If you have asthma or know someone who has asthma, then you know how tough it can be to live with the condition.
Many of us have at least one relative who suffers from asthma and know first-hand how debilitating it can be.
Several triggers could make asthma worse and aggravate your symptoms. You could have a tough time catching your breath. There is no doubt that asthma has its share of dangers.
Here, we’ll discuss how you can keep your asthma under control.
So let’s get started, shall we?
What are the key asthma triggers?
The first step to combating any disease is understanding its root causes. When you begin to take note of when and how your asthma gets worse, you will realize that specific triggers make things worse for you. Here are a few things that you should look out for:
- Allergies
- Cold viruses
- Fragrances
- Air pollution
- Sinusitis
- Cool air
- Smoke
Except for these, I have observed that there are several other common factors as well that trigger asthma, including but not limited to cockroaches and molds. And then you have the kind of asthma that is induced due to regular exercises or a heavy workout.
Now, let’s move on to talking about them in detail.
1. No to Allergens
Asthma and allergies don’t work well together. You must keep away from allergens, i.e. everything you’re allergic to, at all times. If and when you are to be exposed to allergens, your airway may become inflamed, causing a potential asthma attack. While it is tough to stay away from the most common types of allergens, you can try different methods.
2. Avoid Getting Sick
You know how people get colds on and off, right? Well, people who have asthma cannot afford to catch a cold. You need to stay healthy. You must wash your hands if you have touched an item or another person who has a cold or any sort of respiratory infection.
3. Use a Peak Flow Meter
There is a meter known as the peak flow meter that keeps track of how well the air you breathe is going to your lungs. Whenever you get an attack, it is because your airway has narrowed. The peak flow meter can tell you that this is happening before your airway becomes so restricted that you get an attack. This way, you can take the medications you need and avoid the dreaded situation.
4. Vaccinations are Essential
Remember how we talked about how you should try not to catch a cold? Well, how do you do that? Get your yearly vaccination against the flu virus. Missing out on one of these may cause you to suffer more than you’d like. Asthma makes the flu worse by causing complications like pneumonia, leading you to be hospitalized. For this reason, you should also get a pneumonia vaccination every 5 to 10 years. Other vaccines that you may consider are diphtheria, tetanus, and zoster, which is supposed to save you from shingles.
5. Follow your Plan
It doesn’t really matter if you’re feeling okay. You still need to be taking your medicines to make sure you don’t get an attack. If you notice any symptoms coming on, then you must consult the plan that you’ve been given. This plan will help you by giving you enough time to call the doctor.
6. Avoid Smoke
I’m sure you are not a smoker if you’re an asthma patient. But you have to avoid any other type of smoke around you as well, especially the smoke from tobacco. Candles, fireworks, incense, and even fires may trigger your asthma attack. You must not stay around people who smoke for too long.
7. Eat Healthily
Several foods are rich in antioxidants that work towards improving the health of your lungs. In fact, they are also known to help in avoiding asthma attacks. You must ensure that your diet includes at least two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables a day. Avoid consuming a lot of saturated fat because it may reduce the effectiveness of your asthma medications. Try to include more lean meats and skinless chicken into your diet.
8. Allergy-Proofing
While it may sound childish, one of the best ways to calm your asthma symptoms is to allergy-proof your home, office, and general surroundings. Going to restaurants that produce a lot of smoke or even allow people to smoke is a complete no-no. If you’re planning on visiting a hotel, then try to carry your own pillow and comforter; dust mites tend to increase asthma symptoms.
9. Don’t Stress
I know what you’re thinking! Easier said than done; I understand. All I’m saying is that your mental health is closely associated with the symptoms that show up in your condition. You must get in touch with your doctor if you haven’t been feeling like yourself, because an asthma attack may follow this.
10. Avoid Risks During Pregnancy
For women, having asthma and being pregnant together is dangerous. The primary risk associated with both of these is that if you are not able to breathe correctly, which leads to a high chance that your baby can’t get enough oxygen. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor, but stopping your medicine is not a good idea. You and your partner must also stop smoking, as it may cause complications. There are various other factors that you should learn about from your doctor.
Asthma is a condition that can be managed effectively if appropriate steps are taken. Failing to do so may result in a situation that could be life-threatening. There is no cure for asthma; all we can do is take care of ourselves and the individuals who suffer from it.