Effective Ways to Prevent Asthma Attacks

Many asthma sufferers cannot control the disease properly. This condition can put it at risk for life-threatening attacks. Follow the following methods to prevent asthma attacks.

People with asthma certainly have triggers for symptoms that can be different for each person. The trigger for symptoms can be allergies, pollution, viruses, cold, exercise.

This trigger factor can cause inflammation in the lungs to deteriorate and cause the airways to produce mucus to swell and potentially narrow.

To prevent shortness of breath, cough and asthma attacks, it is necessary to avoid triggers and reduce chronic inflammation. Here are 13 ways to prevent an asthma attack as quoted from Ivillage:

1. Use an inhaler

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective way to control symptoms and prevent attacks. But many people use it only when symptoms arise.

Researchers from Henry Ford Hospital found that, nearly 25 percent of asthma attacks can be prevented in patients with severe asthma if they take their medication at the appointed time every day or at least 75 percent of the time.

The results showed that people with mild to moderate asthma might not need to use an inhaler every day.

"If you have been free of an asthma attack for several months, then consult with your doctor about slowly reducing the dose or frequency of the drug. But if there is a first sign of discomfort, such as chest tightening, increased coughing or mild shortness of breath, then you should immediately check doctor, "said David Rosenstreich, MD, head of the allergy and immunology division at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY.

2. Proactively preventing symptoms with drugs

If you know that it is susceptible to asthma attacks during a certain time, such as during a cold or cold season. Then start taking the medication 3 or 4 weeks before the season starts rather than waiting until you feel the first symptoms. It is easier to prevent than cure attacks.

3. Allergy tests

New research found that allergies trigger more than 50 percent of asthma cases. But many people do not realize that they have allergies, especially against allergens in the room or food.

One study found that, nearly 16 percent of people who went to the ER because of asthma attacks had elevated levels of IgE antibodies.

Increased levels of IgE antibodies indicate a possible food allergy. Consult with your doctor about an allergy blood test or do a skin allergy test.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) strongly recommends that, people with allergic asthma should be under control to reduce asthma attacks.

4. Eliminate allergens in the bedroom

Increasingly can avoid exposure to all allergens, such as dust, fur, and irritation in other rooms. Then it is more likely to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and the need for asthma medication.

Start from the bedroom. Get rid of feather pillows and blankets, and old books, newspapers and tidy up rooms.

Don't use a humidifier, and make sure there are no molds growing in the bedroom. It takes a long time to reduce inflammation in the airways, so it might not see a significant increase for months.

5. Inside the home can be hidden allergens

Homes may have some hidden asthma triggers, such as smoke and odor from fireplaces, candles, incense and even air freshener.

"Of all people with asthma, respiratory irritations such as smoke, especially cigarette smoke, can contribute to airway inflammation," said John McBride, MD, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio.

6. Get allergic injections

After regular allergy injections, known as immunotherapy can build tolerance and reduce reactions to allergens. A Cochrane Collaboration meta-analysis found that immunotherapy significantly reduced asthma symptoms and used asthma medications.

7. Pay attention to weight

The results of the study show an association between obesity and more frequent and severe asthma attacks and greater drug use. Asthma risk increased along with body mass index.

8. Get more vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse lung function, worse allergies, and more use of asthma medications. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that vitamin D increased the effectiveness of corticosteroid inhalers.

It is not known whether the vitamin has a direct impact on corticosteroid therapy or by reducing symptoms, it will make it easier to treat asthma. Data shows that three quarters of all adults may be deficient in vitamin D.

9. Avoiding Acetaminophen

Taking painkillers containing acetaminophen can increase the risk of having an asthma attack. The study found that, weekly acetaminophen use was associated with an almost three-fold increase in the risk of asthma.

"There is also a connection between increasing acetaminophen use over time and an increase in asthma levels. Acetaminophen seems to cause a decrease in a molecule called glutathione which helps reduce inflammation," Dr. McBride.

10. Pay more attention to sports

If you don't control asthma, you are at risk of having an attack while exercising. Rapid breathing, and possibly cold air, can cause airway spasms.

Use an inhaler before exercising. Low intensity exercises such as strength training and yoga may be easier on the lungs than long distance running or soccer.

The same applies to short-term sports with high intensity. Avoid exercise when you have a fever, and exercise in a training room during the winter.

11. Get a flu vaccine

Flu viruses can spread in the airways and trigger asthma attacks. To reduce the risk of getting sick, get an annual flu vaccination and wash your hands regularly.

12. Do yoga regularly

Some studies have found that, yoga helps asthmatics by improving lung and airway function and reducing the number of hyperresponsivity attacks. This can also reduce drug requirements and reduce exercise which affects bronchial constriction.

13. Written care plan

Everyone with asthma must have a written self-management asthma plan. But the results of the study show that, only 34 percent of people with asthma have a written self-management plan.

Plans include avoiding triggers, how to take drugs correctly, awareness of symptoms and what to do when symptoms worsen.