Posted on , updated on by Heather

Do you fully understand asthma?

Asthma can be deadly if left untreated. That is why we are spreading awareness; ‘what the top common causes of asthma are’, how to recognise asthma, and what can we do to help.

Overview of Asthma

Breathing problems are occasionally experienced by people with asthma, a common lung illness. It is where the person’s airways become swollen after a reaction to their trigger.  This reaction leads to the airway narrowing making it difficult for the person to breathe.

It can occur for the first time in adults, but it typically begins in children and affects people of all ages.

Although there is presently no cure, there are straightforward therapies that can help keep the symptoms under control so they do not significantly affect your life.

 

What are the top common causes of Asthma?

Asthma attacks often occur when a person has exposure to triggers or causes.

Though not everyone has the same response to all stimuli, the following are several top common causes of asthma.  These causes may trigger a person’s asthma to flare and become worse.

Dust Mites: are microscopic creatures that are present in many homes.
Some people can have an allergic reaction to the faecal matter and body parts of dead dust mites. For individuals with asthma, the allergic reaction may trigger an attack.
Not only dust mites, but also dust.   Dust in homes, buildings, air born or even in factories – saw-dust.  Dust may also contain tiny particles of pollen, mould, fibres from clothing and fabrics, and detergents. All of these can also trigger allergies and asthma.

Tobacco smoke: people with asthma should not smoke tobacco, and they should avoid being around people who are smoking whenever possible. Second-hand smoke can also trigger an asthma attack.  Smoke irritates the airways, which results in the same swelling, narrowing, and mucus build-up that characterises an asthma attack. Smoking can contribute to asthma attacks occurring more frequently. Additionally, they could be more severe and challenging to manage, even with medication.
Mould: can cause an asthma attack in anyone, even if they are not allergic to it. Mould often grows in moist or damp areas of the home, which can include places such as; sheds or garages, bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens or anywhere moisture can become trapped.
Pet hair: pets with fur or feathers can cause an asthma attack if a person is allergic to them. Pet dander refers to tiny pieces of skin that fall off dogs, cats, rodents, and other animals. Even without a pet at home, a person might still expose themselves to dander.  Additionally, short-haired and bald dogs or cats can still cause an allergic reaction or trigger an asthma attack.
Pollen: can cause hay fever, which can affect a person’s asthma. Asthma symptoms get worse with pollen exposure, which increases the incidence of hospital admissions. Tree pollen, plant pollen, and grass pollen are a few examples of the various forms of pollen. Additionally, because the rain breaks up pollen as it strikes it, thunderstorms can cause asthma symptoms to intensify. The pollen is then dispersed by the wind, making it simple to breathe them in.
Exercise: Exercising can cause a person to breathe heavily. Physical activity can also lead to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, a form of asthma. With proper treatment, a person will not need to limit their physical activity.
Infections: that affect the lungs and airways can trigger an asthma attack. To help reduce the chance of contracting infections, a person should ensure they wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. Infections may include; Flu, colds, pneumonia or sinusitis.

 

Recognition of asthma

The main symptoms of asthma are:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Wheezy breathing sounds from the lungs
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty speaking, they may need to stop and take a breath in mid sentence
  • A tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
  • Pale, clammy skin

As the condition worsens

  • Grey or blue lips and skin
  • Use of the muscles in the neck and upper chest when breathing
  • Exhaustion in a severe attack
  • May be unconscious and stop breathing in a prolonged attack

How can we treat asthma?

Treating asthma can be easy and straightforward.  If we catch asthma early, we can prevent a severe attack from happening.   First, we would help sit the casualty in an upright position, leaning on a table or chair.   Take the casualty to a warmer area, DO NOT take them outside in a cold environment as this will make their attack worse.  Next, we would help assist the casualty to take their inhaler and spacer device if they have one.  We can repeat two puffs every few minutes.

Reassuring the casualty will massively help reduce the symptoms and distract them from the anxiety of their breathing.  You must be calm, reassuring and make light conversation.  Helping them regulate their breathing by copying your breathing will prevent any anxiety or panic.

If the casualty does not have their inhaler or access to one, you can call 999 for emergency help.  If after giving the casualty numerous puffs of their inhaler, there are no signs of the inhaler having any effect – call 999 straight away.

Keep them upright as much as possible even if they become weak to do so.  If they become deeply unconscious you can lie the casualty down.  If the casualty is becoming unconscious – call 999 immediately.

 

What can we do to prevent an attack?

image of inhalers with chamber device

Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler, a small device that lets you breathe in medicines.

The main types are:

  • reliever inhalers (Blue) – used when needed to quickly relieve asthma symptoms for a short time
  • preventer inhalers – (Brown) used every day – morning and night, to prevent asthma symptoms from happening

Some people also need to take tablets.

If you believe you have symptoms of asthma, it is advised to see a doctor for help and advice.

Knowing our triggers will help massively reduce the attacks or the first stages of an attack.  We advise where possible to keep away from pets, smoke, dampness or mould.  Keep your home and work area clean to reduce the amount of dust.  If you are working in a factory, make sure the area is ventilated well and the correct suction machines are in place.  You can also limit yourself from being outside where pollen is present.

 

Further training

We offer a range of first aid courses for all ages from workplaces to education.   On our two and three day first aid courses (Paediatric and First Aid at Work), we teach more in-depth about asthma.  However, we can bolt on asthma on our emergency first aid courses.

Our current first aid courses;

 

Our Emergency and First Aid at Work courses are for those working in an office, factory, warehouse, manufacturing or on a building site.  These courses will set you up to know exactly what to do in an emergency.  Completing our courses will help you understand the hazards and risks in your workplace to therefore prevent accidents.

Apprentices, staff who are unlikely to be left alone with children, and lunchtime supervisors are all candidates for our Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training.  Our one-day course includes roles and responsibilities of a first aider, first aid kits, accident reporting, reasons of a life-threatening condition, CPR, defibrillator, causes of unconsciousness and recovery position, choking, bleeding, burns, and minor injuries.

Our Paediatric First Aid Training 2-day course includes all elements of the one-day first course including; broken bones, spinal injuries, head injuries, slings, sprains and strains, diabetes, febrile convulsions, hypothermia, hyperthermia, epilepsy, poisons, eye injuries, allergies and anaphylaxis, and asthma.

This course is ideal for those working alone with children, whether you are a Teacher or Teaching Assistant working in the Early Years or a childminder.  Our Paediatric courses are fully accredited.  We have open courses running at our Brownhills Centre or we can come to your setting.

Additionally, if you prefer to have a short session with us and complete a bespoke parents/grandparents course; our Parent’s first aid course is for you.  These start from 2 hours up to 4 hours.  Can include any modules of your choice, but we will cover: reasons of life-threatening conditions, CPR, Defibrillator, unconsciousness, recovery, choking and gagging, burns, and minor illnesses, including dangers within the home.

 

Our courses provide you with the peace of mind that you’ll know what to do in the event of an emergency, such as illnesses like asthma.  Furthermore, getting first aid training will give you the skill set of knowing exactly what to do if your child, friend, or work colleague suffers from an injury or life threatening condition. Never put yourself in a situation where you’re thinking, “What if I knew what to do?”  Get First Aid Trained Today! 

 

Additionally, If you would like to gain hands-on experience on how to treat an asthma attack, browse our courses here;
First Aid Training or Paediatric First Aid Training if you can’t see a course date please get in touch.

You can contact us on 01543 453338 or info@hmbtrainingservices.co.uk for more information

For further reading on ‘What are the top common causes of asthma’ please visit NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

 

This blog is not used as a form of first aid training, only for reading and knowledge purposes.