Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with a host of harrowing symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms tend to flare up from time to time, leading to an attack that may require a patient to either use an inhaler, take medications, or seek immediate medical help, depending on the severity of the attack. More often than not, the worsening of the symptoms of asthma can be prevented by following simple lifestyle tips for managing the condition.
As per studies, lifestyle habits have a significant impact on a person’s ability to cope with this disease. It is important for the patients of asthma to make certain changes to their lifestyle to reduce the chances of an attack. Mentioned here are certain easy-to-follow lifestyle tips for managing asthma:
Reduce stress
Managing stress is one of the easiest and most effective lifestyle tips for managing asthma and preventing possible episodes. Though it is easier said than done, asthma patients can reduce stress levels and promote healthy living with practice. Stress-induced asthma attacks are quite common, and clinical studies have established stress as a possible trigger for asthma symptoms. Individuals who are often stressed out are more likely to experience frequent attacks, so reducing stress levels can lower the likelihood of an asthma attack. Induce stress-reducing activities like meditation and yoga in your day-to-day activity.
Get a flu shot
Getting a flu shot once a year is one of the simplest lifestyle tips for managing asthma. For a majority of asthma patients, flu or cold acts as a potential trigger that can exacerbate the symptoms and lead to a serious asthma attack. Flu causes serious inflammation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe for individuals suffering from this reactive airway disease. Take effective measures like getting the flu shot to prevent flu or common cold and reduce the chances of worsening the symptoms.
Understand ways to manage the symptoms
You can ask your healthcare specialist to help you develop an action plan to manage asthma effectively. Coping with asthma, a life-long condition, requires effort, time, and planning. Develop a guide with ways to prevent an asthma attack by keeping the symptoms under control. Jot down the medications you need to take at the time of an emergency and keep track of your peak flow meter readings regularly to be fully aware of the state of your airways.
Following a few lifestyle tips can prove to be extremely beneficial for people with asthma. With these tips, you can cope with this life-long disease and prevent its symptoms from affecting the quality of your life. In particular, you need to work on your stress levels, develop ways to prevent the flare-up of symptoms, and get a flu shot to manage this chronic inflammatory disease better.
