Measures for patients having Asthma to manage at home during Covid 19 Pandemic.

What is Asthma?

A condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow, and swell and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe, Asthma can be minor or it can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, it may lead to a life-threatening attack.

What is the Consequence of being Asthmatic?
Asthma may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough, and wheezing.

The symptoms may sometimes flare up such as –
• Wheezing, a sound similar to whistling while you breathe
• Difficulty breathing
• A tight feeling in your chest
• Coughing

Symptom severity varies from person to person. Sometimes wheezing and coughing can trigger an asthma attack, where symptoms temporarily get worse. There’s no cure for asthma, but treatment can help.

How to manage if you have Asthma / asthmatic attack? An asthma inhaler usually improves your symptoms. But seek immediate medical attention from your regular doctor immediately if still you have breathing difficulties. You can also use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or BiPAP Therapy during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic recommended by your licensed medical practitioner.

Why CPAP / BiPAP devices are required and can we have at our home with ease?

We know that we want to stay healthy. Well, good quality sleep is needed to do that. If you’re not using your CPAP, you’re going to further weaken your immune system. And if you do have coronavirus, or you’re worried about getting coronavirus or any virus, you’re going to be more susceptible if you stop using your device.

The difference between CPAP and BiPAP medical devices and their use

Auto CPAP is mainly used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in the clinical and at home. It is to be used only under the instruction of the licensed healthcare professional. This Device can provide continuous positive airway pressure. The device is useful in Pneumology. COVID 19 patients can use at home for mild to moderate or less severe conditions and supports recovering at home.

BiPAP machines have two pressure settings, the prescribed pressure for inhalation (ipap) and a lower pressure for exhalation (epap) the dual settings allows the patient to get more air in and out of their lungs.