Keeping Asthma Symptoms at Bay

Whether you have mild, moderate or severe asthma, keeping your symptoms under control is key to living a healthy, active life. With your doctor’s guidance and treatment, you can learn how to best deal with your asthma.
Here are a few things you can do to help control symptoms or identify impending attacks:

1. Know your triggers. Does cat hair make you wheeze? Does a sudden change in the weather affect you? Know what these triggers are and do your best to avoid them. If you can’t, make sure you always have your inhalers and medications close at hand.
2. Stay in contact with your doctor. Once you have a treatment plan in place, make sure you’re paying them a visit regularly. Keep them updated on bad attacks or symptom changes.
3. Take medications as prescribed. Even if you’re feeling good and think you don’t need your medication, don’t stop taking it. Your symptoms are under control because of the medication and will likely return if you stop.
4. Use your preventative inhaler as directed. If you know you’ll be working out, gardening, or participating in another activity that makes you wheeze, use your preventative inhaler as your doctor has prescribed. This can help ward off symptoms before they start.

With a few lifestyle changes and close communication with your doctor, you can enjoy your life without worrying about your next asthma attack.

To find a doctor that’s right for you, visit. www.gbmc.org/findadoc.

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