Asthma is a common disease that occurs both in children and adults. Asthma causes the contraction of airways that affects the lungs. This disease resulted in the deaths of more than 400,000 people in 2019. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Asthma attacks can be terrifying and have serious consequences when not controlled in time. Since the disease is not curable, we manage it by detecting its symptoms. Note that asthma symptoms may vary from person to person.
Tips to Control Asthma
Each asthma patient has different symptoms, so they need to adopt asthma control practices accordingly. Some common asthma control tips are listed below.
1. Identify Your Asthma Triggers
Asthma triggers can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. It is necessary to identify symptoms of possible asthma attacks. Track your symptoms daily by including all environmental and emotional factors. You can record your symptoms in a notebook or diary for later discussion with your doctor.
Asthma is triggered by strong odors like the smell of perfume or smoke from cigarettes for some people. Others may be affected by allergens present in pollen and pet dander. Keep track of every asthma attack and identify the possible triggers.
There can be numerous reasons behind an asthma attack; the crucial thing is identifying the root cause of asthma symptoms. Once you know the cause, it is easier to control the disease.
2. Know Your Medications
Skipping asthma medication is not a good option; people usually ignore it when they feel okay and think their asthma has improved. That is not true; asthma is a long-lasting disease. It doesn’t matter if there are symptoms or not. You need to be careful about it all the time.
There are two types of asthma medication, and both are equally important in controlling asthma attacks.
- Controller Medications
Controller medications help prevent asthma attacks by relaxing the muscles in the airways and making them less reactive to asthma triggers. Sometimes in long-term treatment, medicines are taken daily to reduce the possibility of an asthma attack, or doctors may suggest you take medication only when symptoms show.
- Quick-relief Medications
These medicines relax the muscles around the patient’s airways. If an asthma patient has to use this medication more than twice a week, there is the possibility that their condition is worsening. Consult your doctor immediately.
3. Create an Asthma Action Plan With Your Doctor
It is crucial to develop an emergency action plan with your doctor for your asthma treatment. The plan should include all vital documentation, information, and steps to fohttps://icfamilymedicine.com/how-is-asthma-treated-and-managed/llow in case of an asthma attack.
Red, yellow, and green colors represent the severity of an asthma attack in an action plan. It is better to talk with your doctor if your asthma changes over time, as there might be a need to change your plan of action and medication. If you still display symptoms of an asthma attack after subsequent changes, speak with your doctor and alter your action plan accordingly.
4. Keep Your Environment Safe From Allergens
One of the leading causes of asthma is allergies. These allergens can increase inflammation in the airways, consequently blocking air passages. For asthma patients, it is necessary to reduce exposure to allergic elements.
Asthma patients can keep their environment safe by:
- Washing their bedsheets and pillows in hot water to remove dust mites
- Changing bed linens regularly
- Use HEPA-certified air filters to reduce air pollution in their environment
- Vacuuming the floor at least twice a week using vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA certified filters
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases the chances of asthma attacks because it produces mucus that blocks your airways, causing swelling and constricting the airway.
Smoking may also reduce the effects of medicines you take. Avoid all public smoking places. Any smoke from tobacco fire, or even candles, is harmful to health. Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma.
6. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help improve your lung capacity. Physical activity can also help reduce stress on your lungs, boost your immune system, and help to maintain body weight.
Asthma doesn’t stop you from exercising, but you should consult with your physician for recommendations of the correct type of exercise that keeps you healthy and your asthma in check.
7. Always Stay In Contact With Your Doctor
To manage your asthma it is always recommended to keep in contact with your physician. Your asthma will change with time, the environment, and medicines. Only your doctor can offer you the best advice to control your asthma and to be able to live a long healthy life despite the illness.
Get Help From the Asthma Professionals at Imperial to Control Your Asthma
You cannot treat asthma without a doctor’s help. It is a life-threatening disease that requires experienced, professional care. At Imperial Center Family Medicine, expert doctors specializing in asthma management are available 24/7 to assist you with your medical needs. Call us today at (919) 873-4437 or visit our website to book an appointment.