Asthma attacks can be a frightening experience. About 1 in 12 adults and 1 in 10 children have asthma and the numbers are increasing every year. Asthma is a lifelong disease and can limit a person’s quality of life with varying symptoms such as wheezing, frequent coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Having asthma can also be costly between medical costs and missed work or missed school. Fortunately, most people can control their symptoms and prevent Asthma in Columbus MS by avoiding asthma triggers.
* Avoid exposing yourself to pollutants that are damaging to your lungs. Cigarette smoke can make breathing more difficult because it narrows the air passages and causes chronic inflammation and swelling. Even if you don’t smoke, avoiding secondhand smoke is important as well. Chemicals that are used in your home for cleaning may also be harmful to your lungs. Consider using a more natural product that isn’t as irritating to your lungs.
* Avoid being outdoors on high pollen count days and bad air days.
* Preventing infection is also important as a respiratory infection can become very serious. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid large crowds during cold and flu season. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement especially during winter months to help avoid contracting a cold or the flu.
* Talk with your healthcare provider. Work with your doctor to help find triggers that cause your asthma symptoms. Have a physical exam with breathing tests. These tests will help your doctor to see how well your lungs are working. They may also be able to prescribe medications that can help prevent attacks or treat them when they do occur. If it is your child that is suffering from asthma, going to someone that specializes in treating children such as Children’s Health Center of Columbus Inc. can be beneficial. They are experienced at interacting with children and may be better able to put them at ease during the process of evaluation and treatment.
The sooner you begin preventing asthma Columbus in MS, the better you will be in the long run as it will cause less damage to your lungs.
