- About asthma
- How to avoid an asthma attack
- Asthma medicine
About Asthma
Asthma makes the airways swell and tighten. This can make it hard to breathe.
Allergies can make asthma worse. During an asthma attack, breathing can be very hard. In a severe attack, the airways can close, which is an emergency.
Taking asthma medicine can help prevent attacks and make symptoms better
What happens during an asthma attack?
- The lining inside the airways gets swollen
- Thick mucus fills the airways
- Air cannot move in and out easily
Things to help you avoid an asthma attack
Allergies
- Stay inside with windows closed when pollen is high
- Keep bathrooms, kitchens and basements clean and dry
- Use a dehumidifier if your home is damp
- Clean any mold you see right away
Pet dander (tiny skin flakes from animals)
- Keep pets out of your bedroom
- Bathe furry pets each week
- Ask your doctor if you need medicine before being around pet
Pests
- Use roach traps to catch cockroaches
- Keep food in closed containers
- Keep your kitchen clean
- If your home is sprayed for bugs, stay away until it is safe to come back
Other asthma triggers
Some asthma attacks are caused by things that are not allergies.
Smoke
- Do not smoke
- Do not allow smoking in your home or car
- Ask others to smoke outside
- Stay away from wood stoves and fireplaces
Strong smells
- Stay away from places that were just painted
- Do not use perfumes, air fresheners or strong sprays
- Open windows and use fans to clear cooking smells
- Avoid strong cleaning products
Colds and breathing illnesses
- Try to avoid people who are sick
- Wash your hands often
- Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods
- Ask your doctor if you need a flu shot.
Exercise
- Talk to your doctor about how to exercise safely
- Ask what medicine to use before being active
- Warm up for a few minutes before you start
- Cool down after you are done
Weather changes
- Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in cold weather
- Stay inside when air pollution is high
- Keep windows closed
Asthma medicine
Some asthma medicines are pills. Others are inhaled. You may need more than one type.
Quick-relief (rescue) medicine
- Use at the first sign of symptoms, as your doctor says
- This medicine works fast to open the airways
- Keep your rescue medicine with you
- Your doctor may have you use it before exercise
If you need your rescue medicine more than two times a week, talk with your doctor. You might need a daily controller medicine. Your doctor may help you make an Asthma Action Plan, which explains:
- Your daily medicines
- What to do when symptoms start
- When to call your doctor
- When to get emergency care
Controller medicine
- Take every day, even when you feel well
- Helps keep swelling down in the airways
- Helps prevent asthma attacks
Living with asthma
You can live a full and active life with asthma.
Pay attention to symptoms, lower triggers and keep your medicines nearby.
Always reach out to your doctor if you need help managing your asthma