Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. An estimated 25 million Americans have asthma, including about 6 million children. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some important do’s and don’ts for living well with asthma.
Do’s
Take Prescribed Medications
If your doctor has prescribed you inhaled corticosteroids or other daily controller medications, be sure to take them as directed even when you are feeling well. These long-term control medications help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Common options include Flovent, Pulmicort, Qvar, Asmanex, Alvesco, and Arnuity. Using an inhaler with a spacer or valved holding chamber can improve medication delivery to the lungs.
Carry a Quick-Relief Inhaler
Always keep your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin), levalbuterol (Xopenex), or pirbuterol (Maxair) on hand. Use it as soon as asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness start flaring up. Quick-relief inhalers provide fast-acting bronchodilation to open the airways during an asthma attack. Carry it with you at all times in case of emergency.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Pay attention to things that seem to make your asthma worse and try to limit your exposure to them. Common asthma triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander), irritants (smoke, pollution, strong odors like perfume), weather changes, exercise, infections, stress, and certain medications. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns.
Create an Asthma Action Plan
Work with your doctor to develop a written asthma action plan outlining your daily treatment regimen and how to adjust medications in response to worsening symptoms. It should provide instructions on identifying warning signs of an attack, when to use your quick-relief inhaler, when to call your doctor, and when to seek emergency care.
Get a Flu Shot
Because respiratory infections are an asthma trigger, getting an annual flu vaccination is recommended. Ask your doctor if you should also get vaccinated against pneumonia and COVID-19. Good handwashing helps reduce your chances of catching contagious illnesses that could provoke an asthma attack.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms. Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy BMI through diet and exercise may help improve asthma control. Weight loss also reduces inflammation in the body which contributes to asthma severity.
Monitor Symptoms
Track your asthma symptoms, peak flow readings, and medication use in a journal or with an app. This helps detect patterns and early warning signs. Alert your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse or if quick-relief inhaler use is increasing. Frequent asthma attacks indicate poor control.
Get Regular Checkups
See your doctor for asthma checkups at least every six months to monitor your condition. Lung function tests, discussion of symptoms, and medication adjustments are important to help you achieve optimal asthma control. Have asthma exacerbations or attacks evaluated promptly.
Learn Proper Inhaler Technique
Using inhalers correctly allows the medication to reach the airways effectively. Common mistakes include actuating the inhaler before inhaling, inhaling too fast, and stopping inhalation too soon. Your doctor can demonstrate proper technique – inhale deeply and slowly, press the inhaler to release medication, continue slow inhalation, hold breath for 10 seconds.
Carry Medical ID
Wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace that states you have asthma can alert others to your condition in case of an asthma emergency where you are unable to speak.
Seek Support
Joining an asthma education or support group can help you learn more about managing your condition from healthcare professionals and connect with others facing similar challenges. Online forums allow connecting with the asthma community for tips and encouragement.
Learn Your Triggers
Pay close attention to what seems to trigger your asthma symptoms and try to limit or avoid those triggers. Common asthma triggers include allergens, irritants like smoke/pollution/odors, weather changes, exercise, infections, stress, and some medications. Using a peak flow meter at home can help correlate exposures to symptoms.
Have an Asthma Action Plan
Work with your doctor to create a written asthma action plan with instructions on taking medications, identifying warning signs of worsening asthma, handling asthma attacks, and knowing when to seek emergency care. This helps you manage your condition effectively day-to-day.
Control Allergies
Treating allergies and avoiding allergy triggers can go a long way towards improving asthma control. Allergy medication, allergy shots, air filters, and limiting exposure to dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and other allergens may significantly reduce asthma flare-ups.
Stay Active
Aerobic exercise helps strengthen lungs and is part of a healthy lifestyle for people with asthma. Swimming, walking, and biking are great low-impact options. Use an inhaler before exercising, do warmups and cooldowns, and gradually increase activity levels. Monitor symptoms.
Don’ts
Don’t Smoke
Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure can trigger asthma attacks and make asthma symptoms much worse. Quitting smoking and avoiding all smoke exposures are essential. Counseling, nicotine replacement products, medication, hypnosis, acupuncture, and support groups can aid smoking cessation.
Avoid Strong Scents
Heavily scented products like perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and scented laundry products can act as asthma triggers. Opt for fragrance-free personal care and household products whenever possible. Also limit use of scented candles, essential oils, and incense.
Don’t Skip Medications
It can be tempting to stop taking daily controller medications when asthma seems under control. However, skipping medication doses increases inflammation in the airways and likely worsening of symptoms. Work closely with your doctor for guidance on proper medication adherence.
Avoid NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may trigger asthma attacks in some individuals due to their effect on certain inflammatory pathways. Acetaminophen is a safer option for pain relief. Let all your healthcare providers know you have asthma.
Don’t Delay Seeking Treatment
It’s important not to downplay worsening asthma symptoms and delay seeking medical treatment. Frequent use of quick-relief inhalers, increasing wheezing/coughing episodes, difficulty sleeping, and reduced ability to do daily activities indicate poorly controlled asthma needing medical attention.
Avoid Respiratory Infections
Respiratory illnesses like colds, sinus infections, and flu are common asthma triggers. Washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting recommended vaccinations are key preventive measures. Start treatment promptly at the first signs of illness to avoid exacerbating asthma.
Don’t Panic During Attacks
Feeling anxious during severe asthma attacks is understandable, but it’s essential to remain calm and focus on your asthma action plan. Panic causes faster, shallower breathing which further constricts airways. Rest, relax, follow plan instructions, and get emergency help if symptoms fail to improve.
Conclusion
By following asthma treatment guidelines, identifying and avoiding triggers, monitoring symptoms diligently, maintaining open communication with your doctor, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to manage asthma effectively and prevent acute attacks. Pay attention to early warning signs your asthma is worsening and seek prompt medical care when indicated. With proper control, you can live an active, symptom-free life.
