How to Manage Your Asthma
Participate
The best doctor in the world can't help unless you do your part.
You can help by observing (keeping a diary), communicating (telling
the doctor all) and cooperating with your doctor. A well-designed
asthma diary can help you learn how triggers and medicines affect
your asthma.
Take Your Medicine
You may need to take many medicines every day or just one, once
in a while. It is very important to remember to take your medicine,
no matter how busy you get.
Avoid Triggers
Triggers differ for each individual. An asthma diary can help
identify your triggers and whether they are likely to occur at
a certain time of the day. Once identified, take active measures
to avoid them as much as possible.
Relax
Relaxing helps you through an attack. So, try deep breathing (in
through the nose, out through the mouth). Reading, listening to
music, playing musical instruments are other ways to try.
Drink
Drinking liquids at the first sign of an attack helps as it keeps
the airways moist, loosening the mucus that has built up.
Exercise
Exercise can trigger an asthma attack but it can also keep our
bodies in shape for our bouts with asthma. Swimming is great for
people with asthma as it exercises the whole body and increases
breathing abilities. No matter what form of exercise or sports
you like, do it in moderation for a healthier you.
Presently, there is still no cure for
asthma. For now, it is important to know more about asthma and
take the necessary steps to ensure that asthma is under control.
