Asthma is a disease of the airways. Sometimes it is harder for a person with asthma to breathe in and out, but at other times their breathing is normal. It is important to understand that asthma is a long-term (chronic) disease and although there is currently no cure, with the right knowledge and good management, most people with asthma can lead full and active lives.
Recently, The Guardian published an article suggesting 7 ways to help manage asthma and we think these are worthy to share with everyone.
- Always ensure you have an emergency inhaler with you: Asthma symptoms can be controlled with inhalers and oral medications, but, in case you have a severe attack, it is advisable to have a reliever inhaler on hand as it can act rapidly to relax your straining airways. If you have to use a reliever inhaler three times a week or more, this is a sign that your asthma isn’t well managed and you should see your doctor to review your medication regime.
- Identify your common triggers: usually, there are triggers that make them susceptible to an attack. Recording those triggers could help to plan strategies for avoiding them. Examples of those are mould, tobacco smoke and air pollution.
- Watch your weight: Various studies have found that obesity may result in more severe asthma symptoms and can even trigger the onset of the disease. Even in one recent article the consumption of fast food may be considered an additional trigger.
- Moderate exercise. Asthmatics can exercise. Exercise is often good for asthmatics as it improves lung efficiency and boosts the immune system. However, if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have been experiencing regular attacks, it is best to stick to moderate aerobic exercises, such as walking, yoga or swimming (although the chlorine in swimming pools can trigger an asthma attack in some people).
- Keep your home clean. Dusting and vacuuming rooms twice a week (while wearing a filter mask), using high-efficiency particulate air (Hepa) filters to keep the indoor air clean, and washing bedding weekly can lead to an improvement in symptoms. Using anti-dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows can reduce contact with microscopic creatures, present in dust, which can trigger an attack.
- Avoid pets: Not all but some asthmatics are very sensitive to the proteins in flakes of skin from animals, which can cause the immune system to overreact and trigger an attack. If you still want to keep a pet, grooming and bathing it frequently can help to reduce the likelihood of a reaction. Discuss using a nasal spray to control allergic symptoms with your doctor.
- Breathing exercises: Research suggests that a regular programme of breathing exercises, such as the Papworth and Buteyko methods can improve quality of life and reduce the need to use a reliever inhaler. However, these are complementary therapies that should be used alongside medication, not as a replacement.
References
- David Cox, Seven ways to manage asthma. The Guardian. Available online: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jul/30/seven-ways-to-manage-asthma
- National Asthma Council Australia. https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/how-is-asthma-managed
