Breathe Easier with These 4 Methods to Reduce Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness marked by wheezing, shortness of breath, and overall difficulty in breathing. The disease interrupts the daily routines of millions of people, and in severe cases, puts their lives at risk. There is no cure, but there are a variety of ways to treat the symptoms. While nothing can replace medications prescribed by a doctor, these four methods can be easily incorporated into your life to better maintain your asthma.
1) Keep an Asthma Trigger Journal
For people who live with asthma, knowing what triggers their attacks can offer some clues on how to better manage the symptoms and prevent further episodes. While attacks may seem to come on randomly, there is always a trigger that causes airways to swell and symptoms to arise. Keep a small notebook with you at all times. If you develop symptoms, use your prescribed rescue inhaler, leave the area where the attack occurred, and write down as much about the experience as possible. Include details about where you were, what time it was, and what emotions you felt just before the attack, as well as any possible triggers you suspect, may have caused it. By keeping a record of your asthma attacks, you may be able to isolate a few common triggers that cause them. Once you understand what triggers your attacks, then you can take steps to avoid them as best as possible.
2) Clean the House
During the COVID-19 epidemic, many of us are locked down in our houses, in close spaces. Unfortunately for some people, asthma attacks can be triggered by the dust in their homes. Dust is made up of several different things that can worsen asthma symptoms, including dust mites, pet dander, and insect droppings. By keeping your house as dust-free as possible, you drastically reduce the risk of triggering an asthma attack. However, if you are asthmatic, you must take precautions when cleaning; wear a face mask when cleaning especially dusty areas, and keep the room well ventilated if using chemicals.
3) Drink Coffee for Relief
In a pinch, caffeine can be used to alleviate asthma symptoms. The National Institute of Health states that caffeine’s effects on asthma are similar to theophylline, a compound found in asthma medications which opens up airways and relieves symptoms. While caffeine does not have as strong of an impact as theophylline, research has shown that it can reduce symptoms for up to four hours. If you feel mild asthmatic symptoms but do not have access to medication, a strong cup of coffee may help you to breathe more easily. If you are having a severe asthma attack, however, do not try to use caffeine as an alternative to a rescue inhaler. If you do not have access to an inhaler during a severe attack, then you need to seek medical help right away.
4) Asthma Medications
Needless to say, medications for asthma is one of the most effective ways to control your asthma. Respiratory Inhalers which contain corticosteroids, and/or long-acting beta-agonist therapies are by prescription only treatments that can help asthma sufferers more than anything else!
When poorly managed, asthma can severely impact your daily life and overall health. Nothing will control asthma better than medication prescribed by a doctor, but you can breathe easier by incorporating these techniques along with that medication. Make an appointment now to see one of our Asthma Specialists.
If you’re suffering from allergies, we can help. The asthma specialists at Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. have helped thousands of patients in the Phoenix Metro area breathe easier. You too deserve to live a life that is free of allergies and asthma! Contact us today at 602-242-4592 to schedule an appointment at one of our 5 convenient Valley-wide locations.