Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which your airways contract, making it difficult for you to breathe. The condition also entails the extra production of mucus, low stamina, fatigue, and asthma attacks. While there is no known cure for it, asthma can be managed by following some tips. Statistics show that over 300 million people in the world suffer from the condition, and most of them lead perfectly healthy lives. Athletes, too, are known to have asthma, but they don’t let it affect their sport. Learn more about how you can fight asthma by following the tips mentioned below.
Table of Contents
Avoid Triggers
Triggers set off asthma attacks, which entail shortness of breath, wheezing, cold sweat, and panic. Smoke, pollution, allergens, and other irritants can contribute to an attack. It is important to identify your triggers and avoid them the best you can.
Be Regular with Medication
It is crucial that you regularly take your asthma medication, as prescribed by your pulmonologist. Treatments include bronchodilators, steroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Asthma is a condition you fight every day, so it is important to treat it regularly.
Keep Your Inhaler Handy
Always have inhalers with you in case of emergency attacks. There are proper ways to use inhalers in order for them to be effective; your doctor will teach you. Improper use of inhalers prevents the medication from entering your airways.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker with asthma, it’s time to switch to nicotine alternatives. Smoking not only exacerbates your condition but causes other lung diseases like COPD, lung cancer, etc. Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication you’re on.
Exercise Frequently
Frequent exercise will strengthen your breathing muscles, as well as boost your immune system. Asthma is known for lowering one’s immunity, so frequent exercise is very important to balance things out. Athletes exercise regularly to control and manage their asthma.
It is difficult to live with a condition like asthma, we agree. However, if millions of people around the globe are doing it daily, then you can, too. Viruses like the flu or a cold tend to make your asthma worse, so be sure to sanitize your hands regularly and keep up to date with your vaccines. Depending on the worsening or bettering of your symptoms, your pulmonologist may make changes to your medication doses. The key is consistency. Trust the process, and we assure you that you will be able to lead a normal and healthy life like everybody else.