Asthma Advice for College Students
September will represent a major
milestone in the lives of approximately 43,000 students
who are starting college for the first time this term.
For many, starting college is the first time that they
will move out of their family home and fend for themselves,
including the management of their health. The Asthma
Society of Ireland would like to remind students with asthma
that correct medical management of their condition is critically
important and must not be forgotten during this time. Approximately
470,000 people have asthma in Ireland and at least one
person dies from asthma every week in Ireland.
The newfound freedom and the often
less than healthy aspects of student life can have a
negative impact on students with asthma. Some of
these triggers may include living with smokers, taking
up smoking, poor dietary habits, the use of recreational
drugs and excessive alcohol intake. Starting
college and/or moving out of home can all lead to increased
stress which can also act as an asthma trigger. These
'triggers' are in addition to environmental factors such
as dust mites, cleaning solutions and other irritants which
can be found in your new home or college accommodation.
Students with asthma are also advised to:
- Carry an Asthma
Attack Card with you at all times.
- Register with the college health centre, let them know
you have asthma and ask who can be contacted in case
of an emergency.
- Ensure you take your preventer routinely and carry
your reliever inhaler at all times.
- If living on campus, ensure your roommates are aware
of your condition and ensure that the accommodation is
non-smoking.
- If sensitive to dust mites, bring your own pillows,
allergy-proof covers and a mattress cover.
- Pay close attention to the recommendations issued by
the HSE and the Asthma Society of Ireland in relation
to swine
flu and be vigilant for updates regarding possible
vaccination guidelines in the coming months.
- Good hygiene is the first line of defence against any
type of cold or flu - make sure you wash your hands frequently,
especially after coughing or sneezing.
Dr Pat Manning, Chairperson, Medical
Committee, Asthma Society of Ireland said "Going
to college and living away from home for the first time
is exciting but it can also be a stressful process which
can trigger asthma symptoms. It is an important time
in the life of people with asthma as they have to learn
to become more independent and manage their condition
on their own. It is imperative to be aware of the potential
environmental triggers in their new surroundings and
ensure that their asthma is controlled. Control
is the key to living well with asthma and there is no reason
why people with asthma should not have a healthy and fun
start to college life. Ask your doctor or practice nurse
about developing a personal asthma action plan or contact
the Asthma Society of Ireland should you have any queries".
A new text alert service is now available to keep up to
date on the latest news and information on asthma. Click
Here to sign up for all latest news and information on
asthma.
For advice on how to manage asthma during exam times for
students click
here.
For further information call the Asthma Society Helpline
on 1850 44 54 64
|
