Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects the airways leading to and from the lungs. When a person has asthma, the airways become inflamed and swollen. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the swelling and inflammation makes the airways sensitive to irritants and increases the chances of an allergic reaction. The narrowed airways restrict the amount of air flowing to and from the lungs. Symptoms of the narrowing include wheezing, breathing problems, coughing and chest tightness. Asthma is an incurable disease but treatments are available to help prevent and limit the severity of these attacks.
Step 1
Formulate temporary relief alternatives. Quick-relief medicines are used when an asthma attack strikes without notice. Frequent use may signal the need for long-term medication. According to MayoClinic.com, albuterol is commonly used as a quick relief medication for asthma attacks. The inhaled medication works instantly by relaxing the bronchial muscles for hours at a time. Your doctor may prescribe oral or intravenous corticosteroids if your asthma is severe. While these drugs help eliminate bronchial tube inflammation, they have serious side effects such as acne, osteoporosis, weight gain, muscle atrophy and cataracts. Seek medical attention if your symptoms persist.
Step 2
Follow your doctor-prescribed treatment for long-term use. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used for long-term medications for asthma. According to the CDC, medicines such as Azmacort and Pulmicort work by lessening inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Other medications such as Foradil Aerolizer and Serevent Diskus are sometimes used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Most of these drugs work to open the bronchial airways and reduce inflammation. Additional drugs may be prescribed to target mucus reduction. Consult your doctor about treatment adjustments or further testing if your condition worsens.
Step 3
Conduct an investigation into irritants that may trigger your asthma attacks. The University of Maryland reports that the use of an air conditioner, humidifier or vaporizer can help keep harmful particles such as dust and pollen out of the air. Clean your home regularly to prevent the accumulation of dust and pet dander. Pet owners should groom and bathe weekly to reduce pet dander. Purchase filtering units to reduce the amount of irritants that may trigger an asthma attack. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, eliminating the use of tobacco products is important to lessening asthma attack symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Quick-relief inhaler
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Air filters
