Living with Asthma: Management tips

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases among Filipinos. It has a prevalence rate of 12% in the Philippines, which means that around one in every 10 people suffer from asthma. So it’s important to discuss the best tips to keep your asthma under control.

Asthma is a long-term respiratory illness where the airways into a person’s lungs get narrow, irritated, and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. 

When the tube-like airways of the lungs get irritated, the body’s response is to produce mucus, which is expelled as phlegm. The overproduction of phlegm causes a buildup or blockage that further aggravates breathing. 

Tips to keep your asthma under control

Asthma affects all people, regardless of sex and age. There are different types of asthma, but the signs and symptoms are the same, differing merely in intensity.

People who have asthma at an older age may suffer from more severe symptoms. 

Symptoms of asthma include the following:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain

There is no cure for this chronic disease, but treatment is available to alleviate its symptoms. Even when diagnosed with asthma, people can live their lives normally especially if their condition is managed under medical supervision. 

What are some of the most common triggers of asthma?

• Dust Mites
• Air pollution
• Tobacco smoke
• Mold
• Pests, such as cockroaches or rodents
• Pets fur or dander
• The scent of cleaning and disinfection solutions

To keep asthma under control, it helps to also know how to spot the signs of an asthma attack.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to watch out for.

• Intense wheezing
• Severe, persistent coughing
• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty speaking
• Pale skin
• Panic and anxiety

It also helps to know when to seek medical attention. Have emergency contacts handy and have a plan in case you need to head to the hospital.

Make sure all your prescribed medications, such as inhalers, are refilled. Get checked regularly, in case your doctor would need to adjust your dosage or switch medications.

Living with asthma may not be easy, but it can be managed. Just stay calm and always know the proper management in case of an emergency.

Here are 7 easy tips to keep your asthma under control. 

Be aware of triggers

One of the most important tips to keep your asthma under control is to identify and understand all the things that you are allergic to, whether it is dust or food, etc . Allergens can trigger your asthma attacks, so it is best to identify them so you can prevent an episode. Take note of how your body responds to different stimuli and jot them down. Consult your doctor as well.  

Use an Inhaler Properly

The second tip is to learn how to properly use an inhaler. Inhalers are really important, because they give quick relief to a person who is experiencing an asthma attack. 

Here’s how to use an inhaler. 

• First, place the inhaler in your mouth. 
• Next, press the button down as you breathe in, inhaling the medication. Make sure to hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds in order to let the medicine go deep into the lungs and ease your breathing. 
• Inhale, then exhale. 
• Put the inhaler away and then start to breathe slowly until your breathing becomes regulated.

Do not smoke

One of tips to keep your asthma under control is to avoid smoking. Cigarettes and their smoke produce numerous carcinogens that are harmful to the body. 

There are two kinds of smoking you have to avoid, firsthand and secondhand smoking. The first is when you inhale smoke directly from a cigarette. The latter is smoke inhaled by other people. 

Strengthen your immune system

The medical community encourages people to exercise regularly. Whether it is by taking a walking or heading to the gym, these healthy activities – when complemented with a healthy, balanced diet – have proven beneficial to your body. 

Boosting your immunity is one of the best tips to keep your asthma under control. What’s more, this ensures your resistance against other conditions as well.

Strengthening your immune system and building a resistance against illness can lessen unwanted asthma attacks.

Regular checkups with your doctor

When it comes to treating any of your medical conditions, whether it is your asthma, a common cold, or cancer, always consult your doctor. 

Avoid self-medication, and follow the recommendations of your doctor to avoid doing harm to your health. 

Take your medications as prescribed

Once your doctor has properly diagnosed you, it is best to follow his treatment plan for you, taking all the necessary medication as prescribed. This will prevent any asthma attacks from interfering with your normal life.  This is one of the most important tips to keep your asthma under control. 

Protect your lungs

More tips to keep your asthma under control:  protect your lungs. You may want to take extra precautionary measures to avoid asthma attack triggers such as wearing a mask when going outdoors. This will protect you from inhaling dirt, air pollution, and such which may cause you to have an asthma attack. 

Key Takeaways

Given all these management tips on how to keep asthma under control, you have to be patient and disciplined. 

The seven tips discussed above are general guides to help you live a healthier life, but it is important to discuss any long lifestyle changes with your doctor. 

Learn more about asthma here.