Drug treatment for asthma and prevention and treatment of athlete's foot

Using a peak respiratory rate (PRR) measurement device to plan exercise intensity: The PRR is a significant improvement in asthma care. This device accurately measures your airflow and vital capacity at any given time. You and your doctor first determine your maximum respiratory flow, and then, based on the PRR measurement results, you can decide whether to increase your exercise intensity or take a break. If your lungs are working at 80%–100% of their maximum capacity, your exercise intensity is appropriate; if it's only at 50%–80%, you should cautiously increase your exercise intensity.

Experts recommend that you measure your lung capacity at least twice a day, especially when you plan to do physical exercise or other strenuous activities.

Make time to relax. Experts still can't fully explain why stress and tension can worsen asthma. If you are prone to asthma attacks, you should try some relaxation exercises-such as stretching or yoga-to try to prevent attacks.

Fully utilize the effects of drugs

Most asthma patients rely on medication to control their asthma attacks. In many cases, medication can eliminate pneumonia and relax bronchospasms-both of which can trigger asthma attacks. Proper medication can eliminate asthma attacks, allowing you to live a normal, carefree life.

Patients with mild asthma-who experience attacks only once or twice a week-can take beta-adrenergic agonists before engaging in any activities that might irritate the airways. These medications are also known as bronchodilators.

Dr. Qi Lin explained, "Beta-adrenergic agonists are emergency medications. They can dilate the bronchi within minutes or even seconds. If you have asthma, it's best to carry a nebulizer with you at all times."

People with moderate-intensity asthma need to take medication for daily treatment, including several drugs such as lodemethasone and sodium cromoglycate. Generally, asthma can be treated with medication, but sometimes medication is ineffective. You should see a doctor if you use bronchodilators frequently or change your inhaler more than once a month. You should also seek medical help if your daily work causes you to be short of breath or if you wake up from sleep more than three times a month due to shortness of breath.

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Protect your feet

If you experience itching, pain, or a peeling sensation in your feet, you may have a very common cavernous infection. If you really can't resist scratching, you can, but don't panic. Athlete's foot is annoying, but generally harmless and easy to treat.

"People who are active are more prone to athlete's foot, probably because of sweating," says Dr. Paul Lazar, a clinical professor of dermatology at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago. Athletes often walk barefoot in public bathrooms and locker rooms, places where cavernous bacteria can thrive.

This fungus, which causes athlete's foot, can attack any part of the foot. However, it's most common between the last two toes. In severe cases, your feet may look like you're wearing blisters. Sometimes, the fungus can also multiply inside your toes.

Try to avoid this cavernous fungus

How can you prevent this nasty germ from attacking your feet?

Your shoes are like a greenhouse-warm and humid. Fungi are also a type of plant, and like other plants, they thrive in greenhouse environments. Dr. Lazar says that to fight athlete's foot, you must first create an environment unsuitable for the growth of cavernous fungi. That means keeping the inside of your shoes as dry as possible.

The specific methods are as follows.

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• Commonality: It is estimated that 70% of people in the United States have had athlete's foot.

Risk factors: wet feet, dirty feet, or shoes that are too tight.

• Affected age groups: People of all ages can get this disease, but it is rare in children. Adult skin secretes an oily substance that fungi rely on to survive.

• Gender differences: Studies show that men are twice as likely to be infected as women. Experts speculate that men may be more susceptible to cavernous bacteria infection.

• Request for help: Dermatologist.

Drying your feet is essential after a well-known workout on the tennis court or after showering in the gym's public showers following an 8-mile run. The same applies after any other form of exercise, as normal perspiration is a major cause of bacterial growth.

First, dry your feet with a clean towel, paying attention to the areas between your toes, especially between the outer two toes. Then, put on dry, clean socks. Keith Schultz, a dermatologist who runs a private practice in Texas, says, "If you have time, it's best to let your feet air dry for another 5 to 10 minutes after drying them." Rodney Basler, associate professor of medicine and dermatologist, suggests that if you don't have time, you can use a hairdryer to dry your feet.

Dr. William DeWalliny, Chief of Dermatology at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, says that medicated powders can absorb sweat and act as a dryer. However, powders containing cornstarch should be avoided. Sometimes, yeast and organic matter can trigger athlete's foot, and cornstarch is as delicious as caviar to hungry yeast. Also, caution should be exercised when using antibacterial powders if you don't have athlete's foot, as these powders may promote the growth of a superbug with genetic antibodies on the skin.

Wearing absorbent socks helps prevent athlete's foot by absorbing sweat. Cotton socks are the most common. Besides cotton, there are many other types of absorbent fabric socks that can keep your feet dry. Avoid polyester and nylon socks, as these will only trap sweat inside the sock or leave it on your feet, having the opposite effect.

Choose shoes with good breathability. Dr. Schultz says that people most often wear leather shoes, but canvas shoes are also quite effective. Wearing slippers is the best way to keep your feet dry, but you have to endure the slapping sensation they create while walking. However, wet slippers, like wet feet, can also promote fungal growth.

When washing your feet, pay special attention to the area between your toes and make it a habit. Dr. Schultz says, "Soap can kill most of the fungi that cause athlete's foot." However, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after washing.

Schultz says it's best to change your shoes every day. Changing shoes helps keep them thoroughly dry.

Kill this unwelcome guest

If you've already made great efforts but still can't control the fungus causing athlete's foot, then you need to take more drastic measures.

In general, you can find medication to cure this condition at your local pharmacy. There are many types of such medications, and 11-carbohydrate is one common one. The powdered form is more convenient to use and can also dry your feet.

Even though most anti-keratosis pilaris medications don't require a prescription, it's still beneficial to see a dermatologist. You won't die if you don't, but sometimes many other conditions-such as bacterial infections-can cause similar symptoms to athlete's foot. Therefore, getting checked out is advisable. Otherwise, you might waste more effort treating athlete's foot that isn't actually there, thus missing the real cause. Furthermore, if you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, athlete's foot can have serious adverse consequences.

Take the first step.

If you unfortunately develop blisters, inflammation on your feet, or athlete's foot under your toes, you have no choice but to see a doctor. A doctor is the only one who can provide effective treatment; they may prescribe oral antibiotics, which are essential for controlling the infection.

Dr. Schultz said, "Severe athlete's foot typically takes a year and a half to treat. Newer medications have been developed that can eliminate athlete's foot in 3 to 6 months. However, these medications are too new to be reliable. Our commonly used medication is griseofulvin, which requires a year and a half of treatment."

Warning: These medications can sometimes cause side effects and interfere with the effectiveness of other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions when taking these medications.