The complexities of asthma are well-documented. Since there are numerous triggers for an asthma attack, avoiding one can be difficult. For those with asthma, no one thing always sets off an episode. If you are living with asthma West Los Angeles, you may react differently to certain stimuli. The first step in treating frequent bouts of asthma is to pinpoint the underlying reasons.
Even though asthma has no known cure, you can manage and avoid attacks. Here are some effective tips:
1. Identify causes and signs of asthma
Understanding what triggers your asthma attacks is the first step in developing strategies to avoid them. Keep track for a few months and factor in everything environmental and emotional triggering your asthma. Review your notes when you have an asthma episode to see what may have triggered it. Unfortunately, not all common asthma triggers are immediately apparent. Once you know what sets off your asthma attacks, you can begin researching avoidance strategies. Polluted air, allergic reactions, influenza, and secondhand smoke are the most frequent causes of asthma.
2. Immunotherapy
Allergic triggers for asthma may be treated using immunotherapy, a kind of exposure treatment. Asthma immunotherapy often takes the form of allergy injections administered by medical personnel. These injections include trace amounts of allergens known to aggravate asthma attacks. The purpose of immunotherapy is to modify your immune response so that it becomes gradually less reactive to certain stimuli. Talk to your doctor about immunotherapy if you have problems avoiding allergy triggers.
3. Use prescribed asthma medication
Preventing asthma symptoms and attacks is the primary goal of long-term treatment. Even if you feel OK, you should still take them daily. They will reduce asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation and controlling your asthma. You should discuss switching treatments with your doctor if the adverse effects become intolerable.
4. Stop smoking!
Avoid smoking if you have asthma. These attacks can come from breathing in smoke, even secondhand smoke. Stay away from cigarettes, incense, candles, and open flames when possible. These are some suggestions to consider:
- Don’t let anybody smoke in your house or vehicle.
- Stay away from designated smoking places in restaurants and bars.
- Choose a nonsmoking room when you travel.
5. Exercise safely if you have asthma
Even if you have asthma, you can benefit from regular physical exercise. Asthma therapy often involves helping you continue regular, healthful activities like exercise and sports. For instance, you can participate in sports like swimming. Talk to your doctor about creating a sensible exercise plan that you can stick to to maintain your fitness level.
Asthma episodes are not always avoidable. However, taking your medicine as directed, learning what sets off your asthma, and maintaining regular medical visits may all help reduce the likelihood of an attack occurring. An asthma action plan should be developed in conjunction with a medical professional. That way, you will be prepared for an asthma attack and realize when your symptoms worsen. Contact Catherine Fuller, MD, to get your asthma under control.