It’s believed that over 26 million Americans, both adults, and children, are affected by asthma and it’s no surprise that asthma is also one of the leading causes of absence from school and work.
Although there is no cure, there are many ways to manage your asthma so you can live a healthy and productive life. Here are 7 simple tips to help you manage your asthma symptoms!
Know your triggers and avoid them 
Triggers like allergens and irritants can make your asthma symptoms worse by irritating your airways. The best way to control asthma is to know what your triggers are and how to avoid them.
Take your medications
Many people think they can skip their daily asthma medications when they don’t feel any symptoms. Take your medications as ordered by your doctor to make asthma flares less likely and easier to control.
Learn how to use your inhaler properly 
Each inhaler is slightly different. An aerosol should be inhaled with minimum force. For rescue inhalers, you should wait 1-2 minutes in-between each puff. Powdered inhalers are inhaled with more force. Rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers.
Have an asthma action plan
Work with your doctor to have an action plan. Discuss your triggers and how medication can be adjusted in certain scenarios, such as a high pollen season or when you’re sick, to avoid an asthma flare. Monitor your peak flow daily to help catch any changes before you can feel them.
Don’t smoke or vape 
Smoke and vapors are known triggers. Second-hand exposure will also trigger asthma symptoms.
Take steps to keep your body healthy
Illness is a trigger for asthma. Take steps to reduce your chance of becoming sick. Eat healthily, receive vaccines, wash your hands, exercise and avoid people that are sick to reduce your chance of catching an illness.
Exercise with doctor’s approval 
Exercise will strengthen lung muscles and keep the body healthy. Speak with your doctor about what type of exercise program would be best for you.
Even though asthma is incredibly common, it’s not something to be taken lightly. If left untreated or misdiagnosed, asthma can be fatal. Approximately 3,300 people die from asthma each year so it’s important to speak with your doctor about potential symptoms you may be experiencing.
Studies show that asthma patients under the care of an Allergist decrease their symptoms, ER visits, hospital stays, doctor visits, and miss fewer days from school and work.
If you’re suffering from asthma symptoms, one of Advanced Specialty Care’s Board Certified Allergy and Asthma Specialists can help you develop a custom plan to manage your asthma. Allergists, Dr. Jonathan Bell, Dr. Yogen Dave, Dr. Neetu Godhwani, Dr. Richard Lee, and Dr. Purvi Shah have several convenient offices throughout Connecticut in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield and Norwalk, CT. To schedule an appointment, please call (203) 830-4700 or click here.