Asthma is among the diseases that prevent breathing. Asthma occurs in 30% of people of all ages in the first years of life. In recent years, the number of people suffering from asthma is increasing, as are the diseases that have increased. Especially in the spring, asthma is triggered by environmental factors. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Instructor Member Abdullah Kansu said, “Viral infections, pollen, psychological state, cleaning agents, odors and sprays, environmental pollution caused by dusty and fluffy items at home and at work, tobacco products, unclean air conditioners and air pollution, food vapor and nutritional disorders trigger asthma.”
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS TRIGGER ASTHMA
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Instructor Member Abdullah Kansu explained the 10 most important reasons that trigger asthma. Stating that asthma is a seasonal condition, especially repetitive, occurring at night and in the morning, affected by allergenic substances and environmental exposures, Kansu said: , tobacco products, unclean air conditioners and air pollution, food vapor and nutritional irregularities are the factors that trigger asthma.
ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES CAUSE ATTACKS
Kansu stated that there is an increase in asthma attacks, especially in the spring months, and that they should be treated. Underlining that viral infection factors, which are observed more intensely during seasonal changes and environmental temperature variations, cause attacks in patients diagnosed with asthma, Kansu said:
“It can cause very noisy clinical situations that can go up to asthma attacks. It should be kept in mind that asthma patients may become worse than their current clinical condition in these situations, which start with complaints of upper respiratory tract infection, can progress with common flu symptoms (runny nose, myalgia, general weakness) and even facilitate the development of pneumonia. and should be evaluated by chest diseases in the early period.People with chronic diseases should be guided by their physicians in terms of vaccinations during these periods.
PATIENTS MUST WEAR MASK IN SPRING
These pollens may cause shortness of breath, cough, sneezing, burning-itching in the eyes, and runny nose, especially in patient groups whose allergic complaints are at the forefront and who are under follow-up with the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Contact with hairy-fibrous pollen, flower aromas, pollen, grass and grass emitted from trees should be reduced. It is also effective to take a precaution such as mosquito nets on the windows used in ventilation in order to keep these pollens in the external environment, which can spread by flying in the air, away from the home and working environment. During these periods, our patients should not be outside and in green areas where they will be heavily exposed, or wear a mask, unless necessary. In addition, with allergy tests performed in chest diseases clinics, we can determine which factors they are sensitive to and we can arrange their treatment accordingly.”
MATERIALS USED WHEN CLEANING CAN GIVE SERIOUS RESULTS
Stating that there are patients who have shortness of breath after an intensive cleaning at home, Kansu said, “Misuse of bleach, softeners, detergents, using them in large quantities and mixing them can cause serious bronchial constrictions, even patients who are followed in the intensive care unit. For this reason, we must be very careful when cleaning. ” made its assessment. Kansu stated that patients with allergic complaints should pay attention to the selection of carpets, rugs, curtains, downy wool pillows and quilts, and used the following statements:
“The use of such items that will facilitate the development of house dust mites, mite-mites, cleaning, weekly washing and ironing should be used. It is important to have simplicity in the living spaces, not having crowded items everywhere, and having closed boxes and cabinets for furry toys and items in children’s rooms. Being in contact with animals, cats, dogs, birds, being in the same environment, taking care of their feathers, waste, smell, care and cleaning also increase the complaints of asthma patients.They should not be kept in the room where they sleep at night.
AIR CONDITIONERS MUST BE MAINTAINED REGULARLY
Unmaintained, unfiltered or unfiltered air conditioners pose a risk for asthma patients. This risk worsens the picture in terms of infectious diseases as well as allergens and pollens. It is seen not only in our own home or at work, but also in the hotels we stay for vacations (legionnaires’ disease). The regular maintenance of these devices and ventilation systems by the services should be the first precaution.” Emphasizing that cooking steam and some products used in the kitchen will trigger asthma, Kansu said, “The architecture of our houses, their relationship with the external environment, ventilation, especially the stove, oven, temperature effect, steam used while cooking in the kitchen. , oils, spice mixtures may increase bronchial sensitivity in our patients with asthma symptoms. These people apply to the doctor with complaints of increasing shortness of breath, cough and sputum. Similar situations may occur from time to time in this type of occupational group. We recommend the maintenance of natural gas-combi, stove, oven, observing ventilation and using aspirators.