Asthma can make breathing difficult, whether you’re working out or just walking up the stairs. But with the right plan, you can manage the condition and avoid triggers that make it worse while still pursuing the hobbies you enjoy.
Start Managing Your Asthma
- Understand your medications. You may have a combination of long-term control medicines that prevent symptoms by controlling swelling and decreasing mucus production (these must be take regularly to work) and quick-relief or rescue medicines that help open your airways when symptoms are present.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, as asthma can cause complications in illnesses such as the flu and pneumonia.
- Dehumidify indoor air to help keep common triggers like mold and mildew at bay.
- Choose activities with shorter bursts of exertion, such as baseball or a leisurely bike ride, because they are less likely to trigger asthma than activities that require longer endurance.
- Check AirNow to monitor when outdoor air pollution levels are high so you can be aware of potential triggers.
- Keep in touch with your doctor and make a list of points to discuss during checkups, such as what you think might trigger symptoms and whether your medications are working.
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Track Your Triggers
When you know what causes asthma flare-ups, you can keep the condition under control. You can keep a journal or use a tool like the AsthmaMD app to help you monitor your condition. By logging attacks, including the time of day, symptoms, activity level and rescue inhaler use, you'll have concrete information to share with your doctor.
Need a Partner For Managing Your Health?
Beaufort Memorial has primary care providers in several locations around Beaufort and Bluffton. See who is accepting new patients.
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