How can I prevent asthma exacerbation?
The management of asthma requires a combination of treatment with medications, lifestyle changes, and ongoing self-management. The following are some essential techniques to help you successfully control your asthma:

First, adhere to an asthma action plan.

Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan unique to you. This plan will assist you in controlling your asthma on a daily basis and will also advise you on what to do when your symptoms worsen. Normally, it contains:

Medication: “When and how to use both short-acting and long-acting pain relief medications.”

Symptom Tracking: What to look for that could mean a flare-up of the condition is on the way.

Management: What is the appropriate action to take in case there is a severe flare-up of the disease, including the decision to seek emergency services.

2. Follow the medication regimen as prescribed Drugs are needed for asthma control:

Keeping to their Long Term Management Medication like inhaled corticosteroids (which prevent the expression of inflammation) avoids symptoms and lowers their intensity and occurrence.

Albuterol is one example of a quick-relief (rescue) medicine that is available for those suffering from asthma when an attack occurs or where one anticipates that symptoms will occur.

If you are found to have difficult asthma and do not respond to conventional therapy you may be relieved with biologics or similar specialist drugs.

3. Avoid the sources of asthma

The most basic rule of controlling asthma is finding out the sources of the disease and staying away from them. Common sources include;

Allergens like mold, dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Irritants like chemicals, smoke, strong odors, and air pollution.

Inappropriately cold air: Breathing in dry and cold air may trigger symptoms.

Exercise: Though quite frequent, exercise can be unpleasant for asthmatics but can be controlled when treated properly.

Stress: Anxiety and emotional stresses are sometimes aggravating factors in asthma attacks.

A good place to start is to maintain a diary where you describe the symptoms and what triggers them. This will help you to avoid or limit exposure through time.

4. Maintain a constant focus on how you breathe

Do not neglect your breathing, especially your lung function at all times, if suffering from above moderate level of asthma. It is possible to assess lung activity using a peak flow meter:

Even before any symptoms develop, a worsening condition of asthma can be diagnosed through consistent measures of peak flows. This can help in managing one’s expectations about a shift in the treatment strategy.

5. Continue to Lead a More Health Friendly Life

Regular physical activity: Exercising remains important for lung healthy, although it may provoke asthma sometimes. Your doctor can guide you on how to effectively engage in physical activities and if there is a need to implement medicines before physical activities.

Eat healthier: Eating a balanced diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can effectively cut down inflammation and boost your body’s immune system.

Drink enough water: Water aids in the thinning of mucus present in the airways and thereby help in making inhalation easier.

Watch Your Weight: Obese people find it difficult to manage asthma and therefore habitual weight management will assist you in controlling it more.

6. Managing Allergies

If they are the triggering factors of your asthma, it is important that you manage your allergies. This may include:

Allergy Management: The use of Antihistaminics and immunotherapy also called allergy shots can help in alleviating allergic symptoms.

To prevent pollen from getting into the house, close windows in pollen rich seasons and clean frequently to remove mold and dust. Using air purifiers might also improve the quality of the air in the house.

7. Avoid Coughs and Other Respiratory Infections

Common colds and even flu can strike anyone. People who suffer from asthma must be on the lookout for such infections as they can trigger attacks. Here’s what you can do to prevent such infections:

Obtain flu and pneumonia vaccines if your doctor recommends them.

Try not to be too close to any sick person and maintain hygiene at all times.

8. Keep Meeting Your Doctor Often

Once a doctor starts you on a treatment course, he/she will need to see you from time to time to check your progress and make any required changes to your treatment plan. Asthma is known to be dynamic and an intervention will be crucial as long as there is persistence to change.

9. Do Not Be Hesitant To Go To Hospital

There are instances with asthma where the person may feel that the situation is life-threatening. In such situations, it is important to see the doctor immediately when presented with any of the following signs.

Persistent wheezing or any other breathing difficulty that doesn’t go away even with medication.

Inability to breathe comfortable enough to talk and walk.

Your lips or your face tend to turn purple or bluish due to lack of sufficient oxygen.

Managing Inhaled Asthma in Certain Situations

Exercise-induced asthma: Use the quick-relief inhaler 10 to 15 minutes before exercise, and gradually warm up to help prevent symptoms.

Cold weather: Wrap your mouth and nose in a scarf to keep cold air from damaging your lungs.

Traveling: Wherever you are venturing out, ensure you carry sufficient medicine with you, especially some quick-relief drugs. Having a well-defined map of action in hand may serve the purpose as well.

Would you require help in planning out the course of action, or do you feel you need more clarification on the rest of these techniques?