10 Tips on Living With Asthma
Difficulties caused by chronic diseases such as asthma can make a person feel overwhelmed. Here are 10 tips that can help you overcome asthma.
1. Ask for prescription information from a doctor
The more knowledge you will understand more about asthma, why doctors give tests or certain medications, and what you should do to take care of yourself. The Internet may be a confusing place to find information, so ask your doctor or nurse where you can search for information. If your doctor can not help you provide the information you need, you should consider another doctor.
2. Be an expert in asthma
Be a proactive patient. Do not just rely on your doctor. Recognize clues to overcome asthma. For example, make sure you monitor symptoms such as a cough, levels of rescue inhaler use, and physical activity levels. Discuss your asthma management plan with your doctor and make sure you know your goals.
3. Establish an asthma handling team
Your primary doctor may not be able to answer all of your questions. Consider visiting an asthma specialist, such as an allergist, lung specialist, or asthma specialist center. Depending on the condition, you can benefit from other health professionals, such as nutritionists or asthma teachers. For example, a nutritionist can help you avoid certain foods that aggravate the condition of asthma or make a diet to lose weight. An asthma specialist center can provide educational services that are not available in general health centers.
4. Coordinate your care
If you have multiple doctors for some problems, maybe they are not communicating well together. Your primary doctor can help coordinate so that all doctors have the same understanding of your condition.
5. Make lifestyle changes
As with other chronic conditions, lifestyle changes are very important. Lose weight, quit smoking, and exercise, may be difficult, but it is important to improve your asthma condition. Patients who successfully do these things have good control over their asthma condition. While it will require a bit of sacrifice, lifestyle changes can control your asthma well.
6. Include family
Make sure the family understands how to live with asthma. Lifestyle changes are easier to do with family support, and getting the family to help you will make it easier.
7. Recognize and manage your medication
You will be taking a few different asthma medications. It is important to know the difference between these drugs, how often you should take medication, as well as the side effects of your medications.
8. Do not let asthma make you stress
Depression can be a problem for people with chronic diseases. If you are depressed, you will find it easier not to use the drug as recommended, come to an important meeting, or do proactive things to overcome your asthma. Learn about depression and consult your doctor if you feel you have symptoms of depression.
9. Remember that you are not alone
Consider joining support groups to get information from the outside world. Some questions and solutions can come from others who have the same conditions.
10. Be a problem solver
Like any other chronic condition, you will have a good and bad moment. Do not wallow in the past or things you can not change. Focus on the positives and challenges to overcome your asthma condition.
