In recent years, diseases and natural disasters have ravaged the world, and in such cases, asthma patients may be under-treated for some reason, which may result in daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating. In the most severe cases, asthma can lead to death. So, we need to realize how to manage asthma under such emergency. Here are some important tips:
Follow your Asthma Action Plan
Take all your asthma medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop any medications or change your asthma treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of at least 30 days of prescription medications, such as asthma inhalers. Make sure that you have at least 30 days of non-prescription medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for a long time.
Avoid your asthma triggers.
Take everyday precautions Wash your hands. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching garbage
During a disease outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible.
When you do go out in public, keep away from others who are sick. Avoid crowds and people who are sick and wash your hands when you get home.
If someone in your home is sick, have them stay away from the rest of the household.
Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.
Clean and disinfect Clean things you or your family touch frequently like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, remotes, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Avoid disinfectants that can cause an asthma attack. Have someone who doesn’t have asthma clean and disinfect. When they use cleaning and disinfecting products have them
Minimize use of disinfectants that can cause an asthma attack.
Make sure that people with asthma are not in the room.
Open windows or doors and use a fan that blows air outdoors.
Apply disinfectant to a cloth or paper towel instead of spraying it.
Always follow the instructions on the product label.
Reference: Asthma Care During an Emergency, National Center for Environmental Health, April 9, 2020
