Living Well with a Chronic Condition - Asthma
4 May 2023
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. The Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Although asthma can be a daunting condition, there are several ways to manage it and live a healthy life. Here are the top 10 tips and recommendations for a better life with asthma.
1. Get a Proper Diagnosis – If you suspect that you have asthma, it’s essential to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A doctor will be able to conduct tests to confirm or deny the condition’s presence and recommend the best course of treatment. It’s essential to get an accurate health reading to avoid misdiagnosis, which may potentially result in incorrect treatment and poor management of the condition.
2. Develop an Asthma Action Plan – Once it is clear that you indeed have asthma, a dedicated action plan needs to be set in place. It should include your triggers, medications, and steps to take in case of an asthma attack. It’s crucial to have this plan up and running in order to manage your condition effectively.
3. Identify Your Triggers – They can vary from person to person, so knowing your specific ones are of great importance. Common asthma triggers include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and tobacco smoke. Once you know this information, practical steps can be taken to avoid or minimize exposure to them.
4. Take Your Medications as Prescribed – Asthma medications can help manage your symptoms and prevent severe asthma attacks. It’s required to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping doses or stopping certain medications can worsen your condition and increase the risk of complications.
5. Monitor Your Symptoms – Regular monitoring helps you identify changes in your symptoms and manage them effectively. Keep a journal of your symptoms, triggers, and medication use to help you and your doctor track your condition. A great helper in this task is Medrec:M health management app, where all types of symptoms and medications can be tracked and displayed at a glance. Not only this but with a few clicks, your whole medical record is sharable with a clinician. Learn more here.
6. Exercise Regularly – Moving your body help improve lung function and overall health. However, if you have asthma, it’s important to exercise in a safe way. Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program, and consider using a reliever inhaler before exercise to prevent any chances of an asthma attack.
7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – as it can help manage asthma and improve overall health. Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and reduce stress in your life. These lifestyle changes may seem small, but they greatly improve lung function and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.
8. Use a Humidifier – Dry air aggravates asthma symptoms. This is why using a humidifier keeps the air moist. However, it’s also important to keep the humidifier clean to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria, which can also trigger asthma symptoms.
9. Keep Your Home Clean – Dust, mold and pet dander easily trigger asthma symptoms. Keeping your home clean reduces exposure to these triggers. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, clean surfaces regularly, and consider using allergen-proof bedding to reduce exposure to dust mites.
10. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke – Both irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. If you smoke, it’s key to quit. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke by staying away from smokers or asking them to go smoke outside.
In conclusion, living with asthma can be challenging, but with proper management, it’s possible to live a healthy and active life. By following these tips and recommendations, you can manage your asthma effectively, reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms, and improve overall health. Remember to work closely with your doctor and follow your asthma action plan to ensure that you receive the most adequate treatment.