For days its been raining cats and dogs in Lagos back to back like Real Madrid winning the UEFA Champions League...

And this morning,there was yet another heavy downpour, I covered myself up refusing to come down until I heard...

"DOCTOR OOOO....DOCTOR OOOO"
#OdogwuTales

I had my polo on my shoulders as I ran down, on getting to the reception,I met a sea of people I sent out..

And there lay this beauty of a girl in her early 20's....LIFELESS

I quickly wore my masks and gloves, started resuscitation, pumped oxygen and just then k heard a "sound"

Whats that...did it pick anything?, I asked praying even when I knew she was gone...

No sir, it's the monitor beeping, after more than 30 mins of resuscitation and nothing..."WHAT HAPPENED?"

Doki...Na Asthmatic ooo,her inhaler finish and she no tell person!

ASTHMA + COLD =

I have made a thread on ASTHMA before so I wouldn't want to repeat it but I would focus on

"ASTHMA + COLD AIR = "

A little intro... "ASTHMA is a condition where your airways swell up and become very narrow in response to certain things called TRIGGERS"

The swollen airway...

become so narrow and can't take in much air causing the people with asthma to have difficulty breathing causing various asthma symptoms.

• What Are ASTHMA SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms that are noticed during an attack. They include;

1. Coughing
- Especially at night or in the morning

2. Wheezing
- Its a whistling sound you hear when you breathe

3. Shortness of breath

4. Tightness and pain of the chest

Pls if you have these symptoms, visit your doctor for proper checkup.

Asthmatic Attacks doesn't start on its own, it only starts as a reaction to "ASTHMA TRIGGERS".

• So What Are ASTHMA TRIGGERS?

- ASTHMA TRIGGERS are things that cause asthmatic symptoms and they include the following:

1. Infections
2. Air pollution
3. Tobacco smoke
4. Exercise

5. Dust
6. Strong perfumes and odour

"7. COLD WEATHER"

• So How Does COLD WEATHER Cause ASTHMATIC SYMPTOMS That Can Lead To Death...

1. COLD AIR IS DRY
- Our airways are covered with a thin layer of fluid, when you breathe in dry air, the liquid evaporates faster than it is..

replaced. The dry airways become irritated and swollen and this causes asthmatic symptoms.

- Cold air also causes our airways to produce a substance called HISTAMINES, which is the same chemical the body makes during an allergy attack. Histamine causes asthmatic symptoms

2. COLD INCREASES MUCUS
- Our airways are also covered with a layer of Protective Mucus which helps remove unhealthy particles

- In cold weather the body produces more mucus but it's thicker and stickier than normal. The extra mucus can narrow the airways causing asthma symptoms

• How To Prevent ASTHMA ATTACKS During This COLD RAINY SEASON

1. Try to stay indoors when the weather is very cold.
- If you have to go outside, make sure you're properly covered up and have your INHALER with you...ALWAYS

2. Drink more water as it helps reduce the mucus in...

The lungs and makes it easier for the body to remove.

3. Get your flu vaccine.

4. AVOID ANYONE WHO IS SICK.

5. Vacuum and dust your home often to remove indoor allergens...(It should be done by someone else)

6. DON'T MISS YOUR ASTHMA CLINIC APPOINTMENTS!!!

• How To Prevent ASTHMA ATTACKS When You Exercise Outdoors During Cold

1. Use your inhaler 15-30 mins before your exercise. This will open the airways and make you breathe easier.

2. Always carry your inhaler with you incase of attack.

3. Warm up for atleast 10-15 mins....

before working out.

4. Wear a mask or scarf over your face to warm the air you breathe in.

ASTHMA IS NOT CURABLE...
ASTHMA IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE...
ASTHMA CAN BE MANAGED VERY VERY WELL...

"ASTHMA + COLD + COVID 19 = VERY BAD COMBO"

STAY SAFE...
R.I.P

RT For Awareness!