We all know breathing is supposed to be one of the most natural things in life—kind of like blinking or that irresistible urge to check your phone every 10 minutes. But for some people, breathing likes to get dramatic. Enter: asthma, the condition where your lungs sometimes throw a tantrum for no apparent reason.


What Exactly is Asthma?
Think of asthma as that one friend who’s mostly chill but sometimes decides to overreact—especially when there’s dust, pollen, or a change in the weather. It’s a chronic condition where the airways in your lungs get all inflamed and narrow, making it harder to breathe.


Asthma Triggers: The Usual Suspects
Asthma doesn’t just flare up for no reason. It has a long list of “enemies” that can set it off, including: dust, pollen, cold air, exercise, strong emotions, etc. If you’re lucky, your asthma might be mild and only show up every now and then. But for some, it’s more consistent than for others


Asthma Symptoms
Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when you breathe, indicating that your airways are narrowing.
Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air, even after minimal physical activity.
Coughing fits: persistent coughing, often worse at night or early in the morning, which can interfere with your sleep.
Chest tightness: A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest, making it feel difficult to take deep breaths.


What to Do (and Not Do) During an Asthma Attack
If you or someone else is having an asthma attack, it’s important to act quickly but calmly. Here’s a quick guide to help you handle it:
DO:
Stay calm: Panicking only makes it harder to breathe.
Use your reliever inhaler : Take one puff every 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
Sit upright: Sitting helps open up your airways. Lying down can make things worse.
Loosen tight clothing: Make sure nothing is restricting your breathing.
Call for help: If symptoms don’t improve after 10 puffs or you’re unsure what to do next, call emergency services.
DON’T:
Ignore the signs: Even if it feels mild, don’t brush off an asthma attack.
Lie flat: This can make breathing more difficult.


If your asthma attacks are becoming more frequent (like using your inhaler more than three times a week or waking up at night due to shortness of breath), it’s time to visit the hospital or talk to your pharmacist. Getting your asthma under control is essential to avoid these flare-ups.


Preventing Future Asthma Attacks
Managing asthma means more than just treating attacks when they happen—it’s about preventing them in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Avoid known triggers: If cold air sets you off, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth when heading outside. If dust is your enemy, keep your home as dust-free as possible.
Exercise regularly, but pace yourself: Physical activity strengthens your lungs, but don’t overdo it. Always have your inhaler on hand.
Manage stress: Easier said than done, but stress can trigger asthma attacks, so it’s important to find ways to relax.


Convenient Access to Asthma Medication
Need to restock your inhalers? You can easily order your asthma medication from Pharmplug’s website at www.pharmplug.com. Even better, you can activate the AutoRefill service and have your inhalers delivered to you monthly, with 10% off. That’s one less thing to stress about!
Take care of your lungs—they may be dramatic, but they’re the only ones you’ve got!

Be Health Smart: Save Time, Money and Energy