Small changes may be the road that leads you to a better life, a life that you can live without being worried about getting an asthma attack.
The chronic disease has been making its patients’ lives difficult by causing them trouble in breathing.
As you may already know that there is no cure for this condition, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that you do not have to suffer from the worst-case scenario.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the tips that you can use to calm your asthma symptoms.
Some of these are common tactics that you can implement, while some may go the unusual way.
Make sure you’re paying attention.
1. Medicine According to Prescription
There is a reason your doctor has prescribed you with certain medications. You can’t just skip over something that your doctor has asked you to do because you suddenly feel better or some other random thought you have in your mind. Asthma is a condition that needs to be managed every day without fail. Take your medicine as you’re asked to.
2. Exercise
For most people, developing an overall exercise routine does wonders in controlling their asthma symptoms. This has worked especially when they added breathing exercises to their routine. By strengthening your respiratory muscles, you can also boost your immune system. Get your asthma under control before you begin the exercises, and check with your doctor as to whether or not these exercises are suitable for your condition.
3. Increase your Magnesium Intake
According to various studies, it was found that the lack of magnesium in your body could lead to asthma attacks and even worsen the symptoms. In several cases, taking magnesium supplements has led to decreased symptoms, better breathing ability, and an overall higher quality of life.
4. Avoid Viral Diseases
Infection via flu and cold viruses can have adverse effects on a person’s lungs. You must avoid catching these viruses. Make sure you wash your hands often and properly. Your vaccines and flu shots must be up to date. Get a regular check-up from your doctor for the same.
5. A Cup of Coffee a Day
Your morning routine should include for you to consume a cup of coffee. With this routine, you will see that your airway functions way better than it would without the coffee. According to research, the chemical structure of coffee resembles that of an asthma drug known as theophylline, which relaxes the airway muscles. Now, considering this, it can be said that coffee will reduce fatigue in the respiratory muscles, reducing shortness in breath.
But remember, you must not have coffee before your lung muscles tests. You may get faulty results.
6. Understanding Triggers and Avoiding them
Triggers are anything and everything that make your asthma worse. Your airway may get irritated, making it difficult for you to breathe. People are affected by different things, while for some sinusitis is the trigger, others could have uncontrollable symptoms due to fragrances. Staying away from external factors that could trigger your asthma is necessary. Maintain a list.
7. Switch your Toothpaste
While it may seem as though toothpaste should have nothing to do with asthma, it does. Various ingredients found in toothpaste could trigger an asthma attack, not for all, but for some people. According to research, people found that a flavour known as wintergreen, found in toothpaste, would trigger their asthma. When they switched to another toothpaste, their symptoms went away.
8. Say No to Smoking
There is no doubt that one of the most significant contributors to asthma has to be smoking. Even if you are not a smoker, passive smoking could also make your symptoms worse. Not just this, it has been observed that smoking reduces the effects of medications they’ve been prescribed, putting them at risk of getting an asthma attack. You want to be able to control your symptoms, not worsen them.
9. Ew, Insects!
Yes! That’s precisely the reaction you should have when you see a ladybug or a cockroach running across the floor. Cockroaches are known to be one of the worst things that an asthma patient could come across, as it can trigger your symptoms. Ladybugs will break down this dust-like powder around your house. Now, in a regular scenario, this wouldn’t affect you. But what if you were to find that this powder is an allergen? Yes, this is why steering clear of these insects is advised.
10. Using the Inhaler
You want to make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly, the medicine must reach your airway. If you are unsure of the method and feel like the inhaler is not working, consult your doctor. They should be able to provide you with solutions.
11. Use Oxygen Concentrator
Your doctor should be prescribing you to use this machine and determine how much oxygen you will require per minute. The concentrator basically provides you with the oxygen that your body needs, but doesn’t get. It sucks in regular air, filters out the other types of gases, and has you inhale pure oxygen. You must make sure that you keep the machine away from gas stoves, heaters, candles, and other such heat sources.
12. Stay Away from Kitty Litter
While both cats and dogs, amongst other pets, are a common source of allergens, cats can be the worst. Some people are allergic to cat urine, while some are severely affected by their saliva. It is different for everybody. The best option for you to take care of your health will be to find your pet a new and happy home. If not, take preventive measures.
There are several other ways as well that you may experiment with to ease your symptoms and make a positive change in your life.
It is not easy to live with asthma; there are multiple things that you need to take care of. You should ask your doctors any questions you may have or as and when they arise in your mind.
There is no point of silently suffering.
Your lifestyle changes do not have to be complicated, time-consuming, or even costly.
Here’s hoping you can soothe your asthma symptoms to lead a better life.
Author Bio:
Aadarsh Sharma is closely associated with Pranayam Lung and Heart Institute. He is also a fitness expert and is passionate about writing to educate. He is an avid reader and likes to share his thoughts on healthy habits through his highly informative blogs.
