Asthma
Asthma is an illness of the lungs. A person or child with asthma often has a difficult time breathing. This can be very dangerous. People with asthma may be bothered by:
- Smoke
- Air pollution
- Grass or flowers
- Dust
- Animals
- Cold air
- Strong smells
Other things that can make asthma worse include:
- Sickness
- Getting upset or excited
- Exercising
- Eating certain foods
- Some kinds of medicines
Asthma is not like a cold, it typically does not go away with time. A person may have asthma their entire life.
How to Manage Asthma
Asthma can be controlled with medicine and by staying away from things that make it worse.
If you or your child has asthma, a doctor will prescribe medicine. It is very important to take asthma medication the way your doctor tells you to keep the lungs open.
If your doctor prescribes a medication or inhaler to take every day, it is because your asthma has caused chronic swelling (inflammation) in your lungs. Daily medication helps to reduce that swelling.
Even if a person with asthma feels good, they should take their medicine or use their inhaler as prescribed to stay healthy.
People with asthma should:
- Stay away from things that make their asthma worse
- Use asthma medicine as instructed by a doctor
- Try to stay calm and breathe slowly if they feel symptoms
Families of children and people with asthma should:
- Keep a clean house
- Remove mold and dust
- Keep animals away from people with asthma
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Clean bedding, curtains, and furniture with hot water
- Let clean air into the house
Call your HealthPoint Clinic Today to Learn how to Manage Asthma
Clinical review by Carolyn Halley, MD. HealthPoint Medical Director
Reviewed November 14, 2019
Sources: ethnomed.org (University of Washington) https://ethnomed.org/patient-education/asthma
This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor with any questions about your health.
