed on 28 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Strong Emotions, Stress and Depression Can Trigger Asthma. Available at: https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/emotions-stress-depression.aspx. Accessed on 23 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Indoor Air Quality – General. Available from: https:\/\/www.ccohs.ca\/oshanswers\/chemicals\/iaq_intro.html. Accessed on 29 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Easy ways you can improve indoor air quality. Available from: https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/easy-ways-you-can-improve-indoor-air-quality. Accessed on 29 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. What Are the Symptoms of Asthma? Available at: https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/asthma-symptoms\/. Accessed on 24 July 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Asthma attacks-Asthma. Available at: https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/asthma\/asthma-attack\/. Accessed on 24 July 2020.<\/p>\n\r\n