Are You One of the Millions Who's Daily Life Includes the
Struggles of Asthma?
For an asthmatic, the struggles of asthma includes the day to
day management of the disease is vital if they are to stay
healthy.
The struggles of asthma also mean that medicines must be taken
regularly and the patient must do all they can to minimize
contact with known triggers of an attack.
To make this self management possible the patient and doctor
must work together to create an individual action plan.
Naturally, this involves taking the correct medicines and
learning to use the inhalers properly as well as having regular
check-ups.
A key part of the plan is that the asthmatic needs to identify
and avoid the things that can worsen or trigger the asthma
symptoms.
If you have a pet keep it out of your house. Their hair or skin
may be a triggers for your asthma.
You shouldn't smoke and should stay away from smokers.
Stay indoors with the A/C on, where possible, when the air is
dry or full of pollen.
Wash your bedding, sheets and blankets, weekly in hot water to
clean the dust mites.
Prevent colds and the flu by washing your hands often, sneezing
into your elbow, not you hands and think about getting a yearly
flu shoot.
You should wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when it is cold
outside, especially if the cold air triggers your asthma.
Physical activity is important to your general health and to
your asthma. If exercise triggers asthma attacks, speak with
your doctor(s) with the goal being to find you exercises that
will not cause asthmatic problems.
If you are allergic to sulphites, avoid foods (some breads,
canned fruits, cereals with dried fruit) or beverages (beer,
wine, cocktail mixes and most drinks containing sugar) that
contain them.
Humidity in the home can assist molds and fungi grow in the home
and to produce and release millions of spores small enough to be
airborne and that may trigger asthma attacks when much above 50%.
Open windows throughout the house, especially in the kitchen or
bathroom areas allowing the hot humid air from the shower or
dishwasher to escape and use a dehumidifier in your basement if
you have the need.
Be careful with furnaces, stoves, space heaters and similar
combustion units. They can produce gases and airborne particles
that can be triggers for asthmatics.
Change filters in the furnace of your home monthly or at least
as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Check them over on an annual basis, by yourself, or better yet
by someone who is knowledgeable about these. Check with your
local gas company, most perform this service for free.
Avoid airborne perfumes, deodorants, or air fresheners and when
painting or doing crafts make sure you are in a well ventilated
area.
Be aware of signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, wheezing,
coughing, chest tightness, or any difficulty in breathing.
Take your medication as directed by your doctor and use your
peak flow meter to monitor your asthma.
A healthy lifestyle is part of the management and treatment of
your asthma.
A healthy lifestyle will not make you, me or anyone immune from
colds or illnesses and may not get rid of all of problems with
allergies and asthma, but it is likely to help.
Increase the fruits and vegetables you eat and decrease the fats
and sugars you eat, exercise often, find ways to control the
stress in your life, and, of course, don't smoke.
If your asthma gets worse then you should get help from your
doctor to either bring it back under control or alter your
medication. Here are some of the telltale signs that things are
deteriorating: