Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the body. As the airways become inflamed and narrowed, the patient may experience symptoms, such as wheezing, tightening feeling in the chest, coughing and shortness of breath. Although asthma symptoms can appear on their own, certain situations may bring on an asthma attack. Once you are diagnosed with asthma, talk to your doctor about preventing and controlling asthma symptoms.
Step 1
Determine your triggers. Outdoor and indoor allergens may cause an asthma attack. Avoiding these triggers can help prevent symptoms. Common triggers include pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander.
Step 2
Keep your house warm and dry. Humid or cold conditions may worsen asthma symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. A dehumidifier may be used to get rid of humidity in the air. Keep the air that you breathe warm with the use of indoor heating systems. When outdoors, cover your face with a scarf if the weather is cold.
Step 3
Clean your house. Get rid of common allergens in your home by wiping down all surfaces and cleaning all flooring at least once a week. If cleaning aggravates asthma symptoms, wear a mask while performing chores.
Step 4
Steer clear of furry animals. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends keeping pets with fur out of your house completely or out of your bedroom.
Step 5
Use medications as directed by your doctor. Quick-relief medicines and long-term control drugs may be given to you by your physician. Inhalers with short-acting beta 2 agonists are quick-relief medicines that relax the muscles around the airways to help you breathe during an asthma attack, states the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Inhaled corticosteroids are prescribed for longer-term relief of inflammation and swelling around the airways.
Step 6
Make an asthma action plan with your doctor. MayoClinic.com recommends working with your doctor to write out a plan that details times that you take asthma medicines and dosage amounts, as well as triggers and symptoms.
