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How Does Fasting In Ramadan Improve Your Cardiovascular Health?

As the holy month of Ramadan continues, millions of Muslims around the world are fasting from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and devoting their time to worship and good deeds. During this month, people experience changes in the quality of food as well as eating patterns. Many of the traditional home-cooked foods consumed during this time are rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Also, the unusual timing of these meals- one at sunrise (Suhoor) and the next one at sunset (Iftar)-are known to contribute to some major metabolic changes in the body of a fasting person.

It is widely believed that metabolic changes can directly impact your cardiovascular health. Being one of the leading causes of death around the world cardiovascular diseases are studied diligently even today. This in turn has brought to light that metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid profile are some of the root causes for the onset of these diseases.

So in this blog, we will examine how Ramadan fasting can reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions in patients.

Understanding cardiovascular disease

Any disease affecting the heart or the blood vessel comes under cardiovascular diseases. These include coronary artery disease like angina, heart attack and other conditions such as stroke, hypersensitive heart disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, thromboembolic disease, carditis, peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms and venous thrombosis.

According to studies, it is estimated that around 90% of all cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Some of our best cardiologists have noted that improving the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases is the best way to avoid developing any of these conditions. General lifestyle changes like healthy eating habits, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco smoking are highly beneficial in improving cardiovascular health. Other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and blood lipids should be treated alongside to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease.

Effects of diet and fasting on cardiovascular diseases

Cardiologists also associate specific foods with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, high dietary intake of saturated fat, trans-fat and salt along with low intake of vegetables, fruits and fish are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Reducing the intake of trans-fat helps in keeping blood lipid levels stable.  

It is also observed that people who frequently consume high-energy foods such as processed foods high in fats and sugars are more susceptible to obesity, which in turn increase their cardiovascular risk. Sugar intake has always been associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (commonly known as Type 2 diabetes), which in turn adversely affect heart health. 

Likewise, increased consumption of dietary salt is known to hinder blood pressure levels, thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases. Dietary salt is found in large quantities in processed meats. Substantial evidence from several cynical trials shows that reducing the consumption of processed meats, specifically red meat can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

At the same time, many of the best cardiologists in Dubai see fasting as a beneficial routine that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Most cardiovascular diseases are linked to excessive weight, cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. Fasting can help control all four of these factors, thereby improving heart health.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on heart health

Ramadan is a special time of the year when devoted Muslims take the path of self-reflection, improvement and devotion to worship Allah through selfless actions. Fasting during the holy month is considered one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, which helps them get closer to God. Apart from the religious significance of fasting, this practice provides a lot of health benefits to the people. During fasting, the cells are put under stress, which forces the body to use fat as its primary source of energy. This helps to reduce weight, as well as maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Ramadan fasting also helps people in resetting their metabolic issues by forcing their bodies to burn calories better during the fasting hours. By balancing out metabolic syndrome, fasting helps a cardiovascular patient reduce his/her risk factors considerably.

Research also shows that there is a significant reduction in weight of Type 2 diabetic patients, which in turn help lower their blood sugar levels. Ramadan fasting has shown a moderate effect on glycaemia and lipoprotein levels of Type 2 diabetic patients which are considered good for them. An independent study in 2012 cited that there is a significant improvement in 10 years of coronary heart disease risk score and other cardiovascular risk factors such as weight, BMI and weight circumference in cardiovascular patients during the month of Ramadan. This further helped cardiologists in concluding that fasting may be useful to improve cardiovascular risk factors.

However, it is to be noted that to reap the benefits of fasting, experts also stress the importance of including fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and plant proteins in your diet. A carbohydrate-rich Suhoor will help provide the right amount of calories for the body to function well throughout the day. It will set the metabolism on track by utilizing most of the nutrients from the food consumed, keeping your energy levels up. Along with good food, you should also keep yourself hydrated with water and fresh juices instead of carbonated drinks to balance the electrolyte levels in the body.

You should also take care not to overeat during Suhoor and Iftar. While fasting allows the body to use up excess reserves, overeating can undo its benefits and put a load on your cardiovascular system.

Conclusion

Ramadan fasting has shown to lower the risk score of generally healthy people as well as patients suffering from long term cardiovascular diseases. By improving the metabolism, reducing weight, maintaining a healthy BMI and managing blood sugar levels and blood pressure values, fasting can effectively serve as a wellness program for cardiovascular patients. Fasting has also shown to have a positive impact on brain productivity by creating a state of stress and releasing the “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” – or BDNF – which helps to promote brain stem cell rejuvenation. In short, experts are happy to give their green light for fasting during the holy month.

