How to Prevent & Treat Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition affecting nearly 20 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. There is no cure for asthma but patients with asthma can limit their symptoms and asthma flareups.

People with asthma should not try to manage their symptoms alone. You should see your physician regularly and be sure to take your medicines as directed. These tips can help you enjoy more symptom-free days.

Things You'll Need

• Peak flow meter
• Journal or notebook
• Dehumidifier
• Plastic case for mattress
• Plastic care for pillows
• Several extra sets of rescue inhalers
• Television or access to the Internet

Instructions

1. Obtain and use a peak flow meter to get a daily measure of how your lungs are functioning. You will need your doctor to help you determine what readings are normal for you. Ask your doctor how to respond when your readings are low. Write these recommendations at the front of a journal or notebook.

   Use your peak flow meter morning and night. You should stand up when blowing into your peak-flow meter. Blow as hard and as fast you can at least three times and then take an average of your readings. Record the readings in your notebook or journal. If you see a decrease in your peak flow readings, follow the recommendations outlined by your doctor. He may recommend increasing your use of medications or just avoiding extra activity.

   You can use your peak-flow journal to make notes about what seems to impact your asthma symptoms.

2. Communicate with your doctor. You should know how your doctor wants you to handle an asthma flareup or a low peak-flow reading. You should know when to increase medications dosages. Talk to your doctor about how to manage illnesses like the common cold so that your asthma is not exacerbated. You should be the most knowledgeable person when it comes to your asthma.

3. Cover your mattress and pillows with plastic cases. These cases can be purchased at most furniture stores. Make sure you purchase a case that keeps dust mites out. Dust mites can increase asthma symptoms.

4. Wash any stuffed animals, rugs, curtains or comforters each week. These items should be washed in a temperature about 130 degrees. This high temperature can kill dust mites and other allergens.

5. Plug in a dehumidifier. Many people with asthma have increased symptoms in moldy environments. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which makes it more difficult for mold to grow.

6. Pull up the carpeting. This drastic step can lead to a reduction in asthma symptoms for some people. No matter how often you clean your carpeting, dust mites and allergens still settle deep into the carpet weaving. Hard wood or tile flooring is much easier to disinfect. You could use rugs, which should be cleaned weekly, throughout your home instead.

7. Watch or read regular air quality reports. Air quality can mean the difference between a symptom-free day and a day spent wheezing. If you pay attention to the reports, you will know when to exercise outdoors and when to stay inside. People with asthma should avoid physical activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if officials report the air quality to be in the red zone. You should ask your doctor about limiting activity when air quality is in the orange or yellow zones. This can depend greatly upon the severity of your asthma.

8. Avoid exposure to smoke. Cigarette smoke constricts the airways and can increase asthma symptoms.

9. Get regular exercise. Your lungs are like any other muscle. For most people with asthma, regular aerobic exercise will improve asthma symptoms. If you have never exercised before, be sure to talk to your doctor before getting started. He or she may recommend a fast-acting inhaler to take before each exercise session. If you have severe asthma, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. In most cases, asthma shouldn't prevent you from doing any activity you are interested in.

10. Remember to take your medicine. Adhering to a medication regimen is the best way to prevent asthma flareups. Follow your doctor's recommendations closely. If you feel that a medication is not working for you or if the side effects are bothering you, talk to your physician. He may be able to find another medication that might work better or might result in fewer side effects.

11. If an asthma flareup does occur, it is important to have rescue medications available. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for an extra set of rescue medications that you can keep at school or work. Having these medications handy can prevent a trip to the emergency room.

Tips & Warnings

• The tips and advice listed above are meant for most people with asthma. If you or a loved one has severe asthma, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Asthmatics may want to limit their activity to certain exercises.