Living with asthma can be challenging. But with the right treatment, you can lead a healthy and active life. As an asthma specialist in Ahmedabad, I’ve seen that adopting an active routine can improve the quality of life for people living with asthma.
What is asthma?
Asthma, also called bronchial asthma, is a lung disease. It is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Tightness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing are common asthma symptoms.
Types of asthma
1. Allergic asthma: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet danger.
2. Nonallergic asthma: Triggered by factors other than allergens, such as stress, cold air, or exercise.
3. Occupational asthma: Caused by inhaling smoke, gases, or dust in the workplace.
4. Exercise-induced asthma: Triggered by physical activity like running or fast walking.
5. Cough-variant asthma: Characterized by a constant cough as the main symptom.
6. Nocturnal asthma: At night the symptoms are worse
7. Eosinophilic asthma: A severe form involving high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).
Is your asthma under control?
Managing asthma is crucial for a healthy, active life. Let’s explore how to know if your asthma is under control and what steps to take if it’s not.
- Symptoms Frequency: Feeling like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath fewer than twice a week.
- Night-time Awakenings: Rarely waking up due to asthma symptoms.
- Activity Level: No restriction on physical activities.
- Medication Use: Using rescue inhalers less than twice a week.
Why Control Matters
Poorly controlled asthma can lead to:
- Increased Attacks: More frequent and severe asthma attacks.
- Health Risks: Higher chances of long-term lung damage.
- Quality of Life: Reduced ability to enjoy daily activities.
10 Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your Asthma
1. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
Customize your asthma action plan, which was created by your asthma doctor in Ahmedabad, to help you manage your condition. Make sure you are aware of your medication and take the necessary steps during an asthma attack. Regularly review and update this plan with your doctor.
2. Take Medications as Prescribed
It’s crucial to take your asthma medications completely as advised by your doctor. Consult the best pulmonologist in Ahmedabad for advice, if you have any doubt about your treatment. Long-term control medications help keep your symptoms in check, while quick-relief medicines are designed to provide immediate relief during sudden flare-ups.
3. Avoid Known Triggers
Asthma triggers often include dust mites, smoke, air pollution, and pollen. Outdoor pollution can be problematic, in an urban area like Ahmedabad. Wearing a mask is the best solution to take care of yourself from pollution. Your lung specialist in Ahmedabad can provide customized advice based on your specific triggers.
4. Practice Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can increase lung capacity and help control symptoms during flare-ups. Continued practice can have a positive impact on your routine life.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
For overall lung health regular exercise, staying hydrated, and a balanced diet are very important. Asthma-friendly activities are highly recommended like swimming, walking, and cycling. Before starting a new exercise always ask your doctor.
6. Stay Updated with Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your pulmonologist in Ahmedabad are important to manage asthma effectively. Your doctor can assess your condition, make sure you are using your inhaler correctly, and adjust your medications.
7. Monitor Your Symptoms
Keep a note to track your symptoms, peak flow readings, and any triggers you experience. This can point out the patterns and adjust your plan accordingly. Make sure to consult your lung specialist in Ahmedabad without delay, if you face any worsening symptoms.
8. Ensure Proper Inhaler Technique
Using an inhaler properly is very important, always make sure it reaches your lungs. Many patients don’t know how to use inhalers properly, which reduces the benefits. Your asthma specialist in Ahmedabad can show you the correct procedure to make sure you receive the benefit of your medicine.
9. Keep Your Environment Allergen-Free
Asthma attacks can cause indoors as well from dust, pet danger, and Mould. Cleaning your home regularly is a must, with special attention to bedding, carpets, and curtains. Use dust-proof covers for pillows and mattresses and maintain good ventilation in your home.
10. Manage Stress
Stress is a well-known trigger for asthma. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be helpful. Consider joining a local support group where you can share experiences and learn from others managing asthma in Ahmedabad.
By accepting daily habits into your routine, you can effectively manage your asthma and lead a healthier, more active life. For personalized care and expert guidance, consider consulting Dr. Rushi Desai, one of the best pulmonologists in Ahmedabad.
