Asthma Self Help

Asthma is an all-too-common chronic disorder that affects a person's respiratory system. It causes the airways leading to the lungs to spasm, narrow and become smaller. This causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath which for many often worsens at night. This tightening of the airways is typically short-term and reversible, but in severe attacks, asthma can result in death. These sudden and sometimes unpredictable attacks of not being able to breathe can be frightening for sufferers and their family and friends.

Although anyone may have an attack, asthma most commonly occurs in children under the age of 5, adults in their 30s, adults over 65, and people living in urban communities. There are certain other factors as well that are considered to be involved, including a family history of asthma, personal medical history of allergies, children who have allergies and children who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke or other inhaled irritants.

Managing your asthma is not something your physician can do for you by himself. Self help is an important part of treating and managing your condition so that it doesn't command your entire life. Your doctor may prescribe both daily medication and medication to take in case of an acute episode; but the daily tasks of minimizing risk of attack and taking care of yourself is largely up to you and your family. Learning some key asthma self help tricks can help you keep your asthma under control so that it doesn't interfere with your daily life.

Because asthma can be caused, triggered or worsened by so many things, there are many things that you can do to lessen the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Your doctor will offer important suggestions in addition to medication to help you manage your asthma. Think of those suggestions as a personalized asthma action plan. A major part of self help involves avoiding or greatly minimizing your exposure to asthma triggers, such as dust, mold, cigarette smoke, pollens, smog and animal dander. Alternative asthma medicines include herbs and vitamins. Alternative asthma treatments include diet, yoga, and breathing exercises. Stress and anxiety can play roles in asthma attacks. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the epidemic of obesity in certain developed countries, losing weight can help alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

Use this website as a resource to help you find ways to develop your asthma action plan. Asthma treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works for you may not work for someone else, and vice-versa. Your best weapon in treating asthma is your determination to learn as much as you can about the disease, and taking action.