Asthma is an incurable condition. If you have been diagnosed with asthma you will usually have been prescribed inhalers, one to relieve symptoms and one to prevent them.
Taking this medication as prescribed is vital if you want to stay in control of your condition.
But there are other ways you can help yourself stay healthy and attack free.
Your asthma symptoms are set off by various factors, known as triggers, which differ in every sufferer.
However, there are some very common triggers that, if they affect you, should be avoided as much as possible.
Keeping pets can spell disaster for an asthmatic. Animal hair and even cat saliva can set off an attack. Keeping your animal out of the house as much as possible and removing pet hair will help ease the symptoms.
Among the more usual triggers are pollen and mould spores from trees or damp areas of your house. Smoking or spending time with a person who smokes or the house of a smoker can set off an attack.
Keeping your house free of dust and pet hair is important, but be careful which household cleaners you use, as some can act as an irritant. Strong perfumes can have the same effect.
Changes in the weather and temperature can have an effect on your symptoms. Breathing in cold air can cause a problem so winter can be a dangerous time. The season also brings with it the increased risk of catching a cold or the flu, both of which can have serious health implications for a person with asthma.
You may find that something as simple as emotions could impact your health. Long periods of crying or laughing can change the rate of your breathing and cause an attack.
While taking medication for your asthma is important, some other medicines can trigger an attack. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs contain salicylates which can trigger symptoms. Patients who also suffer from cardiac disease, anxiety, high blood pressure and glaucoma and are prescribed beta-blockers need to keep an eye open for reactions.
If you have any concerns about other medication you are prescribed or buy over the counter, talk to your doctor.
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