Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of children, teens, and adults across the United States. While genes play a role in asthma development, allergens and exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust, can trigger repeated episodes of this obstructive respiratory disease.
Here are five tips to help you control your asthma so you can enjoy your daily routines.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Night-time coughing
- Fatigue
- Wheezing, particularly with cold weather and or physical exertion
- Skin pallor
- Prolonged cold symptoms (beyond 10 days)
If you experience all or some of these symptoms, be sure to tell your healthcare provider when they occur and how severe they may be. Your provider can diagnose asthma by reviewing your symptoms and tests, such as spirometry and/or chest X-ray.
Know and Avoid Your Triggers
Asthma triggers are highly individualized. However, in general, people who develop asthma and continue to have episodes of airway constriction and excessive mucus production must work closely with their healthcare providers. They must identify environmental conditions, substances, activities, or allergies precipitating asthma symptoms.
These triggers can include:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Cigarette smoke
- Wood smoke
- Vehicle exhaust
- Cooking odors
- Fragrances
- Cold weather conditions
- A bout of the flu or a cold
- Stress
- Physical exertion
- Saw dust
- Mold
- Pet dander
Also, your provider may ask you to undergo allergy testing–introduction of suspected allergens via skin pricks–to pinpoint triggers. With the right information in hand, the patient can avoid triggers as much as possible and the resultant asthma attacks.
Take Your Asthma Medications as Directed
Fast-acting inhalers (bronchodilators) open constricted airways. Most people carry these “rescue” medications with them to use as needed. Also, individuals with asthma typically use oral or inhaled drugs to reduce the inflammation characteristic of this lung condition.
While these corticosteroids do not stop asthma attacks once started, the medications do keep symptoms at bay to prevent attacks or to lessen their severity. It’s vital to take asthma medications as directed: never skip or reduce doses unless your provider instructs you to do so.
Finally, asthma medications can produce some side effects. For instance, bronchodilators can lead to feelings of anxiety. However, these side effects typically are mild, and the benefits from the medications outweigh any risks.
Have an Asthma Action Plan in Place
This is especially important for children at school, in daycare, or in organized sports. The adult in charge should know the child’s asthma and what to do if a serious flare-up develops.
Many people with asthma track their symptoms, including their peak flow–a measure of how much air they can blow out in a single expiration. Reduction in peak flow, combined with other symptoms, indicates an escalation of asthma. An asthma action plan tells the patient and/or caregivers what interventions to take.
Stay in Touch with Your Healthcare Provider
Good patient-provider communication leads to better asthma control, fewer serious episodes, and fewer hospitalizations. You will feel and function better when you work with your provider to identify your symptoms and triggers and regulate medications. Your provider will also keep you updated on necessary preventive immunizations, such as the flu vaccine.
Treatments For Asthma Symptoms in DeSoto, TX
At Pivot Healthcare Company, our professional team works with patients to manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, so they have fewer sick days, function well in their daily routines, and have good overall well-being. If you have asthma, learn all you can so you prevent flare-ups and take control of triggers and symptoms.
Our family nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, is passionate about empowering patients to be proactive about their healthcare needs and goals.
To know more about our treatment options or to arrange a consultation, call us today at (214) 242-9316 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you in our DeSoto office soon.
