Treatments That May Help Manage Your Asthma So You Have Fewer Attacks

There are two important aspects to managing your asthma. One is treating symptoms when they appear and the other is long-term management to prevent asthma episodes. The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the stage of asthma you have, and may include management by an allergist or asthma specialist. Here are some treatments you may need.

Asthma Medications

Asthma medications are sometimes inhaled so they can act quickly in your lungs. These might be taken when you first notice signs of wheezing so they can reduce the severity of an attack. Other medications may be taken orally every day even when you feel good to prevent an attack from happening. You may need to carry an inhaler with you all the time and have equipment at home for taking breathing treatments.

Allergy Testing And Treatments

Asthma can be triggered by allergens, so identifying the things that cause an allergic reaction in you can help manage your asthma symptoms. Once you know if pet dander or dust mites trigger your wheezing, then you can take steps to avoid them. Your doctor might also recommend allergy medication during pollen season or give you allergy shots to desensitize you to the things that cause your symptoms.

Education On Lifestyle Changes

Your asthma might become worse when you develop other medical problems such as a cold or flu, so maintaining good health might help you control your asthma too. Your doctor may offer advice on a healthy diet and how you can exercise without triggering wheezing. In addition, you may be instructed on how to care for your home to keep it free of allergens. This might include things like removing carpet, installing air purifiers, and keeping your home as dust free as possible.

Peak Flow Testing

You may also need to use a peak flow meter at home daily, as this can give advanced warning of an impending attack before you feel symptoms. One of these meters tests how fast you can blow air out of your lungs, and when your readings are on a decline, that could indicate your lungs are getting tight. This information can alert you to call your doctor or adjust your medication so you can avoid an asthma attack.

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan for your asthma based on the severity of your symptoms, and it's important to follow the plan, even when you're feeling good so your asthma stays under control. By working on a long-term strategy, you might reduce the number of attacks you have that make you miss work or send you to the hospital. Contact a clinic, like Allergy Asthma Specialists, for more help.

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