Breathin’ Easy: Living Life To The Full When You Have Asthma

Of all the long-standing conditions we can suffer from, none are quite as frustrating as asthma. If it developed in childhood, the disease could disappear for years on end before returning with a vengeance. If it first developed in adult, then it’ll likely be more severe and will need to be tightly managed. The good news is that the majority of asthma sufferers can live full, happy lives – providing they manage their condition properly. Below, we take a look at five tips to make coping with the lung condition to ensure you’re always breathing free and easy.

Have a Plan

Not all asthma sufferers are the same, and as such, there’s no ‘one treatment fits all’ approach you can just adopt. Your condition will be unique to you. That’s why it’s important that you have a plan in place; it’s demonstrably good for you, as people who have an asthma action plan are up to four times less likely to end up in the hospital due to their condition. It’ll allow you to manage your medicines, keep track of where and when you had an attack and will be a useful tool for your medical practitioners.

Know Thy Body

Yes, it’s true that exercise can trigger an asthma attack, but this does not give you an excuse to sit on the couch. Exercise will be an important component of managing your condition, and it’s vital that you’re regularly getting exercise. However, if you think you’re having difficulty breathing, then you need to stop exercising immediately. Also, you should inform anyone you’re playing sports with of your condition, and try to breathe through your nose wherever possible. If you’re finding that you can’t exercise without having breathing trouble, it’ll be a sign that you’re not managing your condition properly and you need to speak to a doctor.

In the Home

Our homes are filled with things that can trigger an attack, and as such it’s important that we’re removing any potential hazards and have a plan of what to do if we’re home alone. Keep your home clean and dust free, as this can trigger an attack. If you have pets, make sure they’re well groomed and don’t let them onto the furniture or into your bed.

Relaxed State of Mind

It’s easier said than done, but if you have asthma, then you should be doing your best to stay stress-free. Feel panicked, overwhelmed, or anxious can all bring on an attack. It’s important that you’re aware of the things that cause you stress, and do your best to avoid those situations. Practicing mindfulness and following relaxing techniques will also help.

What’s in the Air?

Finally, keep tabs on the air quality. You might live in a place that has terrible air, and not even know it. By sticking to places with clean air, you’ll be reducing your chances of asthma complications.