If you have concerns regarding your cardiovascular health or need a more detailed consultation for the same, visit our cardiology hospital in Dubai today.

Author:

Dr Kais Mrabet

Dr. Kais Mrabet

Specialist Interventional Cardiologist

 

Be Smart. Don’t Start.

31st May of every year is observed as No Tobacco Day. In present world where everyone talks about COVID, let’s look in to some of the aspects related to smoking which is connected to COVID-19.

Tobacco smokers (cigarettes, waterpipes, bidis, cigars, heated tobacco products) may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, as the act of smoking involves contact of fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) with the lips, which increases the possibility of transmission of viruses from hand to mouth. Smoking waterpipes, also known as shisha or hookah, often involves the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in communal and social settings.

Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Using smokeless tobacco often involves some hand to mouth contact. Another risk associated with using smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, is that the virus can be spread when the user spits out the excess saliva produced during the chewing process.

Given the risks to health that tobacco use causes, WHO recommends quitting tobacco use. Quitting will help your lungs and heart to work better from the moment you stop. Within 20 minutes of quitting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure drop. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Quitting will help to protect your loved ones, especially children, from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Precautions

• Do not share devices like waterpipes and e-cigarettes.
• Spread the word about the risks of smoking, using e-cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco.
• Protect others from the harms of second-hand smoke.
• Know the importance of washing your hands, physical distancing, and not sharing any smoking or e -cigarette products.
• Do not spit in public places

#TobaccoExposed

• Tobacco products kill more than 8 million people every year. Tobacco and related industries must continuously find new consumers to replace the ones that their products are killing to maintain revenue.
• Tobacco companies spent over USD 9 billion in marketing and advertising and the world lost 8 million lives from causes related to tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke.
• We want to create a generation that is free from tobacco and second-hand smoke and the death and disease that they cause.
• Break free from the tobacco and related industries’ manipulation by becoming educated on their tactics and the harm caused by their products.
• Tobacco use is responsible for 25% of all cancer deaths globally. Use of nicotine and tobacco products increases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
• Over 1 million people die from second-hand smoke exposure every year.
• Children and adolescents who use e-cigarettes at least double their chance of smoking cigarettes later in life.
• E-cigarette use increases your risk of heart disease and lung disorders.
• Nicotine in e-cigarettes is a highly addictive drug and can damage children’s developing brains.
• Smoking shisha is just as harmful as other forms of tobacco use.

Emotional stress and heart disease

Emotional stress and heart disease

Psychosocial stress is a constraining force or influence to which one is exposed to every day in life. Stress is a normal part of life and is unavoidable. But the response differs between each individual. Things that are stressful for some can be pleasurable for others or have little significance, the classic example being a roller coaster ride. Some find it a torture while thrill -seekers relish the ride. But the right amount of stress motivates us to be alert and focused.Indeed, it’s the individual rather than the stress that is the real problem. People with type A personality (Time sensitive, competitive, impatient, chronic sense of urgency, a tendency towards hostility and anger) are at high risk than people with type B personality (low key, non-competitive, time – insensitive). In other words, given the same stressful situation some will respond with frustration and anger while others will respond in a more even – tempered way.

A heart attack caused by coronary artery disease is the commonest cause of death worldwide.It involves a reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle due to the deposition of fat (plaque) in the arteries that supply blood to heart. Sudden disruption of the covering layer of the fat deposit leads to the formation of a blood clot which could cause the total blockage of the artery, which leads to a heart attack. The exact cause of the original fatty deposition is unknown.

But risk factors like:

  • Hypertension,
  • Hyperlipidemia,
  • Diabetes mellitus,
  • Smoking,

Physical inactivity increases the chance of such an event. In addition, psychosocial factors, predominantly depression and emotional stress, account for considerable risk. Although this has been known for more than a century, scientific data supporting the mechanism and therapeutic options have started to emerge only in the recent years. Stress has become part and parcel of modern life. Common responses to stress includes body
aches, impatience, decreased sleep, decreased energy level, feeling of anxiety, anger and depression. Sudden and severe stress can cause a heart attack, a condition known as ‘broken heart syndrome’ which is more common in women. Such episodes increase significantly following natural disasters like hurricane, earth quake and tsunami. On the other hand, long term stress, both in early life (childhood sexual abuse, parental substance abuse, poor socio-
economic status) and adulthood (marital discord, social isolation or loneliness) has been associated with a 40–60% excess risk of heart disease. Exposure to workplace stress or “job strain” ( high job demands, long hours of work or poor control of conditions like high blood pressure) is related to a 40% excess risk of heart disease.
In the recent years, the mechanisms of stress that lead to heart disease are better understood. For instance, heightened activity in one part of the brain (the amygdala) can lead to over production of white blood cells from bone marrow. which leads to inflammation and plaque formation in arteries. Similarly, stress increases the tendency of blood to clot. Stress also leads to release of chemicals which elevate blood pressure and blood sugar. Stressed
individuals tend to exhibit maladaptive behavior including excessive smoking, over eating, drinking too much alcohol and doing little exercise.

