1. Educate Yourself
Managing your asthmatic condition is more effectively accomplished if you know the science behind your fits of wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. Bronchial asthma is usually triggered by an external irritant and is called extrinsic asthma by some doctors.
Specifically, you need to know how your doctor classifies your asthma--is it mild, moderate or severe? Intermittent or persistent? Learn the particulars of how much an attack constricts your airflow. Finally, you should also try to identify known triggers, such as dust or pet dander.
2. Monitor Your Environment
You can help treat your bronchial asthma by making sure to keep the air in your home clean and free of irritants. In addition to investing in an air purifier, you might consider switching to hardwood floors, since carpets trap dust, dirt and pet hair. Keep all rooms, particularly your bedroom, clean and dust-free, and make sure that you encourage plenty of fresh air circulation.
3. Test Your Lung Capacity
To anticipate a possible impending episode of extrinsic asthma, you should use a peak flow meter to see how much air is passing in and out of your lungs. If you are exposed to a known irritant, check to see if your lung capacity is taking a downturn, and if it is, take preventative action. Ideally, you should monitor your lung capacity at regular intervals throughout the day, even if you're not exposed to your asthmatic triggers and seem to be breathing without difficulty.
4. Use Preventative Medications
One way to treat bronchial asthma is through the use of corticosteroids, which can be taken orally or breathed through an inhaler. These drugs work to prevent asthma attacks by delivering anti-inflammatories to your bronchioles, preventing them from closing off and allowing you to continue to breathe normally.
5. Treat Acute Attacks
Corticosteroids will not help you in the event of an asthma attack. You'll have to treat an acute episode with bronchodilator medicine, which is usually delivered via an inhaler. Bronchodilators work to ease muscle tension around your bronchial tubes to facilitate better airflow. Some asthma patients also use brochodilator drugs as a preventative measure. Your doctor will help you form the most effective treatment plan for your individual case.
