Older Adults
Older adults have difficulty in administering the inhalers well, either due to arthritis or poor hand to mouth / nose coordination. They may also have concurrent emphysema or chronic bronchitis, creating a permanent non-reversible lung function impairment. They also tend to develop aspirin sensitivity and medications should be adjusted for this factor.
3) Stay hydrated and breathe properly.
When the lungs are dehydrated, anything else that is wrong with the air, such as pollution, is going to make the lungs feel worse. The lungs function best at normal body temperature, and need the right amount of moisture.
It is important to emphasize with patients to breathe through their noses, not through their mouths. The major function of the nose is to filter the air and bring it to the right temperature and appropriate humidity. Thus, when a patient breathes through their mouth, they are bypassing this optimum filtration system.
Another measure to take, to ensure both air quality and proper moisture for the patient's indoor environment is to use an air filter machine, with a humidifier. This further eliminates triggers such as animal dander, pollen, dust, and lint. An air filter / humidifier can also balance...
This optimizes the patient's breathing environment at home.
4) When strenuous outdoor activities are a must, try using an allergy face mask.
If the patient needs to do a chore such as mowing the lawn: 1) do this at a cooler, less polluted time of day, such as early morning; 2) take preventative medication before stepping outside; 3) wear the allergy mask, to avoid contact with triggers.
Similarly, if a patient must walk their pet dog, follow the above mentioned steps to avoid an asthma attack. Evening, post- traffic hours can also be a more optimal dog walking time.
By taking these added precautions the patients will be able to keep their asthma under control and breathe more comfortably, even on the more challenging poor air quality days.
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References
Ben-Joseph, Elena Pearl. (2010, October). Recommendations and modification for behavior and environment on poor air quality days. American Lung Association, Nemours Center for Children's Health information pamphlet, p. 1-3.
Prosser, Theresa R. (2000, December). Asthma Treatment when Air Quality is Poor. National Asthma Education Program, NIH publication 91-3042.
