Manage your Asthma

Environmental

• Wash all bed sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and bed covers in hot water once a week to get rid of dust.

• If you have asthma, stop smoking and avoid areas where people smoke.

• Do not allow pets in the bedroom or on the furniture – pet dander is a common asthma trigger.

• Remove carpets and stuffed toys from the bedroom. If the carpet cannot be removed and washed regularly, vacuum at least twice a week.

• Take control of seasonal allergies; stay inside as much as possible when pollen counts are high.

• Keep the air-conditioner filters free of dust.

• Avoid using perfumes, cleaning sprays, or air fresheners, as the mist from the sprays poses a serious risk of bronchial asthma.

Activities

• Reduce stress by resorting to mild, calming breathing exercises, as intense emotions & worry often worsen the symptoms. Do light exercises like walking, pranayama, and yoga.

• Avoid activities involving long periods of exertion – soccer, distance running, basketball & field hockey.

Diet

• Avoid eating foods to which you are allergic; common foods that trigger allergies are fish & yeast.

• Restrict or avoid fruits with high sugar content like bananas and apples.

• Avoid fried foods and foods that are hard to digest.

• Drink plenty of water, as it eases digestion and reduces mucus formation.

• Make ginger a part of the diet. It reduces the chance of allergic infections.

Be aware

• Make sure people around you are aware of your asthma. Inform family members, friends, co-workers & teachers how to react in case an attack occurs.

• Keep quick-relief asthma medicines readily available, such as an inhaler.

• Be prepared! Know the location of the nearest hospital from your home, office & child’s school.