Asthma is serious, yet a common respiratory condition, which affects 1 in 13 individuals, including kids and adults. People with severe and moderate asthma may have a higher risk of getting Covid-19 (coronavirus). Handling asthma may be challenging with these unprecedented times of coronavirus. Therefore, it is important to maintain asthma control to reduce the need for visiting overwhelmed healthcare provider’s office. Social distancing has to be maintained, but this may pose more challenges for individuals with asthma.
Staying indoors throughout may also increase exposure to some triggers, so it may be necessary to learn how to control the respiratory condition by
- Stopping Smoking
If you normally smoke and have asthma, you need to quit as this may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Smoking may as well minimize the effectiveness of your medications.
If you’re also suffering from the condition, but don’t smoke, you may need to also avoid being a passive smoker, since this can worsen your symptoms.
- Developing an Emergency Plan
In the situation of asthma attacks, it is vital to develop a plan, which you and the individual nearby knows. A great plan can encompass THORASYS/beyond spirometry: oscillometry that can help to assess pulmonary function during tidal and quiet breathing.
Oscillometry serves as an in-office tool, which may assess peripheral airway impairment, even in kids and detect airway obstructions earlier than spirometry. Your plan may also encompass checking instructions on medications you need to take. This way, you will know what meds can help and when you need to call your doctor.
- Avoiding Major Triggers
Focus on where and when you experience symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. If you may be able to pinpoint the triggers, which results in your asthma flare-ups, you can avoid them. Major triggers may include exercise, cold air, pet dander, bronchitis, and pollen, just to mention a few.
Strong smells may also trigger asthma attacks, so it might be necessary to steer clear of things, such as hair spray, perfume, and talcum powder.
- Following Your Doctor’s Prescription Properly
There are a few kinds of asthma control medications and might be inhaled using nebulizers or orally. Your doctor may evaluate which combination of medication is perfect for your goals.
Taking control medications as prescribed by a doctor is essential since it helps to reduce asthma symptoms and the need for using inhalers.
- Taking Healthy Foods
Acquiring certain nutrients and vitamins in your diet may play an important role in controlling your asthma symptoms. For instance, Vitamin C in healthy fruits can serve as an anti-inflammatory that helps to improve lung function and clear air passage.
Apart from a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, reducing your salt content may also improve your asthma conditions.
The Takeaway!
Asthma is a lifelong respiratory condition, but this doesn’t mean that patients should have trouble breathing every time. When working with a healthcare doctor and focus on your asthma symptoms, you might want to adjust your medication for optimal control of the condition.
With these tips for controlling asthma symptoms, you can be able to keep flares at bay and live a comfortable life.
