Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Asthma | Living With Asthma | Resource Guide
Making some lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that may cause an asthma attack.
Because there are many types of allergens that may trigger asthma, it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate all allergens from your environment. However, there are many things that you can do to help reduce allergens and minimize your exposure to asthma triggers, such as:
When you or your child experience warning signs that an asthma attack may be imminent, begin treatment as recommended by your physician.
Warning signs include:
Weather changes may worsen asthma symptoms, especially in children. If the humidity increases or the temperature changes, pay close attention to your child's symptoms.
Although not all asthma attacks can be prevented, early treatment can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms. Take all the necessary precautions to prevent asthma attacks, and treat symptoms as early as possible to avoid escalation to a serious attack.
Consider using an online program to manage your symptoms. These programs can help to improve the control of your asthma and your lungs function. Organizations like the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offer information on web-based asthma management tools and support groups.
Your doctor may recommend that you limit strenuous physical activity after an asthma attack. Consider the following when exercising:
You are at a higher risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia , because you have asthma. Adults and children older than six months old should get a yearly seasonal flu shot . Also get the pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine once it is available.
If you are having a mild to moderate asthma attack and your medicine does not work in the time it is supposed to, call your doctor. If you are having a severe asthma attack, take your asthma medicine and get emergency medical help immediately.
If your asthma symptoms become severe despite lifestyle changes and treatment, contact your doctor for further care.
References:
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology website. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/ .
American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22542 .
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma information for patients and parents. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/asthma.htm . Updated September 15, 2009. Accessed September 18, 2009.
10/29/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Howden-Chapman P, Pierse N, Nicholls S, et al. Effects of improved home heating on asthma in community dwelling children: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2008 Sep 23.
2/17/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Bailey EJ, Cates CJ, Kruske S, Morris A, Chang A, Brown N. Culture-specific programs for children and adults from minority groups who have asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Jan 21;(1):CD006580.
9/2/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Van der Meer V, Bakker MJ, van den Hout WB, et al. Internet based self-management plus education compared with usual care in asthma: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151:110-120.
10/9/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Mireku N, Wang Y, Ager J, Reddy R, Baptist A. Changes in weather and the effects on pediatric asthma exacerbations. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009;(3):220.
11/13/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Vempati R, Bijlani RL, Deepak KK. The efficacy of a comprehensive lifestyle modification programme based on yoga in the management of bronchial asthma: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pulm Med. 2009;9:37.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Christine Colpitts, CRT, MA
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.