World Asthma Day: Keep stress & anxiety at bay. Strong emotions can trigger an attack

Chronic respiratory conditions account for a massive health burden in India, at around 93 million, out of which nearly 37 million are asthmatics. India contributes to 11.1 per cent of the global asthma burden and accounts for over 42 per cent of related deaths making it the asthma capital of the world.

Respiratory viral infections are the primary cause of asthma exacerbations. For patients at risk of asthma, or with existing asthma, viral respiratory tract infections can have a profound effect on the expression of disease or loss of control.

Currently there is no evidence of increased infection rates in those with asthma. However, there is an estimation, which states that patients with moderate-severe asthma could be at greater risk for more severe disease, but there is no published data to support this.


Some symptoms are similar between asthma, allergies or a respiratory illness like COVID-19, the flu or a cold. Respiratory illnesses may worsen asthma, so it’s important to keep taking your asthma control medicines. If you have a fever and a cough, call your doctor.

People with asthma should take precautions when any type of respiratory illness is spreading in the community. While people with asthma are not at the highest risk for COVID-19, it is still important to keep your asthma under control. Common medicines you may take for asthma and related conditions do not increase your risk of getting COVID-19. They are important to help you keep your asthma under control. You are at greater risk for having an asthma attack if you stop taking your medicines. Continue to take these medicines as prescribed:'

• Quick-relief medicine (such as Levosalbutamol)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (controller medicines)
• Oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• Antihistamines (allergy medicine)
• Proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux
• Nasal allergy sprays

If you need to take quick-relief medicine for an asthmatic episode, use an inhaler (with a spacer) if possible. Using a nebuliser can increase the risk of sending virus particles in the air if you are sick. But if you have a nebuliser and solution, it is OK to use it to treat an asthmatic episode. When using a nebuliser, limit the number of people in the room or use it in a room by yourself.

The biggest risk to asthmatics is not treating asthma symptoms when needed at home. This can lead to visits to overcrowded emergency rooms with no hospital beds.

Use inhalers: Continue using your inhalers regularly during the pandemic to keep your condition under control and avoiding any risk of attacks.

Understand the triggers: Asthma triggers are usually different from one person to another. Some people are affected by cold air, others by pollutants and dust, and even smells; different foods or drinks are known to aggravate the condition. Hence, one must be mindful of these triggers and avoid them during the present scenario. All asthmatics should avoid any food containing artificial colours or preservatives or Chinese food containing Ajinomoto as this was found to be the most common trigger of asthma exacerbation.

Keep a record: Many asthma symptoms appear to be similar to COVID-19 such as breathlessness, chest pain and tightness. Asthma patients usually undertake peak flow meters to determine the breath power in their airways. Frequency and type of medication and various other details should be carefully documented, and kept ready for a doctor's reference at all times.

Keep the right inhaler ready: Depending upon the condition, the drugs used in an inhalers could be different in composition or dosage. You must always be aware of what inhaler to use in case of emergency. Even when you have been managing the condition well and haven't used the inhaler for a long time, you should always have it handy. There is a need to periodically check to ensure that the inhaler is not expired.

People with moderate to severe asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick from viral infection. These infections can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

• Keep your asthma under control by following your asthma action plan
• Continue your current medications, including any inhalers with steroids in them (“steroids” is another word for corticosteroids)
• Don’t stop any medications or change your asthma treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider
• Discuss any concerns about your treatment with your healthcare provider
• Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of prescription medications, such as asthma inhalers. Make sure that you have 30 days of non-prescription medications and supplies on hand too in case you need to stay home for a long time
• Avoid your asthma triggers
• As more cases of viral infection are discovered, it is natural for some people to feel concerned or stressed. Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack. Take steps to help yourself cope with stress and anxiety
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick
• Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Avoid crowds and people who are sick

Apart from the above mentioned precautions, it is imperative that all the measures to spread the infection of Covid-19 are being thoroughly followed such as following social distancing, hand hygiene and double masks to prevent or slow down the rate of infection.

- The author is Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Global Hospitals Mumbai

Sound Sleep, Omega-3-Rich Diet, Stress-Free Mind: 5 Ways To Boost Body's Immunity

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As fancy as it sounds, the idea of boosting immunity, has proven to be difficult to materialise in reality. For years, researchers from across the world have been struggling to figure out the accurate formula to achieve a good immune system. Until the formula is known, it is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle for an enhanced immune function, and to keep the body intact and healthy.

Making healthy lifestyle changes in terms of diet, exercise and managing stress, in addition to other factors, can go a long way in helping the immune system get the boost it requires.

On International Immunology Day, Chennai-based clinical nutritionist, lactation consultant and diabetes educator - Ramya Ramachandran - shares five tips that can give your life a healthy spin.

As fancy as it sounds, the idea of boosting immunity, has proven to be difficult to materialise in reality. For years, researchers from across the world have been struggling to figure out the accurat..

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A balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients can do wonders in boosting a person’s immunity, and keeping you away from diseases.

Ginger, garlic, star anise, omega-3 fats, flax seeds are some foods that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. These can be included in your meals daily. It’s also important to focus on micronutrients which have a major impact on health.

To add the required amount of micronutrients to any diet, one can look at home fortification as an alternative. In this method, a commercially available product is conveniently utilised on a daily basis to prevent nutrition deficiencies. Power mixes of rice and flour avaiable in the market is one such example of food fortification, which increases the micronutrient value of home-cooked meals.

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This is one of the basic requirements. Smoking is a big ‘NO’ for the overall wellbeing of the body as it negatively impacts on both adaptive and innate immunity. It slowly kills the natural effectiveness of the immune system’s defences. If you are a regular smoker, it is advisable to quit it as soon as possible. One can also adopt alternatives like nicotine patches as it can helps to quit smoking and are relatively less harmful.

This is one of the basic requirements. Smoking is a big ‘NO’ for the overall wellbeing of the body as it negatively impacts on both adaptive and innate immunity. It slowly kills the natural effective..

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Chronic stress is responsible for releasing hormone cortisol, which can ruin the overall immune response of the body. Meditation goes a long way in keeping stress in check. Various mobile-based apps can help one to remain peaceful and mindful throughout the day with various features. Other healthy strategies to deal with stress may include yoga and pranayama.

Chronic stress is responsible for releasing hormone cortisol, which can ruin the overall immune response of the body. Meditation goes a long way in keeping stress in check. Various mobile-based apps ..

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Most of us underestimate the power and importance of adequate sound and refreshing sleep. Lack of proper sleep can activate the inflammatory immune response, which can reduce reactivity to vaccines, further leading to the release of excess stress hormones. It will ultimately weaken the immune system.

A minimum of 7-8 hours of regular sleep is a must to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, and help the body’s T-Cells (also known as immune cells) to kill the pathogens. A night of good sleep also helps in burning calories.

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Exercise reduces inflammation and supports the white blood cells, which means a little workout can help you become healthy. It is also scientifically proven that working out regularly can boost your immune system. However, exercising needs to be done in a moderate way.

You can opt for bodyweight movements like lunges, push-ups, burpees, and other exercises to get a sweat on, and get a quick full-body workout at home, without any equipment. There are many apps that offer workouts that can be performed at home with guidance and support.

A physically active lifestyle is beneficial in warding off the bacterial and viral infections suggesting that immune strength is enriched with regular bouts of exercise.

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