1. The Long and Short of It
Bronchial asthma is a lifelong condition, but with the proper treatment and preventions, people with asthma lead fairly normal lives. One of the most common treatments for bronchial asthma is an inhaler. And inhaler delivers bronchodilator medication directly to the lungs, allowing the patient to breathe more freely in the short term. Most asthma patients carry an inhaler with them at all times, and children with asthma keep an inhaler on hand in the classroom or with the school nurse. Bronchodilator medications come in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Most come with an inhaler, but theophylline is an oral medication. Short-acting medicines help with sudden symptoms, and long-acting medications keep breathing free during special circumstances, like prolonged exposure to certain irritants.
2. Stay in Control
Asthma sufferers use longterm medications to keep asthma symptoms under control and prevent the onset of an asthma attack. Longterm medications taken on a daily basis keep the lungs functioning at normal levels. These anti-inflammatories reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the airways and cut down on the number of spontaneous lung spasms. Anti-inflammatory medications come in two forms: inhaled and oral. Many asthma patients use inhaled and oral anti-inflammatories once daily to keep asthma symptoms under control.
3. Functionality
One way asthma patients stay in control of asthma symptoms is by closely monitoring their oxygen function. A peak flow meter measures lung function. This can be useful, since lung function decreases about two to three days before an asthma attack. Doctors usually advise patients that if their peak flow meter is down 20 percent, to prepare for an asthma attack.
4. Environmentally Speaking
Asthma patients treat their asthma by changing their environments. Families living with an asthma sufferer need to clean the house at least once a week. If the asthma patient does the cleaning, he needs a mask to keep from breathing in too much dust. Humidity levels in the house need to be low. Choosing wood flooring over carpet is another way to help asthma sufferers, and furry friends should live outside. Keep the air conditioner running, and consider using synthetic materials for bedding rather than down or foam rubber.
5. Just Keep Breathing
One of the best ways to live with asthma is to be as normal as possible. In spite of all the treatments and preventions available, asthma attacks still happen. With the right treatment on hand at all times, asthma patients can participate in sports and activities. Being aware of what triggers an asthma attack helps you prepare for the worst and helps you keep your asthma under control.
