Asthma is a lung disease that causes chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks are often caused by various triggers. They vary from person to person, but may include exercise, pollen, cold air, stress and cigarette smoke. Medications are available to help you cope with acute and chronic asthma symptoms. There are also some lifestyle changes that you can make to help to ease your symptoms.
Step 1
Identify and take steps to avoid the things that cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. If you are allergic to dust for example, have someone other than you dust your home frequently. Wear a face mask or scarf if cold air tends to exacerbate your symptoms.
Step 2
Keep track of your asthma symptoms. Write them down when you have asthma attacks, and if you're aware of any triggers. Also keep track of any peak flow meter testing that you do at home if your doctor recommends it. A peak flow meter is a device that measures how much air you are able to inhale and exhale.
Step 3
Make and keep appointments with the doctor who treats your asthma. Let your doctor know if you feel that your asthma symptoms are well controlled. Comply with any testing that he recommends, and be sure that you understand your asthma management plan.
Step 4
Take your long-term asthma medications as prescribed. These may take the form of inhaled corticosteroids, inhaled medication to reduce inflammation or oral medications. Take these at the regular intervals that your doctor recommends, and don't stop taking them or reduce their frequency without consulting with your doctor.
Step 5
Use your quick relief, or rescue medications as needed. If you notice that you need to use your rescue inhaler more often than usual, contact your doctor promptly as your medication may need to be changed.
Step 6
Talk to your doctor about whether allergy shots may help you. If your asthma symptoms are caused by something in the environment that you are allergic to, allergy shots can prevent some of your asthma attacks.
Things You'll Need
- Peak flow meter
- Asthma medications
