Asthma is a condition affecting the small airways of the lungs which become narrowed during an attack, and can lead to coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma can be controlled and treated using a range of techniques including medications, commonly known as:
- preventers which make the airways less sensitive to triggers and are used to prevent an attack occurring
- relievers which are used during an attack to open the airways by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways
- symptom controllers which help to relax the muscles around the airways for up to 12 hours.
Medication is most often delivered through the use of inhalers including:
- aerosol inhalers including puffers which the person is required to press then breathe, and autohalers which are breath activated
- spacers which are used with aerosol inhalers to assist the person to inhale more of the medication
- dry powder inhalers which require the individual to breathe in very deeply to inhale the powdered medication
- nebulisers which turn the medication into a fine mist which is then inhaled using a mask and most often used during a severe attack.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Some people may find that their asthmatic symptoms are exacerbated or only occur within the workplace. This is known as occupational asthma. Some occupations are carried out in environments which contain substances that can aggravate asthma symptoms or trigger an asthma attack. Some occupations that may contain triggers include:
- baking due to use of flour and other ingredients
- farming due to grain dust and animal contact
- hairdressing due to contact with products and dyes
- painting due to the paint fumes and dust from sanding
- veterinary or animal care positions due to exposure to animal fur.
In order for a person to manage their symptoms at work it may be necessary to limit their exposure to the triggers. This may be achieved by providing safety equipment such as a respirator or mask, or by altering their work tasks to limit the exposure to the identified triggers.
Individual asthma management plans can also be helpful to identify how:
- attacks can be prevented
- the triggers that might cause an attack
- the symptoms usually experienced
- treatment to manage the symptoms
- at what stage to seek urgent medical help.
More information on how to manage asthma, medications or other chronic medical conditions can be found at the following links:
References
Better Health Channel 2009, Asthma, Better Health Channel, Melbourne, viewed 26 January 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma?open
National Asthma Council Australia 2008, Written Asthma Action Plan Templates, National Asthma Council Australia, Melbourne, viewed 26 January 2011, http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/content/view/249/639/