One of the most common misconceptions about asthma is that it's a disability; that if one acquires it, many activities will no longer possible. This is not true, because with proper care and right medication, asthma sufferers could still go about their regular activities. If you or your loved one has just been diagnosed with asthma, this article will give you some tips on how to still live a full life.
Make a list of things that trigger asthma.
Writing a list of all the possible triggers will help you out in determining if what you or your loved one is feeling is actually asthma. Some of them are the following:Air pollutionAirborne substances from pollens and plantsInsectsSmoking cigarettes / tobaccoSecond-hand smokePesticidesMedications like aspirinDust mitesPsychological stress
If you've been already diagnosed with asthma, you could still make use of this list to serve as a written reminder of what to avoid.
Know when you use your inhaler
Asthma usually requires inhaled medication because it needs to immediately reach the airway constriction. Most people who have asthma always carry inhalers around, and if you're new to this, you must know that you cannot just puff away anytime you want. You should ask your doctor how often you should do this, as well as the correct way on how to effectively inhale it. A quick demonstration by your doctor regarding inhaler usage will do wonders. If you feel that the medicine doesn't reach the airways, you may be right. This is a common mistake among asthma patients--you need to make them go reach your lungs, and if they don't make it, your condition will obviously get worse. Two of the most common types of inhalers are dry-powder and aerosol, and you need to consult your doctor which of these will work for you.
Have an asthma management plan.
With the help of your doctor, create an asthma management plan that will guide you through the medication and control process for your asthma. There is no standard formula for this, but some of the most important things that must be included in this plan are:
List of symptoms that you can constantly update.Asthma triggers.Regular medications such as symptom controllers and relievers.Peak flow measurements. How to handle your asthma daily. Signs of when you should seek medical help / how to know if the condition is getting worse. Where to get immediate assistance / contact details of doctors and hospitals.This list must be regularly updated by your doctors, so you must always arrange for check-ups. This also does not only apply to children--patients of any age deserve to have proper attention.
Join an asthma support group.
Joining a support group will obviously not cure asthma, but many patients find it very helpful. Medical and moral support must go hand-in-hand, and with asthma support groups, you will be reminded that you are not alone. This is a place where you can share and exchange advice and practical ideas on how to control the disease.
People suffering from asthma could still do everyday activities--they just need to exert extra effort in monitoring and taking all the needed medications. The tips listed above will help you manage this disease and maintain a healthy life.
Make a list of things that trigger asthma.
Writing a list of all the possible triggers will help you out in determining if what you or your loved one is feeling is actually asthma. Some of them are the following:Air pollutionAirborne substances from pollens and plantsInsectsSmoking cigarettes / tobaccoSecond-hand smokePesticidesMedications like aspirinDust mitesPsychological stress
If you've been already diagnosed with asthma, you could still make use of this list to serve as a written reminder of what to avoid.
Know when you use your inhaler
Asthma usually requires inhaled medication because it needs to immediately reach the airway constriction. Most people who have asthma always carry inhalers around, and if you're new to this, you must know that you cannot just puff away anytime you want. You should ask your doctor how often you should do this, as well as the correct way on how to effectively inhale it. A quick demonstration by your doctor regarding inhaler usage will do wonders. If you feel that the medicine doesn't reach the airways, you may be right. This is a common mistake among asthma patients--you need to make them go reach your lungs, and if they don't make it, your condition will obviously get worse. Two of the most common types of inhalers are dry-powder and aerosol, and you need to consult your doctor which of these will work for you.
Have an asthma management plan.
With the help of your doctor, create an asthma management plan that will guide you through the medication and control process for your asthma. There is no standard formula for this, but some of the most important things that must be included in this plan are:
List of symptoms that you can constantly update.Asthma triggers.Regular medications such as symptom controllers and relievers.Peak flow measurements. How to handle your asthma daily. Signs of when you should seek medical help / how to know if the condition is getting worse. Where to get immediate assistance / contact details of doctors and hospitals.This list must be regularly updated by your doctors, so you must always arrange for check-ups. This also does not only apply to children--patients of any age deserve to have proper attention.
Join an asthma support group.
Joining a support group will obviously not cure asthma, but many patients find it very helpful. Medical and moral support must go hand-in-hand, and with asthma support groups, you will be reminded that you are not alone. This is a place where you can share and exchange advice and practical ideas on how to control the disease.
People suffering from asthma could still do everyday activities--they just need to exert extra effort in monitoring and taking all the needed medications. The tips listed above will help you manage this disease and maintain a healthy life.