Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and produce excess mucus; leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and severe cough. While asthma attacks are a mild inconvenience to some, to others, they are life-threatening. There is no known cure for asthma yet, however, there are many ways that people living with the condition can manage it better.
Know and avoid your triggers
Every asthma patient knows the common triggers: dust, smoke, stress, rigorous exercising and so on. In addition to these, different people have triggers that are unique to them; find out yours and avoid them. Which season of the year are you most vulnerable? During these months, keep your inhaler as close as possible.
Monitor your lungs constantly
There are 2 tests that can be used to monitor the lungs and ensure that they are functioning properly. The peak flow test can be done at home with a small handheld meter that tells you whether you are forcing air out of your lungs as quickly as you should.
A spirometry test tells you how much air your lungs are holding in and how much air you’re exhaling after a deep breath; this test can be done at the doctor’s or with a handheld device at home.
Create a management plan
You and your doctor should come up with a management plan that includes which medications to use, which symptoms to look out for, which percentage on the peak flow meter means your lungs aren’t working optimally, ways to keep your breathing under control, and so on.
If you are struggling to manage your—or your child’s—asthma, visit the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center in Texas. Our team of experts will not only provide you with top-class treatment, they will also help you devise a proactive management plan.