Asthma is a serious disease of the lungs that causes narrowing and/or blockage of the airways. There are things you can do to decrease your risk and limit the effect asthma will have on your life and the lives of those around you.
Vaccinations
Because asthma can be a dangerous and even deadly disease, it's important for people affected to be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Many illnesses that can be prevented by vaccines can cause asthma to be exacerbated,-such as influenza and pneumonia. Keeping your immunizations current yearly will help keep you healthy and could help keep asthma under control.
Allergens
Asthma can be allergic or non-allergic in origin. Allergic asthma is caused by allergens in the environment that cause an allergic reaction that then causes an episode of asthmatic symptoms. Asthmatic symptoms can be decreased by strict control of the environment. Cover mattresses, pillows and box springs in allergic casings and use a HEPA filter in homes where animals reside. Don't allow animals into the bedroom. Taking these precautions may help you to decrease your asthma symptoms.
Avoid Smoke
We all know the dangers and risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke. Those dangers are increased for a person with asthma. If you have asthma and you smoke, talk with your doctor about different smoking cessation programs and medications that may be available and appropriate. Get the smokers in your home to quit. Avoid secondhand smoke when possible and prohibit smoking in your home. Smoking in a basement or garage will still produce secondhand smoke in your living area and will likely introduce some secondhand smoke into your home.
Have an Asthma Action Plan
Any person with asthma should have an asthma action plan in place. An asthma action plan is a plan created by you and your physician or respiratory therapist. The action plan provides the steps to take in the event your peak flow numbers decrease and/or you have an increase in symptoms. You'll have a place to record nighttime symptoms, daytime symptoms and also peak flow results. Keeping track of this information will help you to avoid serious flare-ups of your asthma.
Know Your Symptoms
Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and can change with age. Be aware of what your symptoms look like and what you need to do to control flare-ups. Knowing how your asthma behaves and treating symptoms early may help you avoid more serious complications.
