The Vice-like Grip of Asthma – Part 4

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Are there any lifestyle changes I will need to make to cope better with my asthma?

Though asthma is incurable, you in consultation with your doctor can make certain lifestyle changes and adopt a few practices to lead a more effective, smooth and full life. Here is a list of what you can do at your end:

Have an asthma action plan worked out together with your doctor – that which addresses emergency numbers to contact, medical basics (blood group, medical history, how and when to take the asthma medicine, it’s compatibility with other drugs, results expected, contraindications if any), what to do during an attack.

• Check your stocks of medication so you are never without them.
• Always keep a broncho-dilator and a nebuliser handy at home.
• Keep a diary of asthma observations (frequency, prodrome symptoms and severity) and events.
• Learn ways to protect yourself or reduce the harm caused by both known external and indoor triggers.
• Prevent dust and mold build-up at home by seeking professional help or dusting with damp cloth, keeping Ac filters clean etc.
• Have your home pest free by having it sprayed when you are out and return to air it with open windows.
• Wash stuffed toys once every 4-6 months, use vacuum cleaners on stuffed furniture.
• Keep your windows closed in pollen season. Turn on the fans or ACs instead to keep cool and ventilated.
• Use all low-scent index detergents, shampoos and cosmetics.
• Keep pets restricted from entering bedrooms etc.
• Avoid use of aerosols, bleaches etc
• Have the smoker in the family smoke outside in open air or in the toilet with the exhaust running.
• Wear a mask while dusting, mopping or cleaning dishes.
• Reduce stress by practising relaxation, meditation and breathing techniques.
• Exercise moderately with enough breaks built into your workout routine.
• Check contraindications for asthma for any medication you take.

Groups and Resources I can refer:

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
• Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• AAAAI article on avoiding asthma symptoms
• Asthma Society of Canada
• U.S. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)
o http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm
• The Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-2) - National Institutes of Health pub no 97–4051. Bethesda, MD, 1997.PDF
• British Guideline on the Management of Asthma – “British Guideline on the Management of Asthma" (PDF). Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-04.
• International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health Interview Surveys
• National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College, London
• "You Can Control Your Asthma" [PDF, 4074KB]
• American Lung Association

Mamta Singh is a published author (Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips from a Sufferer. Publisher: Rupa & Co.), seasoned business, creative and academic writer.
She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. Mamta runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business, and is presently training as a Holistic Healing Therapist from the U.K. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation.
Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.