Emerging evidence supports the notion of counteracting stress as a critical component in the prevention and of treatment of heart disease along with the other conventional risk factors. A positive attitude and well-developed self-esteem are good defenses against stress because they help you view stress as a challenge rather than as a problem. Relaxation of the mind is an important strategy. Relaxation is an active process, that could be achieved by deep breathing, listening to music, reading a book, meditation, swimming or structured programs like Yoga. Yoga is associated with physical postures (‘Asana’), breath control (‘Pranayama’), and meditation (‘Dhyana’), all of which have been shown to reduce the negative effects of stress and improve health. The best form of relaxation, of course, is doing something that brings you joy. Once you identify what this activity is, practice relaxation through this for at
least 30 minutes a day. And don’t forget exercise – it helps in reducing stress along with burning calories. Adequate and good quality sleep is important. Finally, in selected individuals, professional counselling may help reduce stress.

Dr.K.G.Sundar Kumar,
MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine),
DM (Cardiology),
Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology (France)
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist

to know more about doctor and for booking appointment visit https://www.imh.ae/departments/cardiology/

Call : +971 4 406 3000 / 02

 

Cataract & Its treatment– Everything you need to know!

Myths and Facts about E- Cigarettes

Myths and Facts about E- Cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid producing a vapour that the user inhales. Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology recently has announced new standards for the components and sale of electronic cigarettes in UAE. This article is to highlight some myths and fact about e-cigarettes.

Myth 1: E-cigarette vapour is pure and safe.
Fact 1: It is not pure and safe.
The main components of e-cigarettes are nicotine and a base (propylene glycolor glycerol). Other ingredients are unknown flavourings, colourings and chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein, which can cause irreversible lung
damage. At high temperatures, propylene glycol decomposes and may form propylene oxide, a probable human carcinogen. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development in adolescent, causing damage of the brain areas that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. The Ministry of Health and Prevention recently issued a warning notice against e-cigarettes after seizures reported in young adults. It can cause Preterm deliveries and stillbirths in pregnant women. Other major issue is that mid-to-long-term consequences of
e-cigarettes are not yet known.

Myth 2: E-cigarettes can help you quit smoking.
Fact:  Using e-cigarette is not a proven method for quitting smoking.Whether e-cigarettes can offer an effective option for smokers who intend to quit the habit is controversial. The nicotine contained in e-cigarettes may
actually perpetuate addiction, in some cases making it even harder to stop smoking. E-cigarettes may be considered as an alternative to combustible tobacco products when used exclusively as a replacement and only among
smokers who have been unable to stop smoking using proven, medically approved methods.

Myth 3: E-cigarettes don’t produce public health concerns.
Fact: There are public health concerns also.
Major concern is about potential use by children and young adults as a gateway to subsequently using combustible tobacco products.

Conclusion:
Recent Legalisation by EASM is an important step towards the necessary regulation and monitoring of this growing market in UAE. It will help to stop
the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.

Dr Muhammed Aslam MD
Specialist Pulmonologist
International modern Hospital Dubai

 

Experience Holistic Healing at the Best Hospital in Dubai, UAE

Your search for a superior healthcare facility and hospital in Dubai, UAE ends with IMH. We offer the dual advantage of world class standards in minimally invasive surgeries performed by top rated surgeons and physicians. The private hospital in Dubai, UAE has been bestowed with several awards and has maintained superior standards of healthcare that Dubai is known for.

At IMH, you can experience all-round and compassionate care. We have the experience to cater to all types of cases including cardiology, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and nephrology. From taking exemplary care of patients and getting treated by well-known cardiologists in Dubai, to spreading the word on benefits of health and wellness across the society, IMH does its best to make an impact in the healthcare segment in the UAE.

The core of our excellence in healthcare is a carefully cultivated team of highly experienced doctors who are veterans in their respective specialties. The well- equipped, state of the art hospital premises is just what you need to get relief from chronic conditions. The internationally renowned team of cardiologists, cancer specialists, and diabetes specialists have several years of experience working on the most complex of cases in the UAE and around the world. At IMH, we are proud to provide 360 degree care to patients via our seasoned healthcare specialists. 

