5 Ways to Control Your Asthma and Prevent Flare-Ups
Asthma is triggered by a thing (e.g., dust) or activity (e.g., exercise) that can worsen it. Triggers can cause an asthma attack, also known as an episode or flare-up.
What are common asthma triggers?
Common triggers include:
- Having a respiratory infection from the cold, flu, or sinus infection
- Smoke that can be from a fireplace, a campfire, or cigarettes
- Food (like peanuts and shellfish)
- Medicine (like Aspirin)
- Exercise
- Emotions
- Weather, pollen, and air pollution
- Animal dander and spit
- Pests (like bed bugs and dust mites)
- Mold
- Strong odors (like perfumes and cleaning products)
What is an asthma attack or flare-up?
During an asthma attack or flare-up, you may not be able to breathe normally or easily. You may wheeze or cough. This happens because the muscles around the airway tighten, the airway becomes swollen, and your body creates more mucus that blocks the airway.
5 ways to control your asthma and prevent flare-ups:
- Know your symptoms and triggers. It is important to know what happens to you when you have a flare-up, and what you are doing or are around when it happens. Identifying your symptoms and triggers is the first step to preventing flare-ups. If you are unsure what causes your asthma flare-ups, keep track using the notes on your phone or in a notebook. Once you know what triggers your asthma, avoid those triggers.
- Get an action plan. Work with your doctor to develop a plan to control your asthma. Your plan should list any medications and track the severity of your symptoms over time.
- Allergy-proof your home, especially when there is a lot of pollen or air pollution. Here are some key things to do to cut down on allergens:
- Change bed sheets often and wash dirty bedding in hot water
- Use mattress and pillowcase covers
- Use an air purifier
- Keep windows closed when pollen and air pollution are bad
- Vacuum your floors at least twice a week to reduce dust
- Avoid smoking areas. Avoid areas with smoke. Inhaling smoke can cause an asthma attack.
- Take medications as prescribed. Always take your asthma medication as prescribed.
By knowing your triggers and creating a plan with your doctor, you can prevent asthma attacks. Avoiding triggers and taking your medication as prescribed can allow you to breathe easier and enjoy daily activities without the constant worry of asthma disruptions.
Sources:
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma/reduce-asthma-triggers
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6424-asthma
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/reducing-allergens-your-home-fact-sheet
