If you have asthma, you
need to do what you can to cut your exposure to asthma triggers.
Asthma triggers can
aggravate your symptoms -- coughing, wheezing, and having a hard time catching
your breath. While there’s no cure, there are steps you can take to keep your
asthma in control and prevent an attack.
1. Identify Asthma Triggers
Certain asthma triggers
can set off a cascade of asthma symptoms. These include:
·
Air pollution
·
Allergies
·
Cold air
·
A cold or flu virus
·
Sinusitis
·
Smoke
·
Fragrances
It’s vital to learn to
identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them.
Keep track of your
symptoms in an asthma diary for several weeks. Detail all the environmental and
emotional things that affect your asthma.
If you have
exercise-induced asthma, are planning a heavy workout, or plan to exercise in
cold, humid, or dry air, take steps to prevent an asthma attack.
2. Stay Away From Allergens
If you have allergies
and asthma, it’s important to keep your distance from allergens (things you’re
allergic to). Allergen exposure can increase the inflammation in your airways
for a while, making an attack more likely.
3. Avoid Smoke of Any Type
Smoke and asthma are a
bad mix. Limit exposure to all sources of smoke, including
tobacco, incense, candles, fires, and fireworks. Don’t allow smoking in your
home or car, and avoid public places that permit it. If you smoke cigarettes,
get help to quit. Smoking always makes asthma worse.
4.
Prevent Colds
Do what you can to stay
well. Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu, because
catching it will make your asthma symptoms worse. Wash your hands well if you
handle items that someone with a respiratory infection may have touched.
Allergy-proof your
environment and lower your chances of an asthma attack. Avoid eating in restaurants that are smoky or
allow cigarette smoking.
6. Get Your Vaccinations
Get a flu shot every
year to protect against the flu virus, which can worsen your asthma for days or
weeks.
8. Take Asthma Medications as Prescribed
Long-term asthma medications
are designed to prevent symptoms and attacks. The medicine will ease
inflammation in your airways and keep your asthma under control, so it’s less
likely to flare up.
9. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
If you notice symptoms, check your plan for instructions
on what medications to take. During an attack, the plan can tell you what meds
will help and when it’s time to call the doctor.
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