The fact that you or your kid has asthma doesn’t mean you must constantly struggle to catch your breath. You will probably be able to keep flares at bay and accomplish all you want to do if you work with your doctor and pay attention to your signs — you may need to change your meds for full asthma management. Here are some things you may do to help manage Duluth asthma.
Recognize and avoid your stressors
Asthma triggers, including allergens and irritants, may exacerbate symptoms by irritating the airways. Knowing what sets off your asthma attacks and developing a plan to prevent them is the most effective method of managing the condition.
Do something active every day
Physical activity helps maintain a robust immune system and healthy breathing muscles. In addition to relieving stress on the lungs, regular exercise aids in maintaining a healthy body weight. If you have asthma and are committed to taking your medication as prescribed and consulting with your doctor before beginning any fitness program, you may exercise safely.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions while using asthma medication
People with asthma sometimes mistakenly believe they don’t need to take their preventer (controller) drugs if they aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Unfortunately, asthma is a condition that lasts for quite some time. Even if you don’t feel sick, it will always be there if you have asthma. Managing your asthma requires constant attention, not only on days when symptoms appear.
Avail yourself of vaccinations
If you have asthma, getting the flu may worsen your symptoms for many days or weeks. The risk of developing flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, and requiring hospitalization due to asthma increases. Pneumovax, an anti-pneumonia vaccine, should be given to everyone aged 19 and up every 5-10 years. Pneumococcal, the most prevalent bacterial pneumonia, is also more likely to strike you. It would help if you also got the Tdap vaccination to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough and the zoster vaccine to prevent shingles.
Take attention to the air
Exposure to dry, cold air may irritate the lungs. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf before venturing outdoors on cold days. Exercise inside or in a gym if the chilly weather causes you to cough or wheeze.
If you suffer from allergies, avoiding going outside during peak pollen times is best. Also, if you have respiratory illnesses, you should limit your time outside on days when ozone or pollution levels are high.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Quitting smoking may greatly lessen the intensity and frequency of asthma symptoms for those who smoke and suffer from the disease. Asthma medication’s efficacy may potentially be diminished by smoking. Secondhand smoke may aggravate asthma symptoms, so if you have asthma but don’t smoke, you should limit your exposure to it.
Asthma may be challenging, but with the help of your doctor and the correct medication, you can live a full and active life. Call the Allergy and Asthma Institute, LLC, ahead of time to make an appointment, or go in today if you need assistance with asthma.