Managing Asthma: More Than Just Taking Medication

There is no cure for asthma. However, with proper diagnosis and consistent treatment, people with asthma can still live normal, active lives.

Read more: Why Can Anyone Get Asthma?

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that makes the lungs extremely sensitive to various triggers. When exposed, the muscles surrounding the airways constrict, the airway walls swell, and sticky mucus is produced, causing the airways to narrow. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Asthma attacks can develop slowly over several hours to days or occur suddenly within minutes. That’s why everyone with asthma must understand how to manage their condition personally.

Good management allows them to stay active and productive. Inhalers — including both bronchodilators and steroids — are an essential part of treatment and should be accessible to all individuals with asthma.

Why is asthma management critical?

Managing asthma is not just about relieving symptoms. Proper management aims to prevent attacks, maintain lung health, and ensure that asthma does not interfere with daily activities, whether it is studying, working, exercising, or relaxing.

The key is to live as normal a life as possible, even though you live with asthma.

Essential steps in managing asthma

1. Be aware of symptoms

Coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are signs that asthma may not be well controlled. If symptoms worsen, follow your doctor's instructions and use a reliever inhaler (such as salbutamol) with a spacer to help open your airways.

2. Identify and avoid triggers

Asthma triggers can vary significantly from person to person. Some common triggers include

• Upper respiratory infections, such as coughs and colds.
• Allergens, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, dust mites, and others.
• Environmental irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, perfumes, and chemical cleaners.
• Physical activity without proper preparation or medication.
• Certain foods and additives.
• Medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Emotional stress, even excessive laughing or crying.

The more you know about your triggers, the better your chances of avoiding them and managing your asthma.

3. Understand how asthma medications work

Two types of asthma medications are essential for asthma sufferers to have, namely:

• Reliever medications: Used when symptoms occur to open the airways and improve breathing.
• Controller medications are used routinely to reduce inflammation in the lungs and prevent severe asthma attacks.

Both types of medications are typically available as inhalers, but can also be administered orally and intravenously.

4. Monitor your condition regularly

Regular visits to your doctor are essential for evaluating and adjusting your treatment plan. Together with your doctor, you can create an Asthma Action Plan that includes:

• Medications to take every day.
• What to do when the symptoms worsen.
• Guidelines on when to seek medical help.
• This plan helps you be more prepared for changes in your asthma condition.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in supporting asthma management. Some steps that can be taken:

• Regular exercise: Choose the type and intensity of exercise that your doctor recommends.
• Maintain ideal body weight: Excess weight can cause the lungs to work harder.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet: Good nutrition improves endurance and reduces inflammation.
• Manage stress: Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help control symptoms triggered by emotions.
• Quit smoking: This is an absolute must. Cigarette smoke is the main enemy of asthma sufferers.

6. Create an asthma-friendly home environment

A clean and irritant-free home environment is essential.

Efforts that can be taken include

• keeping the house clean from dust and mold;
• washing bedsheets and curtains regularly;
• avoiding the use of harsh chemicals;
• Preventing smoking in the house.

Signs of well-managed asthma

Some signs that your asthma is well-managed include

• Not waking up at night with symptoms
• Using your reliever inhaler less than three times a week
• Being able to perform activities, including exercise, without a flare-up

If you have achieved all of these, your asthma management is on the right track.

First aid for an asthma attack

An asthma attack can be dangerous and must be treated immediately. Here are the steps to take for first aid:

• Sit up straight and stay still; do not lie down.
• Give four puffs of your reliever inhaler using a spacer.
• Wait four minutes. If there is no improvement, give four more puffs.
• If shortness of breath persists, repeat the procedure every four minutes until medical aid arrives.

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Managing asthma is not just about taking medicine when symptoms arise. Successful management depends on a combination of

• wise and regular use of medication;
• avoiding triggers;
• living a healthy lifestyle;
• ensuring a supportive environment;
• actively monitoring the condition.

With this holistic approach, asthma sufferers can live active, productive lives free from excessive fear. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor to develop a management plan that best suits your individual needs.