Although there are many triggers that can set of an asthma attack, you can protect yourself by using appropriate prevention techniques. These techniques are different for each trigger and require a clear understanding of the underlying allergens or irritants. A few ways in which you can prevent an asthma attack are as follows:
1) Prepare An Asthma Plan – If you experience any of the symptoms of asthma, you should immediately consult your doctor, who will conduct the required tests for confirmation and diagnosis of this illness. Keep in mind that asthma triggers, attack intensity, frequency and symptoms differ from person to person. A specific plan will help you in understanding the allergens and irritants which can trigger an attack and how you can protect yourself against them. Along with your doctor you can prepare a customized plan to manage your asthma and seek vital tips on how to deal with it in case of an acute attack.
2) Identifying Asthma Triggers And Taking Preventive Measures – There are a number of indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants that can trigger an asthma attack. It is necessary to find out which of these causes or worsens your illness. With a clear understanding of these triggers, you can take appropriate preventive strategies against them. You can take the help of friends and family members to get rid of triggers at home. Workplace triggers can be dealt with by explaining your health situation to your boss and seeking transfer to a place where those triggers are not present. In case the trigger is the fragrance of a beauty product you may have to stop using the product.
Different triggers need to be dealt with in different ways. Dust mites can be controlled by using air-conditioners to maintain room humidity below 50% and by keeping your mattresses, carpets and curtains clean through regular washing. Use vacuum cleaners with micro-filters to trap the allergens. Molds can be dealt with by maintaining room humidity below 50% and regularly checking pipes and faucets for leakages. Also vent bathrooms and clothes dryers outside and avoid working in the yard on hot and humid days.
Cigarette smoking should be stopped. This will not only be helpful to you but also your family members and friends. Keeping your food and garbage in closed, tight lid covers and plugging all crevices can help prevent cockroaches from entering the house. Where pollen is a cause of asthma, one should avoid going outdoors between 5 to 10 a.m. and perform outdoor activities later in the day when the pollen count is less. Also keeping the doors and windows closed and keeping the grass in the lawn short can prevent exposure to pollen.
3) Keep Your Surroundings Clean – Controlling the factors which can trigger an attack, is one of the best ways of asthma prevention. People with asthma should strive to keep their house free from dirt, dust, pollen and mold. A clean home means clean air and clean air reduces the possibility of triggering future attacks.
4) Taking Your Medicines Correctly And Regularly – Asthma patients are given medicines for asthma attacks as well as medicines to prevent attacks. It is important to take these medicines regularly and in the prescribed doses to achieve the best possible results. Also you should not discontinue or alter the prescribed medications yourself simply because you find an improvement in your asthma. This should be done only after consultation with your physician.
Also by recognizing any early warning signals of an impending attack like coughing or shortness of breath, you can prevent an asthma attack.