1. Relieve Cold and Allergy Symptoms Quickly
Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications won't cure those conditions, but some symptom relief is possible. If you can't breathe due to excessive sneezing and a runny nose, an antihistimine can provide temporary relief. For fast action, use loraditine or cetirizine rather than prescription nasal remedies, such as fluticasone. If you can't breathe due to nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, try nonprescription tablet, spray or liquid decongestants. Be sure you carefully read the label, though, because some medicines can make you drowsy, which will limit your activities.
If symptoms don't pass within about 72 hours, see a doctor. Long-range allergy treatment may include prescription medication plus lifestyle changes. When you are suffering from breathing problems due to allergies, avoid your "triggers" such as dust, pollen or animal dander.
2. Design an Asthma Plan With Your Doctor
Drug therapy is usually necessary to control asthma, along with lifestyle changes and treatment of related conditions, such as allergies. Following a diagnosis, your doctor will create long-term and emergency plans for self-care. These may include a management drug, such as a daily pill or inhaler, and a rescue drug, such as a bronchodilator, in case of an asthma attack or severe difficulty in breathing. Both of these types of medication relax the bronchial tubes or ease congestion in other ways.
Your doctor may also prescribe daily allergy medication. Allergy triggers, along with airborne sprays or smoke, can induce asthma symptoms. Taking an allergy drug and paying attention to environmental air quality can help to avoid these triggers. Using a room air cleaner or a vacuum with a HEPA filter are two ways to reduce lung irritants.
3. Learn to Care for Severely Damaged Lungs
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to chemicals or other damaging substances, requires ongoing self-care and sometimes surgery. Asthmatic symptoms, such as shortness of breath, are controlled with a bronchodilator. A management drug, such as a corticosteroid, may be prescribed, as well as oxygen therapy or full-time supplementation. Your doctor will tell you how often to use inhalation treatments and for how long.
Other methods of care are to reduce stress on the cardiopulmonary system by using a wheelchair or scooter to get around or by limiting strenuous physical activity. Improving room and car air quality is also suggested. In all cases of chronic breathing problems, quitting smoking if you're a smoker is always a physician's top tip.
