Asthma affects millions of Americans every day and leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. According to the AAFA, more than 26 million Americans have asthma which equates to 8.3 percent of all adults and children, respectively.
For the most part, most people with asthma have minor symptoms while a select few have chronic asthma and elevated risks for a potential asthma attack. So what are some of the best ways to prevent and manage your asthma?
Prevent asthma by knowing your triggers, creating a trigger-free household, and developing an asthma action plan
Asthma’s main symptoms include difficulty breathing, sniffling, coughing, and even asphyxiation during an asthma attack. These symptoms are mainly a result of common asthma triggers including:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Molds
- Polluted air
- Cigarette smoke
- Respiratory illnesses like colds and sinus infections
The best way to prevent these triggers is to make an asthma action plan with your doctor. An asthma action plan is a personalized routine that helps you control your triggers and reduce your chances of experiencing an asthma attack. A few basic elements that can be incorporated into an action plan include:
- Routinely dusting and cleaning surfaces in your household
- Avoiding outside contact during days with higher-than-normal pollen counts
- Washing bedding with hot water at least once a week
- Keeping an inhaler on your person at all times
- Getting updated vaccinations for the flu and the common cold
Manage asthma with medication adherence and routine medical appointments
If you start to experience more frequent asthma symptoms, then make sure to visit a trusted medical provider ASAP!
For example, asthmatic patients that struggle with symptoms and notice they are using their inhaler more frequently should see their primary care provider. A PCP can help redesign your asthma action plan, diagnose any additional asthma risk factors, and evaluate your current level of asthma.
Clinical recommendations from a doctor’s office can help you take control of your symptoms and live your life with relatively-low symptoms. And as always, patients are encouraged to visit Instant Urgent Care locations across Santa Clara county for local and nearby urgent care services.
Patients that have more questions about our services can check out any of our locations here, or walk into any of our clinics. We never require appointments so patients that need asthma treatment services in Sunnyvale, San Jose, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Palo Alto can simply visit.
Don’t let your asthma control you and come visit Instant Urgent Care for your asthma treatment!