Trigger Avoidance
Asthma is often triggered by a variety of environmental factors, such as allergens, dust, and air pollution. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce the risk of an asthma attack. To do so, it is important to identify the triggers that affect your asthma and take steps to avoid them. For example, if your asthma is triggered by dust, keep your home clean and dust-free. If your asthma is triggered by air pollution, try to avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high.
Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques can help control asthma symptoms by improving lung function and providing relief from shortness of breath. Some breathing exercises recommended for asthma include pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and yoga breathing. Pursed-lip breathing involves breathing in slowly through the nose and out through pursed lips. Diaphragmatic breathing involves placing one hand on the abdomen, inhaling through the nose, and then exhaling slowly. Yoga breathing involves focusing on breath control and establishing a rhythm.
Medications
Medications can be used to help control asthma without an inhaler. Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting beta agonists, can help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Quick-relief medications, such as oral and intravenous corticosteroids, can help reduce symptoms during an asthma attack. Additionally, some medications, such as theophylline, can help open the airways and reduce airway inflammation.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help reduce asthma symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of exercising with asthma. Before beginning an exercise program, talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your asthma during exercise. To reduce the risk of an asthma attack, it is important to warm up and cool down properly, use an inhaler before exercising, and avoid exercising in cold, dry, or polluted air.
Diet
A healthy diet can help reduce asthma symptoms. Certain foods, such as fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, can help reduce inflammation and improve lung function. It is also important to avoid foods that can trigger asthma symptoms, such as dairy, processed foods, and foods high in sugar.