Managing asthma during Christmas holidays
A Christmas holiday is an important holiday all over the world, both for Christians and non-Christians. In Nigeria, it is usually filled with many activities, including family reunions. Incidentally, this is also the season of harmattan (with dry and cold air), which makes it even more challenging for those with asthma diseases. Many people with asthma experience crisis during the Christmas holidays; hence, need to be more prepared and cautious to avoid crisis.
Currently, it is estimated that more than 15 million Nigerians have asthma with about 5-10percent of children in any given community suffering from asthma and this is expected to increase to more than 100 million in year 2025.
Asthma as one of the world’s most common long-term conditions is currently affecting over 339 million people worldwide and projected to increase by another 100 million people by the year 2025. More than 1000 people die as a result of asthma disease daily, while an estimated 75percent hospital admissions for asthma and as many as, 90percent of the asthma deaths are avoidable.
Asthma management comes with very huge costs. These costs are direct, indirect and intangible costs. In 2014, it was found that the annual out-of-pocket cost of asthma incurred by patients in Nigeria was US$368.4 per patient. Medication cost accounted for the majority (87%) of this cost. This cost does not include other direct, indirect and intangible costs and is not related to costs incurred by patients with exacerbation and differing severity of the disease. This shows that in Nigeria, the annual average out-of-pocket costs incurred my asthma patients is US$ 5.5 billion (N2trillion) as at 2014.
In order to stay healthy during the Christmas holidays, the following tips and asthma management strategies are recommended.
Asthma Management Plan: To be more in control of your asthma, kindly put together an asthma management action plan with your doctor ahead of the holidays.
Stock up on Medications: It is important to have enough of the right and prescribed medications to see you through the holidays. If you know you are going to be away from your main bags for a long time, make sure you have everything you need in your hand luggage. It’s always best to include more, just in case of misplaced suitcases. Please always have your medications wherever you are going to, stick to your routine medications and preserve them well. Most medicines work best in conditions lower than 25 degrees so avoid keeping it on the window sill, in the glove box or in direct sun.
Watch What You Eat and Drink: Knowing your asthma triggers and avoiding them is one of the best asthma management strategies. Additives and preservatives in alcoholic drinks and other beverages could trigger an asthma attack. In addition, avoid eating dishes that contain anything that might trigger your asthma. To achieve, don’t eat anything unless you know what it contains.
Christmas Trees and Stress: Christmas trees have been identified as one of the triggers of asthma, owing to the molds and dusts that may be hidden in the Christmas trees. Also, shopping, cooking, putting up decorations, family get-togethers add up to our stress levels during the Christmas. It is important to keep things as simple as possible.
Avoid Dusty Decorations: Most of us have not been to our village houses in the last 12 months, making our houses a home for dusts and other animals. It is therefore important to get someone else to put the decorations.
Avoid Smoke: A smoke-filled environment is one of the top triggers for an asthma attack. The smoke may come from tobacco, the fireplace or even a small candle. Please don’t be afraid to communicate with family and friends about your needs. Most smokers are polite enough these days not to smoke indoors, but smoke in public places. Steer clear of those places and avoid all the second hand smoke as much as you can.
Colds and Viruses: The housing problem in Nigeria forces many people in small places, most especially during Christmas. To avoid making your asthma worse as a result of viruses, steer clear of anyone who is sniffing or coughing, even if they think you are being rude. In addition, wash your hands regularly and ensure a high hygiene level that can build up your protection. A sudden change in weather can trigger asthma symptoms, so make sure you wrap up warm when you go outside and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Avoid other Triggers: Avoid other known and anticipated asthma triggers. Some of these triggers include perfumes and scented candles, pets, etc. Some of the artificial scents of the season can disrupt your breathing. If you must make your house smell festive and inviting this Christmas, try natural scents (cinnamon, vanilla or citrus). Natural scents tend to be easier on asthmatics than artificial ones.
Finally, do not hide your medical condition from friends and family. They need to know in order to help you manage your condition better, even where there is crisis. Asthma apps could be very important to help your manage your asthma during this season. Always remember that asthma is not a death sentence. You can still live a normal life if you can avoid your triggers, stick to your routine medications, live a healthy lifestyle and always plan with your doctor. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Chiwuike Uba
Chiwuike Uba is the founder and chairman of the Board, Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF)