As one of the chronic diseases, asthma requires specific knowledge about various risks as well as triggers such as exercise, allergies, weather changes, infections, dust, smokes, and all seasonal changes which will affect the condition. Asthma could not be completely cured, but if treated appropriately its symptoms can be controlled.
Asthma Symptoms
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, especially at night
- Chest pain, tightness or pressure
- Feeling tired or weak, while doing exercise
- Trouble sleeping
- Signs of allergies
Challenges of Facing Asthma
Inhalers and inhaled steroids would only be useful if they used regularly and consistently. When feeling well, many people struggle to remember them. Setting up reminders will help them to take the medications on time.
It helps to understand your triggers so that you could take appropriate care to avoid or reduce them. This may make you take some allergy test and detailed discussion with your doctor. Checking your home for any triggers, and removing them will help you to reduce the asthma attacks. The triggers may vary from scented candles to pets, smokes to perfumes, and even essential oil dispensers to various cleaning products.
Even if you haven’t fully used your inhalers, it has to be refilled every 30 days. There are dose counters to help you track your medicine intake, but they are not present on every inhaler.
Facing Your Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a chronic disease, and people rely on medications and vaccinations to prevent and ease their illnesses; it’s always better to prevent it than cure! Most of the time, asthma can be kept under control by changing your lifestyle and using home remedies. There are so many good things that you can do to maintain your good health and lessen the occurrence of asthma attacks.
- Usage of air conditioners will help you to get fresh air as this will limit the amount of airborne pollen and dust from the atmosphere, trees, and grasses. This is a proven method to lower indoor humidity, as this can diminish your exposure to the dust mites. If you don’t have AC in your home, you can keep your windows and doors closed during the spring season.
- Keep humidity in control and prevent mold spores. If you’re living in a sample climate, you should talk to your doctor about getting a dehumidifier. As dehumidifiers have other side effects on your health, it will be better to get a second opinion on this matter. And also, areas like the kitchen and bathroom will be the dampest place in your house, and chances are mold will be developed in those areas. Prevent molds from developing and get rid of damp leaves, clothes, wood, or anything from your home.
- Decontaminate your indoor systems. Nighttime is when your symptoms will most likely get its best part. So, avoid placing plants inside your home. Encase your bed and pillows in dustproof covers. Use washable curtains and blinds — dust proof your home weekly. If you’re allergic to dander, it’s better to avoid furry mates as your pets. If you insist, then keep your pets always bathed and groomed to prevent the build-up of dander around you.
- Do yoga and get regular exercise. Having asthma is not a reason to not be active and healthy. Simple regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs. There will be various poses in yoga, which will not require much effort, but it can bring positive results to your body. And it’s also essential to maintain a good weight ration as being overweight can worsen your asthma symptoms.
- Some alternative medicine may help you to relieve asthma attacks. However, these tips are not entirely a replacement for medical treatments – especially when you have critical asthma attacks. For minor asthma attacks, you could try breathing exercises as this will help you to reduce the difficulty by practice.
- There are some ayurvedic home remedies which will help you to reduce the symptoms and risks of asthma attacks. These ayurvedic remedies will help you to reduce the chances of asthma attacks.
- If not taken care of correctly, asthma can be challenging and stressful. If you feel uneasy while working, do not hesitate to take breaks from your work.
- Talk to your support group or others with the same condition. There will be community groups with people facing similar challenges, and it’ll be better to know that you’re not alone in this.
- If you’re too tired and need someone to care for you, consider hiring a nurse who has completed their associate degree to take care of you. As they are prized for their care for patients, skills in critical thinking, and nursing skills, they will be an excellent fit to take care of patients with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, mood disorders, and all.
- Write down your symptoms and their occurrence before going to visit your doctor. You may think that some symptoms may not be related to your asthma, but it’ll be worth noting it. And also write down if your symptoms get worse while doing some work or at certain times of a day.
- Your time with a physician may be limited, so it’s worth noting and telling everything. Make a list of medications you are taking and write down your doubts, and let him know if any significant changes are happening in your life.
Asthma is a chronic disease. And taking care of asthma patients as well as helping them to prevent asthma attacks are essential. All these treatments and precautions such as cleaning your home every week and grooming your furry friends every day may seem overwhelming for many families, but remember you’re not alone in this path.
