What are somethings the doctor will do to help you live with asthma?

* Prescribe medication. There are a variety of medications available to treat asthma, including:

* Controller medications: These medications are taken daily to prevent asthma attacks. They include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting beta-agonists.

* Reliever medications: These medications are used to quickly relieve asthma symptoms during an attack. They include short-acting beta-agonists and oral steroids.

* Recommend lifestyle changes. There are a number of things you can do to improve your asthma symptoms, including:

* Avoiding triggers: Triggers are things that can cause asthma attacks, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and smoke. It is important to try to avoid your triggers as much as possible.

* Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms. However, it is important to warm up before exercising and to use a bronchodilator before and after exercising if you have exercise-induced asthma.

* Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of asthma attacks.

* Getting enough sleep: When you are sleep-deprived, you are more likely to have asthma attacks. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

* Provide education. It is important to understand your asthma and how to manage it. Your doctor can provide you with education about asthma, including information about medications, lifestyle changes, and how to use a peak flow meter.

* Refer you to a specialist. If your asthma is severe, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a pulmonologist, for further evaluation and treatment.

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