Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Listen To Your Allergist: 4 Helpful Tips For Living With Asthma

24 January 2017 by Hugh Larson

Asthma is a chronic medical condition of the respiratory system and lungs, affecting more than 22 million people in the United States alone. The condition causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and restricts the airways, making it difficult to breathe. During an asthma attack, you may experience wheezing, coughing, and a tight feeling in the chest. If you suffer from asthma, there are several ways to manage the condition and lessen your chances of an attack. After performing a lung function test, your allergist may prescribe medications, which should be taken as indicated, and you should also follow a few precautionary measures such as these:

1. Recognize What Triggers An Asthma Attack

With the help of your physician, asthma specialist or allergist, you can determine the triggers of your asthmatic attacks. Your doctor may take allergy tests to discover if environmental allergens are causing you symptoms. For instance, some asthmatics may be sensitive to dust, pollen, and pet dander, and exposure to these irritants may trigger an attack. If you have allergies, use allergy-proof mattress pads and pillow protectors. You should also avoid exposure to chemicals and cigarette smoke, as these substances may be irritating to your lungs and respiratory system.

To help you determine the triggers of your asthma attacks, keep a journal. Whenever you have an episode, write down any incident or event that occurred prior to the attack. Were you in a smoke-filled room? Where you outside on a high pollen count day? Were you experiencing an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or sore throat? Any of these circumstances may contribute to an asthma flare up; therefore it helps to pinpoint them.

2. Manage Your Stress

Mental stress and anxiety may lead to shortness of breath and heart palpitations in some individuals. If you have asthma, stress and anxiety may increase your chances of experiencing a flare up. While a certain degree of stress is an inevitable part of life, it's best to keep it under control.

Try to identify what is causing your stress. Are you anxious about work? Does the thought of financial responsibilities and upcoming bills have you worried? Pace yourself and work out a plan to minimize your stress as best as you can.

With your doctor's approval, create a daily exercise routine. Consider walking each day or taking up yoga. These activities are great stress relievers and may improve your general health and strengthen your lungs. This may help to relieve your asthma symptoms. You might also try some relaxation exercises or restorative deep-breathing techniques.

Another way to relax and reduce stress is to take up a hobby of interest. Also, set aside some time to unwind each day and do something for yourself. Whether it be listening to your favorite music or seeing a movie with a friend, these activities may help eliminate daily stress, which could be contributing to your asthma symptoms.

3. Join a Support Group

Joining a support group, either for in-person meetings or online, can offer encouragement, motivation, and ideas for managing your condition. You will meet other individuals who experience the same struggles. It often helps to talk about your concerns and fears or to simply share stories and experiences and offer some good advice. Ask your allergist or physician for recommendations on support groups you may join.

4. Inform Your Friends, Co-Workers, or Teachers Of Your Condition

It's imperative to inform those around you that you are asthmatic. Other individuals you spend time with need to know how to recognize the symptoms of an impending asthma attack. This may help them react in an emergency and know what measures to take.

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