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5 Smart Ways To Manage Asthma

By Nishkak +2 more

Asthma is a condition in which there is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the lungs making it difficult for a person to breathe. This is followed by other asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightening. It is an allergic reaction to triggers such as smoke, pollen etc, and unfortunately, has no permanent cure. But, with proper treatment and guidance from a doctor, one can control his/her asthma symptoms very well.

Different Ways to Manage Asthma:

Avoid Asthma Triggers

The common asthma triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, animal dander, pollen from plants, mold/fungus, outdoor pollution, odour, etc. There are other triggers like exercise, changes in weather, food additives, and fragrances that can also lead to symptoms of asthma. It is important to identify the triggers and avoid them.


Take Regular Medication

Asthma medicine is usually given via inhalers so that it reaches the lungs directly and causes minimal side effects. The doctor will often prescribe two kinds of medicines – long-term (Controller or Preventer) and quick relief (Reliever or Rescue).

  1. Control Long-Term Persistent Inflammation – Controllers: It is meant to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks. These medications help to reduce the underlying inflammation of the airways in a person with asthma. Controllers are taken only once or twice a day (as prescribed) as they have a prolonged effect.
  2. Relieve Acute Asthma Symptoms – Relievers: These medications relax the airways and make it easier to breathe. They provide immediate relief and are used during the flare-up of symptoms. It is essential to take these medicines as prescribed, to keep your asthma under control. Using the controller medicine regularly can also help in reducing the need for reliever medicine. These medicines can be taken 3 to 4 times a day but their frequent use means that the asthma symptoms are not under control or that the controller medicines are not effective.

Apart from inhalers, doctors can also prescribe some oral medicines or injectables as and when needed.

Use the Peak-Flow Meter

The peak flow meter will help a person with asthma know if the symptoms are in control, and also help to determine the effectiveness of prescribed controller medications. If a decrease is seen in the peak flow, one can consult the doctor for evaluation and dose adjustment of prescribed medicines.

Visit Doctor Regularly

It’s important to visit the doctor on a regular basis, irrespective of whether the asthma symptoms are in control or not. Individuals with asthma must describe in detail the symptoms they experience so that the doctor can help a person manage asthma symptoms and reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. 

Follow A Healthy Lifestyle

  • A Healthy Diet – The diet must include food with vitamins D and E, which is present in milk, eggs, almonds, raw seeds, broccoli,  etc. Any known food allergen must be strictly avoided.
  • Exercise – One can start routine exercise only after consulting the doctor. It is good to start with exercises like stretching and low-impact cardiovascular workouts such as walking. Aggressive exercise/exertion can trigger asthma symptoms. Precautions need to be taken while performing any exercise or physical activity. Inhalers must always be kept near while exercising.
  • Yoga – Certain Yoga Asanas (poses) such as Savasana, Sukasana, forward bend, seated spinal twist, side bend and cobra pose are the yoga asanas that can benefit the lungs. Also, there are a few breathing exercises called (Pranayama) that can help to improve breathing.
  • Other physical activities – Activities such as cycling, swimming and walking provide a cardiovascular workout that expands lung capacity and engages each muscle of the body.  Please consult the doctor before starting any new physical activity.

To manage asthma successfully, the person must stay committed to the asthma treatment required. This will help to ensure a favourable outcome and an enhanced quality of life.

Brought to you by Cipla

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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