While it is not possible to prevent asthma, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan that will enable you to live with your condition and prevent asthma attacks.
Follow your asthma action plan. Your doctor will guide you in writing a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Make sure to follow your plan.
Get your influenza (flu) and pneumonia shots. Both respiratory infections trigger asthma flare-ups, so getting vaccinated against them will help prevent asthma attacks.
Identify and avoid asthma triggers. Outdoor allergens and irritants such as pollen, mold, cold air and air pollution can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.
Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Consider using a home peak flow meter to regularly measure and record your peak airflow. A peak flow meter measures how hard you can breathe out. Your doctor can show you how to monitor your peak flow at home.
Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you’re less likely to have a severe attack. You also won’t need as much medication to control your symptoms.
A decrease in your peak flow measurements indicates an oncoming attack. Take your medication as instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don’t improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.
Take your medication as prescribed. Don’t change your medications, even if your asthma seems to be improving.
Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use. If you are increasingly relying on your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, your asthma is not under control. See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.
Consult your doctor for more information on how to prevent asthma attacks. Shop at Watsons for asthma medications.
Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653. Accessed 3 October 2023
With pandemic restrictions being eased, people who endured long lockdowns and were stuck inside their homes during the height of […]
The holiday season is upon us once again. It is that joyous time of year when Filipino families get together, […]
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can result in mild to severe illness in people of all ages. […]
