How to Decrease Asthma Exacerbations

Taking simple steps can reduce your chance of asthma attacks.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by episodes known as "asthma attacks". During an attack, an asthma sufferer may experience wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to decrease asthma exacerbations.

Instructions

1. Get allergy testing to identify environmental factors that could trigger an asthma exacerbation. Allergens such as mold, animal dander, dust mites and cockroaches often trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Once these are identified, remove them by thoroughly cleaning your living quarters and exterminating to eliminate cockroaches.

2. Identify non-allergic asthma triggers such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, humidity, cold temperatures and indoor fumes. Reduce their effects by banning indoor smoking, limiting use of cleaning products and running a de-humidifier. If air pollution levels are high or it's cold outside, stay indoors or wear a face mask.

3. Keep a food diary for two weeks to see if certain foods increase your asthma exacerbations. Avoid eating foods that contain sulfites, such as red wine.

4. Get the seasonal influenza vaccine. Viruses, including the flu virus, can trigger an asthma exacerbation. Wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of other viral infections that can bring on an asthma attack.

5. Don't smoke. Smoking causes the lining of the airways to produce more mucous, which can trigger an asthma attack.

6. Take precautions when exercising, as exercise can often cause asthma exacerbations. Don't exercise in the cold, in high humidity, when you're sick or when the pollen count is high. Keep your inhaler handy if your doctor prescribed one -- just in case.

7. Talk to your doctor about the best medications and inhalers to decrease asthma exacerbations, and use them as prescribed.

Tips & Warnings

• If indoor air pollution triggers your asthma symptoms, get an air purifier.

• Avoid taking medications, particularly aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, without consulting your doctor. These drugs can trigger an asthma exacerbation in some people.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Adults With Asthma Should Receive Flu Vaccination
• WebMD: Exercise and Asthma
• The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Asthma
• eMedicine: Allergic and Environmental Asthma