In my outpatient practice, I have met many asthma patients, and each patient's story is a profound reminder that asthma is a disease that can not only be controlled, but largely prevented. Today, I would like to share the story of one particular patient, which is not only a story about treatment, but also a revelation about how to avoid asthma attacks through small changes in your daily life.
A few years ago, a middle-aged patient named Mr. Li first came to my clinic. He is a patient with a ten-year history of asthma and often has trouble sleeping at night because of asthma attacks. Asthma worsens whenever the seasons change, or when he comes into contact with dust mites and pollen. Despite his use of a variety of conventional medications, his condition continued to have frequent flare-ups, which seriously affected his quality of life.
Through a detailed consultation, I found that Mr. Li's living environment and lifestyle habits may be a key factor in poor asthma control. He has pets at home, and he is allergic to animal dander, and the house is not cleaned frequently enough to allow dust mites and other allergens to grow. In addition, his exercise habits are not very suitable for asthmatics.
After several rounds of adjustment and treatment, Mr. Li's condition has improved significantly. We cleaned up his living environment, adjusted his habits, and developed a safe exercise plan for him. Most importantly, we optimized his medication regimen, including the correct use of rescue medication. These changes not only reduced his asthma attacks, but also improved his quality of life.
Note 1: Environmental control
Avoid allergens
Asthma attacks are often caused by tiny particles in the air, especially those common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and pollen. To reduce the concentration of indoor allergens, bed sheets, pillowcases, and curtains in your home should be made of easy-to-wash materials and need to be washed weekly. For pets, try to avoid letting them into the bedroom or other main living areas.
Use an air purifier
In an enclosed space, an air purifier can greatly reduce the concentration of pollutants and allergens in the air. Choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter is especially effective because it captures very small particles, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Make sure to replace the filter regularly to keep the equipment in optimal working order.
Clean your living environment regularly
Keeping your home clean is an important measure to prevent asthma attacks. Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture is an effective way to remove accumulated dust and mites. Additionally, avoid cleaning products that have strong fragrances or chemical irritants, as these substances may trigger asthma attacks.
Note 2: Daily life management
Exercise recommendations
People with asthma should not avoid exercise, and proper physical activity can enhance lung function and overall health. The key is to choose the type and intensity of exercise that is appropriate for people with asthma:
Choose gentle exercises, such as brisk walking, swimming or yoga, which are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.
Proper warm-up: Gentle stretching and warm-up before exercise can reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Environmental considerations: Indoor exercise is a good option because it avoids factors such as pollen or cold air, which can trigger asthma.
Diet and lifestyle habits
Diet is equally important for asthma control. Maintaining a balanced diet not only supports overall health, but can also help manage asthma:
Avoid allergens: If food allergies are triggers for your asthma, it's important to understand and avoid these foods.
Increase anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, and abundant fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Maintain an appropriate weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk and severity of an asthma attack.
In addition, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is especially important for people with asthma:
Don't smoke: Tobacco smoke is a taboo for people with asthma and should be avoided for both active and passive smoking.
Reduce stress: Long-term mental stress may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, etc., can help manage stress.
By following these recommendations for managing daily life, people with asthma can not only reduce the frequency and severity of their attacks, but also improve their quality of life.
Note 3: Medication and emergency preparedness
The importance of long-term drug control
Long-term control medications play a crucial role in the day-to-day management of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most commonly used long-term control medications, which are effective in reducing inflammation in the airways and reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and use it regularly every day, even when you feel good.
Proper use of rescue medications
Unlike long-term control medications, rescue medications such as fast-acting bronchodilators are mainly used to relieve acute asthma symptoms and prevent further exacerbations. As soon as you feel that your asthma symptoms are getting worse, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, you should use a first-aid sprayer immediately. Every person with asthma should carry rescue medication with them to ensure that they are available quickly in any situation.
Emergency preparedness plan
In addition to medication, an asthma emergency preparedness plan is also required. This plan should include the following aspects:
Recognize symptoms: Know the early symptoms of an asthma exacerbation, such as persistent coughing, chest tightness, or rapid breathing.
Take action: Use a rescue sprayer as soon as you develop the above symptoms and self-administer as directed by your doctor.
Emergency contact: Stay in close contact with your doctor to ensure you can get help quickly if your condition worsens.
Regular follow-up: Visit your doctor regularly to assess your asthma control and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
With these specific steps and appropriate medication, most people with asthma can effectively manage their condition and reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. Remember, using medications wisely and having a detailed emergency preparedness plan in place are key to staying healthy.