All it takes is damp, musty weather to trigger a seasonal asthma attack. The monsoon results in rising humidity levels, frequent changes in temperature, dust storms. These factors increase chances of an asthma attack, which is often misdiagnosed as a cough and cold. You could miss out on proper treatment that an attack.

WATCH OUT FOR:

In asthma attack, there is a temporary narrowing of the airway with spasms. The patient experiences breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. A few people may experience coughing without breathlessness or wheezing. Some patients may experience breathlessness or other symptoms only when they exercise, while some have these symptoms at night.

DOS AND DON'TS:

1. Do continue to take prescribed preventive medication.

2. Avoid exposure to frequent temperature change (going out in the sun from an AC environment or drinking chilled water immediately after returning from the heat).

3. Avoid exposure to dust, cover your face and nose with a mask, if possible.

4. Keep your environment clean; house dust can also trigger an attack.

5. Take a flu vaccine once every year and a pneumonia vaccine once in three years.

6. Do not try alternative treatments at home. Asthma can be fatal. Always seek medical advice.

MYTHS AND FACTS:

MYTH: Modern medicines don't offer a complete cure.

FACT: Diagnosis at the right time, with suitable treatment, can control the condition.

MYTH: Inhalers are recommended only for advanced cases of asthma.

FACT: Established medical standards advise the use of inhalers as a first line of therapy as it's most efficacious and has minimum side-effects. When you show symptoms, take a puff. A nebulizer can also be used at home. If inhalation fails to give relief within half an hour, opt for emergency medical treatment.

MYTH: Asthma patients should not use steroids.

FACT: Usage is unavoidable in case of potentially lifethreatening conditions. In some cases, withholding steriods has proved to be fatal. Therefore, self-care instructions include self-administration of the first dose of steroid even before seeking medical help.