Asthma is a chronic condition that affects many people in Austin, Texas. The condition causes swelling of the air passages, production of excess mucus, and inflammation of the airways. Some people only have mild asthma while others have life-threatening asthmatic attacks. Some of the symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest pain, producing a whistling sound (wheeze) as you exhale, coughing, and difficulty in falling asleep because of these symptoms.
There are different causes of asthma; exposure to some allergens, like pollen, and having a family history of asthma. There is no permanent cure for asthma, but your doctor at Austin urgent care will give you some medications to control the symptoms. When you present to the doctor with an asthmatic attack, they will offer you medications to stop the attack and then some long-term medications to treat the condition. Some of the ways to prevent another asthmatic attack are given below:
Take Your Medications as Prescribed
One of the causes of an asthmatic attack is skipping your medications. You can also get an attack if you are not using your inhaler properly. Do not stop taking your medications without the advice of a medical doctor, even when your condition seems to be improving. Always carry your inhaler when you are visiting the doctor’s office. Sometimes the doctor may ask you to use the inhaler so that they can observe whether you are using it properly. In the case of inhalers or prescribed medications that aren’t working, you can contact your pulmonologist at Gwinnett Lung Hospital (https://gwinnettlung.com/) or any similar health center for a change in your medication regimen.
Identify What Triggers Your Asthma
Different allergens can trigger asthma. Some of the most common irritants are airborne particles, dust, pollen, and insect excrement among other things that can commonly be found on carpets, rugs, curtains, beddings, cupboards, and other surfaces at home and outside. Having a respiratory infection like flu, doing strenuous physical activity, cold weather, and smoke are other triggers of asthma. It is good to observe what exactly triggers your asthma and avoid it.
Avoid the Risk Factors of Asthma
Some preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of asthma outside includes reducing exposure to cigarette smoke, some chemicals that are in beauty products or at your occupation, and emotional stress. And at home, pay attention to keeping your surroundings as clean as possible. Consider utilizing professional home and carpet cleaning services weybridge so that dust-absorbing items are deep cleaned and cannot trigger an asthma attack. Keep away from animal fur and pollen too because they are not easily visible to the naked eye and could be inhaled unknowingly. In addition, you should have your home’s HVAC system looked at regularly. Over time, air ducts and air conditioners tend to trap dust due to which filters get clogged up. So, reach out to professionals that provide Air Duct Cleaning services as this could greatly reduce the risk of dust-induced asthma attacks. Also, you can manage your weight, and avoid stressful emotions to avoid getting an asthma attack.
Monitor Your Breathing
Some symptoms can warn you that there is an oncoming asthmatic attack. These symptoms include coughing, being short of breath, and wheezing. When you get these symptoms, you can visit the nearest doctor if you do not have the medications to stop the attack. You can also get a peak flow meter that helps you to monitor your breathing at home, and then you can consult your doctor to teach you how to use this meter.
Get Vaccinations
To avoid asthmatic attacks that are triggered by other respiratory infections like pneumonia and influenza, you can get the vaccines to prevent these infections.
In summary, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling of the airways, production of excess mucus, and narrowing of the airways. The symptoms of asthma include cough, shortness of breath, and production of a whistling sound as you breathe out. To prevent getting an asthmatic attack, it is important to adhere to your medications, avoid the allergic triggers of your asthma and other risk factors like stress, smoking, and being overweight.