You Can Control Your Asthma

Asthma affects more than 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent difficulties with breathing, including symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma symptoms vary over time, and also from individual to individual. Although asthma cannot be cured; it can be treated and controlled. Good asthma control means no, or very minimal, symptoms, and a low risk of asthma attacks or other poor outcomes. A person whose asthma is under good control can go to work or school, exercise, and participate fully in life.WAD-2016-Logo-01-1

What can I do to prevent my asthma from getting out of control?

Medications: Take your asthma medication exactly as your doctor tells you. Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan Carry your relief/rescue inhaler with you at all times and follow the directions on your Action Plan for when to use it.

Regular visits to your doctor: Keep your regularly scheduled visits with your doctor so that your asthma can be monitored and treated before it gets out of control. Be sure to know how to contact your doctor and know what to do in case of an emergency.

Stay healthy: Eat nutritious foods and get regular exercise. Avoid people who smoke and those that may have an infection, especially a cold or the flu.

Prevent the flu and pneumonia: Get a yearly flu shot (vaccine) and a vaccine for pneumonia, as recommended by your doctor.

Cope with stress: Learn new ways to cope with stress. Coping with stress can help prevent and control your asthma.

By taking an active role in the management of your asthma by partnering with your doctor, you can breathe easier and live a healthier life

Kidney Disease and Heart Health

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem, both for the number of patients and cost of treatment involved. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease accounting for 30 per cent of these patients. Other causes of kidney disease are chronic glomerulonephritis (19.3 per cent), hypertension (14 per cent), chronic interstitial disease and vesico-ureteral reflux (12.6 per cent), obstruction and stone (9.3 per cent), cystic disease and other hereditary diseases (8.4 per cent), undiagnosed (6.2 per cent). Incidence of CKD has doubled in the past 15 years and is rapidly rising. One reason is the rapidly increasing worldwide incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Approximately 30 per cent of patients with diabetes mellitus develop diabetic kidney disease.

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Cardio V ascular Diseases – BURDEN

Many people with CKD would be surprised to learn that the biggest health risk they face is heart disease.But, it’s true! CKD patients have extremely high risk of developing CARDIO VASCULAR DISEASE (CVD, angina, heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke/paralysis and peripheral vascular diseases) compared with the general population, so much so that in the early stages of CKD patients are more likely to develop CVD and die of CVD than they are to progress to ESRD (stage of advanced kidney disease requiring dialysis or renal transplant). This risk is more apparent in younger patients e.g. a 35 year old man on dialysis has the same risk of a cardiovascular death as an 80 year old not on dialysis. In addition CKD patients have a worse outcome with higher mortality after acute myocardial infarction (MI) and have a higher risk of recurrent MI, heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

RISK FACTORS

Much of the problems come from the fact that people with kidney disease often have many risk factors for CVD. Most CKD patients have a combination of ‘traditional’ and ‘kidney-specific’ risk factors.

TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS

Some risk factors have been linked with a higher risk of CVD in the general population. These ‘traditional ‘risk factors include:

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Poorly controlled diabetes

• Family history of heart disease

• Male gender

There is increased prevalence of many traditional factors for cardiovascular risk in CKD (age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and physical inactivity).

KIDNEY-SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS

Additional CVD risk factors are the direct result of kidney disease itself. Kidney-specific risk factors include:

• Anaemia

• Inflammation

• Reduced glomerular filtration rate

• Urine protein including albumin

• Abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism

• Fluid overload

cardiac

REDUCING CARDIAC RISKS

A comprehensive approach, rather than isolating treatment to a specific indication is required to lower cardiovascular risk. CKD patients with diabetes should achieve a good control of blood sugar levels by testing blood sugar frequently, taking medicines regularly and on time, and following prescribed meal plan. Drug treatment for hyperlipidemia (increased cholesterol), secondary hyperparathyroidism (calcium and phosphorus metabolism) and anaemia is recommended to decreases the CVD mortality. Folic acid and vitamin B supplements in selected group of patients helps in correcting anaemia and also may decrease CVD risk. An important aspect of strategy to decrease CVD risk in renal disease patients is lifestyle modification. A healthy lifestyle should be maintained by all CKD patients, including dialysis

Heart Attack

Heart Attack – How to predict ?
The heart muscle needs oxygen to survive. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that carries oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or gets cut off completely. This happens because coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscles with the blood flow, slowly become narrow due to accumulation of fat, cholesterol or plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis. When a plaque in a heart artery breaks away blood clot forms around the plaque. This blood clot can block the blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and nutrients, it is called ischaemia. When damage or death of part of the heart muscle occurs as a result of ischemia, it is called a heart attack or Myocardial Infarction (MI).

