What Are the Asthma Risks During Disasters?
Normally, asthma is a serious, long-term, life-threatening condition, but during a disaster, the situation may become more dangerous. Suppose an individual is gasping for air during a disastrous situation. It’s just like going to a horror house! When an earthquake and landslide hit, an individual with asthma will be at high risk.
The risks associated with asthma during disasters are as follows:
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Stress and Anxiety: During a disaster, everyone present will be tense and do something to rescue. The stress and anxiety levels will increase. These elevated levels will easily trigger an asthma attack.
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Dust and Smoke: During and after an earthquake or landslide, a lot of dust and smoke will be present in the air. People present at that time will inhale that smoky and dusty air. If an asthmatic person inhales that air, they will start coughing, wheezing, and struggling to catch their breath.
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Access to Medications: It is tough to access medications during a disaster. Because people will shut their shops and houses and run away from that place, the local pharmacies may also be closed, and the people will not get any inhalers or asthma medications to save their lives.
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Crowded Hospitals: During this condition, several people may fall sick and reach the hospital for first aid. Hospitals might be crowded. In addition, there might be a shortage of doctors and medications because many patients are reaching the hospital.
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Weather: Lastly, let’s not forget the extreme weather conditions! During hot and cold weather, people with asthma may be at high risk of getting complications.
How to Avoid Triggers in Disaster Situations?
Several asthma triggers in disaster situations may worsen asthma. It is essential to find and avoid asthma triggers. Just remember a few smart tips when asthma hits during a disaster.
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Make an Asthma Plan: To know asthma triggers, an individual should go to the healthcare provider’s clinic to make an asthma plan. They will suggest measures for what to do if a disaster hits and which medicines to keep on hand.
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Asthma Medicines: The individual should keep the asthma medicines nearby, in a pocket or in hand, so that during a disaster, they can take them and run away.
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Air Purifier: After a disaster, the air will be contaminated with dust and smoke. To purify that air, people should use a good-quality air purifier.
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Shut Doors and Windows: After a disaster, an individual should shut all the windows and doors of their house so that the triggering factors remain outside.
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Cover the Nose and Mouth: During a disaster, an individual should cover their mouth and nose with a cloth or mask. This way, the allergen will not enter the body.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink a larger amount of water.
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Stay Informed: The individual should be current about the risks associated with health during a disaster.
What Are the Emergency Steps to Take During an Asthma Attack?
Disaster is an emergency. During this situation, every person, including those with asthma, wants to be safe. During an emergency, the steps that need to be taken by an asthmatic person are as follows:
Before the Disaster:
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Go to the Healthcare Provider: The individual should go to the healthcare provider and ask about how to prepare for landslides, floods, and earthquakes. They will medically assist you.
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Asthma Medicines: Individuals may have limited access to local pharmacies during a disaster. Therefore, people should keep a stock of medicines in their homes. They never know when there will be a greater need.
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Stay Away from the Flu: An individual should get a flu vaccination because the flu may worsen existing asthma symptoms.
During a Disaster Situation:
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Keep Yourself Away from Allergens: More smoke and dust will occur during disasters. The asthmatic person faces difficulty in breathing. They should make an effort to keep them safe from those triggers.
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Hand Hygiene: Hand washing can remove several different allergens.
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Keep in Mind About Medicines: Individuals should pay attention to their asthma medications. When disaster comes, they should keep these medications in their pockets so that when there is a need, they can take them.
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Stress Management: During a disaster, stress automatically comes and may deteriorate asthma symptoms.
After Disaster:
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Cleaning: Cleaning is essential! Dust and mold are the common triggering factors. Clean the house and keep it clean.
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Floor Cleaning: An individual should clean their house properly, including floors, walls, sinks, and surfaces.
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Contact with a Healthcare Provider: Stress, depression, and anxiety can occur during a disaster. So, people should contact a healthcare provider. It's quite normal to feel depressed, anxious, or stressed following a disaster, so don't be afraid to call your doctor. This will improve their mental health.
How to Manage Stress and Anxiety to Prevent Asthma Flare-Ups?
Stress and anxiety are the common triggering factors of asthma. There are several ways by which an individual can prevent asthma flare-ups:
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First, the person should practice relaxation breathing techniques to manage stress and anxiety. It’s necessary to calm down stress and anxiety.
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Individuals should divert their minds by cycling, jogging, or swimming. Even walking in the park and listening to music can soothe their minds.
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An individual should first ask their healthcare provider and follow their guidance regarding exercise.
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Get proper sleep.
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Get in contact with social groups to soothe the mind.
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An individual should ask their doctor about the asthma action plan.
Conclusion
Handling an asthma patient during a disaster is challenging. However, an individual should be well prepared to handle the situation. They should make an asthma action plan and keep asthma medicines handy.
Key Takeaway/A Note from Icliniq
Some people think it’s difficult to handle asthma patients during disaster situations. Don’t be scared! Our doctor will suggest smart tips, such as preparing an asthma action plan, keeping your medicines handy, and maintaining home hygiene.
