Asthma is a very disease that affects millions of people around the world. People who suffer from asthma need to exercise some important precautions to prevent an attack. There is no cure for asthma but these tips might help you to control your exposure and prevent future accidents.
1. Identify Asthma Triggers:
First and foremost, you need to identify your asthma triggers. It can be different for different people. Some of the common asthma triggers are:
- Air Pollution
- A cold or flu
- Cold air
- Smoke
- Fragrances
- Sinusitis
- Allergies
One good way to identify your asthma triggers is by writing about your asthma attacks in a diary. Take notes on what might have caused the attack. If you do heavy workouts or exercise in the cold, humid atmosphere then consult your doctor and receive proper medication like an asthma inhaler which contains the drug albuterol.
2. Stay away from Allergens:
Allergens are all the stuff you are allergic to. If you suffer from allergies along with asthma then take maximum precautions to stay away from those allergies as exposure to those allergies can cause inflammation in your airway which increases the chances of an asthma attack.
3. Use an air Purifier:
Air purifiers are a great source to eliminate pollutants and allergens from the air, they do not only remove pollutants from the air but help asthma patients to get the atmosphere they deserve.
A good air purifier is capable of removing pollutants as well as smoke from the air, some people have allergies due to dust mites, which trigger asthma attacks, in such cases a proper system to kill and remove dust mites’ faeces from the atmosphere is required. The dust mites do not only increase allergy but also triggers cough which is very bad when you are having diseases like asthma.
Finding a perfect air purifier is really a tedious task, some air purifiers just remove dust, some are capable to fight smoke particles and some are good for pets, you have to look for that one which does not increase ozone level in the home and is also suitable for asthma and allergic attacks such that it should fight with dust mites. Allhomex is a good resource that enlists and reviews some of the top air purifiers to achieve good atmosphere in your home.
4. Avoid Smoke of any type:
Smoking, without saying is bad for you but it is so much worse when you have asthma. It’s best to avoid the smoke of any kind including tobacco, incense, fires, fireworks, and candles. Stay away from places that permit smoking and keep smoke away from your house and workplace. If you smoke then find help to assist you into quitting.
5. Prevent colds:
Do what you must to avoid getting the flu or a cold. If you suffer from asthma then a cold will only make your asthma worse and can lead to an attack. Take extra precautions when the weather changes or when you meet someone who has a cold. Be sure to wash your hands properly when you meet someone who has respiratory problems.
6. Allergy proof your home:
Another important step to prevent asthma attacks is to allergy-proof your home, your workplace, and whatever new you might have to go to. When travelling try to take your own pillows and beddings with you because the ones provided by the hotel might be dusty which can cause an attack. Also, try avoiding going to places and restaurants where you know they’ll be smoke or places that permit smoking.
7. Get your vaccinations:
If your suffering from asthma then it’s important that you keep yourself updated to your vaccination. Get a flu shot to prevent yourself from getting a cold in the future. Flu can make your asthma attack so much worse so it’s essential that you exercise every precaution against it. If you suffer from asthma then a common cold could turn as dangerous as getting pneumonia. All adults above the age of 19 should get a pneumonia shot once in 5 to 10 years.
8. Consider Immunotherapy allergy shots:
If you have allergies then getting allergy shots is also a very good way to prevent asthma attack that results from allergies. Allergy shots are small doses of allergens that your doctor might inject under your skin and over time your body will get used to the allergens and thus keep your allergies at bay.
9. Take Asthma prescriptions as prescribed:
This one is a no-brainer, take asthma prescription as prescribed by your doctor. Do not see multiple physicians at once and take different supplements on your own.
Long term asthma can only be dealt with by taking your medications daily even if you don’t have asthma symptoms it’s important that you take your medicines to avoid future accidents.
10. Follow your Asthma action plan:
Be sure to take your meds regularly even when you feel fine. Write down your triggers so that in the event of an attack you know exactly what to do and when it’s time to call the doctor.
11. Use a home peak flow meter:
A home peak flow meter is a meter that shows the flow rate of oxygen to your lungs. During an asthma attack, your airways narrow this meter can detect this narrowing of the airways hours or days before an attack which can help you take necessary precautions in your treatment plan and might even prevent the attack altogether.
