Home Solutions for Managing Your Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory problem; in fact, one in 13 people suffer from this condition. If you’re one of the 25 million people who struggle because of your asthma symptoms, it’s time for professional help.

At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center in Virginia, our team is highly experienced in helping patients manage their asthma for a full, enriching life. He can provide advice on things you can do at home to control your condition. This includes avoiding triggers, managing symptoms, taking precautions, and knowing when to use a rescue inhaler. 

Causes of asthma

The root cause of asthma isn’t completely understood, but environmental factors and genetics can play a part in its development. The causes of asthma symptoms have been well researched, and most asthma attacks are caused by: 

• High humidity
• Low temperature (breathing cold air)
• Strong emotions, including yelling, crying, and laughing
• Smoke and fumes
• Heavy exercise 
• Respiratory illnesses (coughing)
• Allergens, including dander, mites, and pollen

Not everyone will have the same triggers, which is why it’s important to pinpoint what causes asthma symptoms on a case-by-case basis. Our team will work with you to create a personalized management plan. 

Asthma symptoms

When exposed to a trigger, your asthma symptoms will begin to show. Your reaction might be mild, or you might end up experiencing an asthma attack. Symptoms can include: 

• Coughing and wheezing
• Tightness in the chest 
• Anxiety 
• Difficulty speaking 
• Shortness of breath 

You might experience these symptoms in mild forms on occasion with severe attacks being rare. However, you should always take any asthma symptoms seriously, as you never know when you might have an aggravated attack. 

Managing your asthma at home

You can manage your asthma at home by identifying your triggers and taking precautions. You might need to make changes to your lifestyle and living situation, especially if your asthma is persistent. You can manage asthma by: 

• Limiting activities that cause symptoms 
• Exercising lightly and regularly
• Reducing exposure to allergens
• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet 
• Avoiding smoke, including cigarette and marijuana smoke
• Getting allergy shots as recommended 
• Steering clear of past triggers, including fumes and smells 
• Keeping up with a preventative medication regimen

Asthma rescue inhalers

You should always keep a rescue inhaler on hand, even if you think you have your symptoms under control. You never know when you might encounter a trigger, and your reaction can quickly get out of hand. If you find yourself using your rescue inhaler more often than usual, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan. 

To learn more about managing asthma, contact our office at 423-246-6445 to set up an appointment today at one of our offices in Kingsport or Johnson, Tennessee, or Abingdon, Virginia.