How to Beat Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes the airways in the lungs to swell and become narrow. The chest tightens and mucus builds, making it difficult or even impossible to breathe. Asthma cannot be cured, but people can control their symptoms by avoiding things that cause attacks, taking daily medication and having emergency supplies on hand.

Things You'll Need

• Peak flow meter
• Pocket notebook
• Asthma medication

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Instructions

Avoiding Attacks

• 1

  See your doctor. Asthma symptoms include labored breathing, wheezing, tightness and persistent cough. Only a doctor can diagnose you properly and give you the medicine and tools you need.

• 2

  Get a peak-flow meter. This is a simple device you can use at home to monitor how well you're breathing. Your doctor can tell you how to use it.

• 3

  Keep an asthma diary. This pocket notebook will be vital in tracking the things that cause your asthma attacks over time.

• 4

  Know common triggers. Things likely to cause asthma attacks include dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, mold and pollen. Non-allergen triggers include cigarette smoke, dry and cold air, certain medicines such as aspirin, and respiratory infections.

• 5

  Identify your triggers. When you have an attack, write in your asthma diary where you were, what was around you and what you were doing.

• 6

  Use your long-term medication. Your doctor may prescribe daily medication to ward off attacks. These keep your airways from becoming inflamed and relax the muscles around them.

• 7

  Live smart. Keep a clean, dust-free home and keep your heart and lungs strong with exercise.

During Attacks

• 8

  Stop what you're doing. If you're having an attack, you must treat it before it gets worse.

• 9

  Use your rescue inhaler. Directions vary, but in general, take one puff, hold for 10 seconds and exhale. Wait another minute or two and repeat.

• 10

  Breathe slowly. Inhale through the nose and out the mouth. If your medication is working, this should become easier.

• 11

  Resume activity only once the symptoms have gone away completely.

• 12

  Call 911 if the symptoms do not improve.