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WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people who are affected are not sure what’s wrong and wait too long before seeking help. Here are a few signs that can tell if a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, at the back, neck, jaws or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort: Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. Even if one is not sure it’s a heart attack, get it checked. Every minute matters! Prompt action can save a life. Don’t wait for more than five minutes to call an emergency response number.
RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION
It is recommended that prevention of heart attack begins by 20 years of age. This means assessing and controlling the risk factors. Heart attack or stroke is fatal or disabling, so prevention is critical. There are some controllable factors that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke such as:
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity

THE ABC OF HEART ATTACK PREVENTION
(A) Avoid Tobacco
(B) Be more active
(C) Choose good nutrition

HOW TO PREDICT AND MANAGE

Symptoms of heart disease which may lead to a heart attack
Suspect heart disease if you notice that ordinary physical activity causes you to experience: Undue fatigue, palpitations (the sensation that your heart is skipping a beat or beating too rapidly), dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing) or angina (chest pain or discomfort from increased activity).
Non-invasive and invasive investigations
Certain tests can be performed to detect presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. These include non-invasive stress tests (TMT or Stress Echocardiography or Stress Thallium) or CT Coronary Angiography. Gold standard for diagnosis and decision on mode of treatment is conventional angiography that can now be performed even through the wrist for early ambulation of patients.

How do I confirm if a heart attack has occurred?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) discovers damage to the heart by making a graphical record of the heart’s electrical activity. Blood testing to detect abnormal levels of certain enzymes in the bloodstream called heart damage markers or cardiac markers.

INTERVENTIONS IN A HEART ATTACK: GOLDEN HOUR
Time is muscle and the best time to act is the first hour to save maximum heart muscle from damage. Aspirin tablet 325 mg is the first intervention that is possible to administer at home on suspecting a heat attack.
Thrombolysis: It involves injecting a clot-dissolving drug to restore blood flow in the blocked coronary artery. This should be administered within a few (usually three to six) hours of a heart attack at a heart facility.
Coronary Angioplasty: Many patients who reach hospital in time can undergo coronary angioplasty to restore blood supply to the heart muscle and abort a heart attack.

Asthma

What is asthma?

People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When exposed to certain triggers their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.

Pathology of Asthma

Causes

Asthma is caused by a combination of complex and incompletely understood environmental and genetic interactions

  • The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (inflammation)
  • Extra mucus (sticky fluid) may be produced
  • The muscle around the airways tightens (bronchoconstriction)

How do you recognise asthma?

Asthmatics usually experience these symptoms most frequently during the night and the early morning or in response to exercise or cold air.  Sputum may be produced from the lung by coughing but is often hard to bring up. During recovery from an attack, it may appear pus-like due to high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils

Asthma Symptoms Word Circle Concept with great terms such as coughing wheezing and more.

Common triggers include:

  • Colds and flu
  • Cigarette smoking/ Exposure to cigarette smoke (passive smoking)
  • Inhaled allergens (e.g. pollens, moulds, animal dander and dust mites)
  • Environmental factors (e.g. dust, pollution, wood smoke and bush fires)
  • Changes in temperature and weather
  • Certain medications
  • Chemicals and strong smells
  • Emotional factors
  • Some foods and food preservatives, flavourings and colourings.

asthma causes

Diagnosis

  • Medical and family history
  • Physical examination
  • Lung function tests
  • Response to medication

Can Asthma be Cured

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Most people with asthma can carry out their daily activities without asthma symptoms.  Good asthma management allows you to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

  • Avoid asthma triggers
  • Medicine to be taken every day

Medications

Management Of Asthma Drug Therapy

 

There are three main groups of asthma medications:

  1. Relievers Relievers provide relief from asthma symptoms within minutes by relaxing the muscles around the airways for up to four hours.

 

  1. Preventers – Preventers make the airways less sensitive, reduce the redness and swelling inside the airways and dry up the mucus. It may take a few weeks for preventers to reach their full effect.

 

  1. Symptom Controllers Symptom controllers (also called long acting relievers) help to relax the muscles around the airways for up to 12 hours. They are taken daily, usually at morning and night, and can only be prescribed for people who are taking regular inhaled corticosteroid preventers and are still experiencing asthma symptoms.

 How do I know if asthma is under control?

Asthma is under control if you can:

  • See your doctor every 6 months
  • Follow your asthma action plan
  • Have refills for your medicine
  • Share your asthma plan with school and daycare
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