Living with Asthma

Asthma can be managed well with tools and knowledge to optimize self-care. However, it is important to realize that it is easy to run into “information overload” with a diagnosis such as asthma. It can be a challenge for patients, caregivers, and the medical team to sort through the information necessary to manage asthma triggers and symptoms. As a result, make sure you discuss any confusion about information you have read with your healthcare provider. Your provider may be able to provide clearer information on living with asthma.

Self-Care

Having a better understanding of asthma, including trigger avoidance, treatment options and daily symptom management can empower people with asthma and those who care for people with asthma to take control of their asthma care.² Better understanding of how to adjust home treatment can also help prevent symptom worsening into a serious attack.²

Having asthma does not mean having to give up activities, such as exercise or sports.^3,4 Besides medication, other helpful strategies include:³

Warming up before any activity and cooling down afterward
Covering nose and mouth when activity is outside in cold temperatures
Limit or avoid outside activity when the air quality is unhealthy
Stop activity with any symptoms; use quick relief inhaler and sit down
Children should tell an adult as soon as symptoms begin

Another helpful self-care strategy for all ages, but especially adolescents, is avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, which are potent causes of sudden asthma flares.⁴Additionally, identifying sources for triggers, such as the classroom, a friend’s house, or the workplace may be important in helping keep asthma under control.^4-6Adults as well as children can benefit from learning asthma self-management skills; for children, their pediatrician can help set specific management goals that will evolve with the child as they grow.^5,6