Dry Season: Managing and Preventing Asthma Attacks on Campus

Omolola Sadik, and Racheal Olubode

A lot of diseases are known to be prevalent during the dry season, one of which is asthma. Asthma is a common long-term disease that affects the airways. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes asthma as a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. The airways are the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In other words, for those who suffer from asthma, their airways can become inflamed and narrowed, and this makes it difficult for them to breathe. 

There are different factors that can trigger the narrowing of the airways. These factors include allergens (like dust or pollen), irritants (like smoke or pollution), emotional stress, physical activity, and respiratory infections. Individuals who are asthmatic may experience common symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The severity of asthma differs in each individual; some people have mild asthma and only experience symptoms occasionally, while others have severe asthma and experience frequent, debilitating attacks.

There is, unfortunately, no cure for asthma. However, it has been noticed that asthmatics are likely to see their symptoms disappear and lead asthma-free lives. These symptoms may still resurface after many years. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be treated through self-care and bronchodilators. It can also be managed with rescue inhalers—to treat symptoms—and control inhalers—to prevent symptoms. Severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers, which keep the airways open, as well as oral steroids.

 Recognising Asthma Attacks

Recognising the signs of an asthma attack is important, not only for the person experiencing the attack, but also for those around them who can offer help. Asthma attacks can manifest through the following symptoms:

• Extreme difficulty breathing and wheezing (whistling sound during breathing). 
• Persistent coughing and shortness of breath. 
• Chest tightness and rapid heart rate. 
• Difficulty speaking in complete sentences. 
• Pale or blue colouring around the lips and nails (this occurs in severe cases of the attack and indicates a lack of oxygen). 

 Managing Asthma During The Dry Season 

According to an article published by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, some types of weather can trigger asthma symptoms. This includes high heat, which we experience during the dry season. During this season, the absence of rain allows dust and particulates to accumulate in the air. This dry air irritates the airways, making them more susceptible to inflammation and narrowing. In furtherance, the abundance of dust particles in the air acts as an allergen for many asthmatics, triggering an immune response that further constricts the airways. In simple words, the extreme weather in the dry season worsens airway irritation and increases the frequency of asthma attacks. 

As students, we face academic, financial, mental, and social pressures. This semester, asthma sufferers are likely to face even more. It is usually said that “prevention is better than cure.” Therefore, students with asthma must recognise the health risks during this season and take the following steps to manage their condition throughout this season and beyond. 

Awareness and preparation: preparation and awareness are your best defences against asthma attacks during this period. You must diligently follow your prescribed asthma management plan to successfully minimise asthma attacks. Your inhaler must be with you at all times, and you need to consistently use it as prescribed by your doctor. This is because regular use of preventative inhalers, even when symptoms are absent, helps keep airways open and reduce inflammation. 

Limit your exposure to irritants: Take active steps to limit your exposure to irritants and allergens. This includes cleaning your room to remove dust and other allergens. You should also use a ‘breatheable nosemask’ when you need to go out to class or other places, especially sandy and dusty places. 

Keep yourself hydrated: You need to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration helps in maintaining healthy mucus membranes and assists in expelling irritants from your airways.

Finally, what do you do if you witness someone experiencing an asthma attack? First, you need to stay calm. Help the person sit upright, as this would facilitate easier breathing. If they have an inhaler, assist them in using it correctly. Take a puff of the inhaler every thirty to sixty seconds. If the person does not have an inhaler or feels better after ten puffs, seek immediate medical attention! In severe cases, asthma can lead to death. Do not wait till the case is severe.