Asthma reoccurrence can intervene with daily life, preventing an asthma attack can help the sufferer to carry on with their life as normal as possible. In order to receive treatment for asthma you need to see your doctor, who can prescribe medication such as preventers and relievers, which are taken through an inhaler.
The relievers are used when the asthma attack is taking place; it works by relaxing the muscles of the airway, allowing the person to breath more easily. So, the relievers help to alleviate the symptoms, but cannot help to prevent them.
The preventers are used to minimise the risk of having an asthma attach by reducing the amount of inflammation in the airways. It should be used every day, as instructed by the doctor or nurse, with or with out having the symptoms of an asthma attack in order to keep the inflammation of the airways under control. As they may be inflamed and producing mucus even if the symptoms are not present at the time.
In case the inhalers are not keeping the asthma under control, the patient may be prescribed steroid tablets to settle down the wheezing and breathlessness.
Apart from taking regular medication, individuals suffering from asthma can help themselves by following preventive guidelines such as:
Not smoking, as it irritates the lungs and airways, worsening the condition.
Avoid contact with trigger factor that causes the attacks, example: fur or feathers, domestic animals, like cats and dogs, can also be a trigger factor for some people.
Use a special spray to reduce house dust mites, as they can trigger allergy. Use a special cover for the mattresses and pillows to prevent breathing in house dust mites.
Clean the carpets regularly and consider replacing the ones in the bedrooms for vinyl or wood flooring, as carpets tend to accumulate dust mites.
Use an ioniser or air purifier in the bedroom to help clear de air and minimise possible trigger factors.
Take regular gentle exercise.
Developing night time cough or being awaken often during the night, can mean that the asthma is not under control and should be checked by a doctor.
In case of a person developing wheezing at any time or think they may have asthma, or their symptoms are not under control, they should see a doctor to receive the correct treatment.