How to Control Asthma
Angela Rogers
January 16, 2008
Millions of adults around the world suffer from asthma. Asthma is a lung disorder where the bronchial tubes constrict preventing proper breathing. (If I have this definition wrong it is because I am reading from a highly technical medical sources that is densely worded. I can barely understand it.) The tubes can constrict because of a genetic fault or due to certain allergies. While asthma attacks may require an asthma patient to be hospitalized, the disease itself can be managed. Taking medication and avoiding the triggers can prevent attacks from occurring.
Common triggers for asthma are dust, pollen, pet hair and danger or other allergens that can easily be inhaled. Avoiding the allergens where they are likely to be in high concentration can prevent an attack from occurring, although if one should occur, a fast acting rescue inhaler can restore normal breathing in most cases. Over application of cologne, perfumes, or hair spray can also trigger an asthma (or sinusitis) attack. Making sure people know this and keeping a safe distance from a person who over applied their cologne or perfume can stop it.
Stress is another common thing that can trigger an asthma attack. Stress cannot entirely be avoided, but it can be managed and controlled. Knowing how not to let situations get to you or cause you undue worry will help keep the situation under control.
Avoiding allergens and reducing stress is not the only factor in controlling asthma, you also have to take your medications and follow the instructions. New medications that are taken twice a day can reduce the need for a fast acting inhaler, but they do not replace it entirely.
People around you should know you have asthma and be aware of the symptoms of an attack which are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The fast acting inhalers can relieve symptoms, although a major attack may require a stay in the hospital.
The recommended use of asthma medications is now a controlling substance taking twice a day and an inhaler for quick relief should the symptoms flare up suddenly. If the quick acting medication is refilled more than twice a year, it may be necessary to change the long-term medication. Be sure to check with a doctor to find out which control plans and medications will work best for you. If you are not sure, the American Lung Association has tips to prevent such attacks.
Common triggers for asthma are dust, pollen, pet hair and danger or other allergens that can easily be inhaled. Avoiding the allergens where they are likely to be in high concentration can prevent an attack from occurring, although if one should occur, a fast acting rescue inhaler can restore normal breathing in most cases. Over application of cologne, perfumes, or hair spray can also trigger an asthma (or sinusitis) attack. Making sure people know this and keeping a safe distance from a person who over applied their cologne or perfume can stop it.
Stress is another common thing that can trigger an asthma attack. Stress cannot entirely be avoided, but it can be managed and controlled. Knowing how not to let situations get to you or cause you undue worry will help keep the situation under control.
Avoiding allergens and reducing stress is not the only factor in controlling asthma, you also have to take your medications and follow the instructions. New medications that are taken twice a day can reduce the need for a fast acting inhaler, but they do not replace it entirely.
People around you should know you have asthma and be aware of the symptoms of an attack which are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The fast acting inhalers can relieve symptoms, although a major attack may require a stay in the hospital.
The recommended use of asthma medications is now a controlling substance taking twice a day and an inhaler for quick relief should the symptoms flare up suddenly. If the quick acting medication is refilled more than twice a year, it may be necessary to change the long-term medication. Be sure to check with a doctor to find out which control plans and medications will work best for you. If you are not sure, the American Lung Association has tips to prevent such attacks.
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