4 Tips for Managing and Treating Asthma
According to statistics from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 25 million americans are diagnosed with asthma. However, research from the American Academy of Asthma Allergy & Immunology (AAAAI), suggests that number continues to increase yearly.
While not every person suffering from asthma can prevent asthma attacks from occurring altogether—the characteristic wheezing, chest tightness, cough, shortness of breath, the inability to engage in physical or outdoor activities yearly, and other symptoms of asthma can be managed, decreased, and even controlled through medication and limiting exposure to known asthma triggers by using these treatment and management tactics:
Minimizing exposure to asthma triggers
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent recurring asthma attacks is to know and knowingly avoid the triggers that set your asthma attacks in motion. For instance:
- Identifying and avoiding known food allergens (i.e., casein or dairy).
- Avoiding and minimizing stress.
- Treating contributing rhinitis, sinusitis quickly, and respiratory viruses.
- Avoiding exposure to specific irritants (i.e., mold, cold/humid weather, dust, smoke, or pet hair).
Managing contributing conditions (i.e., sleep apnea).
Following prescription closely
Another way to manage and treat asthma symptoms correctly is to take your prescriptions as prescribed by your doctor. Medications to treat asthma can include inhalers or oral medications meant for quick relief (which decrease symptoms during an asthma attack) or long-term asthma management (which prevent and decrease severity of asthma attacks).
Taking initiative
In the end, keeping your health in check is up to you, which is why many patients with allergic asthma can benefit from the following:
- Using HEPA (or high-efficiency particulate air) air filters in your furnace and vacuum cleaner.
- Taking heed of local air quality index report and adjusting activities as needed.
- Minimizing dust mites with mattress and pillow covers.
- Avoiding smoke (i.e., smoking or vaping, secondhand smoke, indoor fires and campfires)
- Avoidance of chemical irritants (i.e., perfumes, incense, candles, and room sprays).
- Swapping carpet for hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring in your home.
- Limiting exposure to pets and pet dander.
Responsible exercise
Daily exercise is important, but not at the risk of an asthma attack. If you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, you could try lower impact workouts (i.e., swimming, yoga). If your asthma attacks are triggered by weather (i.e., humidity, dry air, pollen, or cold) you should avoid physical activity outside when triggers are prevalent, and opt for an indoor workout instead.
