1. The Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes difficulty breathing and is often expressed by severe coughing fits. During an asthma attack, the muscles that make up the bronchioles contract, restricting the amount of air that can move in and out of the lungs. This restriction can be caused by an irritant in the air or by stress or overexertion. Asthma is more likely to occur in kids under the age of 10, but it can strike adults as well. While most children with asthma are boys, most adults with asthma are females.
2. Environmental Triggers to Avoid
While not all asthma attack triggers are known, there are many environmental factors that worsen asthma and bring on frequent attacks. The worst of these triggers is cigarette smoke. It doesn't matter if the person who has asthma is smoking or if someone close to them is smoking, cigarette smoke will often trigger a severe asthmatic reaction. Other common triggers are cold temperatures and physical exertion. In addition, there are thought to be many chemical triggers that can vary from person to person, such as air pollution or chemical smells.
3. Develop a Treatment Plan
Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan for your acute asthma. A variety of medications are effective for treating sudden attacks and lessening their frequency. Most medicines can be delivered through an inhaler or a machine called a nebulizer, which delivers medicine in a mist that the patient breathes in. Specific medications can be given prior to strenuous exercise to help prevent exertion attacks. If you feel like your medicines are not controlling your asthma or your asthma symptoms are worsening, contact your doctor. Your medications can be changed or combined to provide greater relief.
4. Medications Help You Breathe Easy
There are a wide array of medications for asthma including fast-acting relievers, meant to reverse the symptoms of an asthma attack. Some relievers are taken at the first sign of an asthma attack, while others are taken each morning or evening to help control acute asthma attacks. Most relievers are called beta2 agonists; they force the contracted muscles in the bronchi to relax, enlarging the airways so the asthmatic can breathe easier. Anti-inflammatories work to prevent the bronchi from swelling in the first place, thereby preventing attacks before they occur. Anti-inflammatories are most often a type of steroid.
5. Don't Let Asthma Slow You Down
Living with asthma is a matter of developing a quality treatment program with your doctor to control your symptoms. Many children who suffer with asthma will outgrow it in time, while those who don't can usually control their symptoms quite well. Those who suffer from asthma should remain physically active. Swimming is a good sport for asthmatics; it's a way enjoy a healthy lifestyle and stay physically fit, but it doesn't tend to cause attacks. Most people who have asthma can enjoy whatever physical activities they like by tailoring their medications to their lifestyle. For example, an asthmatic may take an anti-inflammatory treatment prior to participating in a baseball game to prevent the onset of an asthma attack triggered by exertion.
