5 Ways to Prevent a Severe Asthma Attack
Aug 01, 2023
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that inflames and narrows airways, making breathing difficult. A severe asthma attack can cause long-term lung damage and threaten your life. There is no cure for asthma. However, it can be managed well with a specialist’s care, reducing your risk of a severe attack.
Dr. Chuan Jiang is a pulmonary disease specialist with a private practice in Flushing, New York. Well-known for his commitment to customized care, Dr. Jiang designs asthma treatment plans focusing on your lifestyle and individual needs.
Check out these five strategies Dr. Jiang offers for managing asthma long-term and ways you can help prevent a severe attack.
One of the fundamental steps in preventing severe asthma attacks is recognizing and avoiding triggers that worsen your symptoms.
Common asthma triggers include:
Certain medications, such as aspirin and beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors for hypertension, can also trigger an asthma attack.
To identify your triggers, keep a diary that tracks your symptoms and patterns, noting the substances or activities that exacerbate your asthma. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them.
For example, allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses can reduce attacks triggered by dust mites. If exercise is a trigger, Dr. Jiang may recommend you pre-treat with an inhaler or other medication before starting your workout or sporting event.
You must follow directions carefully regarding your asthma medications, even if you feel well.
Dr. Jiang may include a long-term controller medication as part of your treatment. Typically used daily, this may consist of oral medications or inhaled corticosteroids to help reduce airway inflammation and prevent escalating symptoms. Skipping doses or stopping medications abruptly can increase your vulnerability to severe asthma attacks.
Fast-acting rescue inhalers provide quick relief during acute episodes. Dr. Jiang recommends using your rescue inhaler at the first sign of an attack to prevent worsening symptoms. Always have a rescue inhaler available.
Dr. Jiang also recommends scheduling a visit if you find you’re using a rescue inhaler frequently since this may mean you need a change in your daily routine.
An asthma action plan outlines steps to take in different scenarios, such as when symptoms worsen or during an asthma exacerbation. Personalized to fit your needs, the action plan includes medication instructions, triggers to avoid, and signs that indicate you need emergency medical care.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent severe asthma attacks. For instance, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your immune system and can reduce the risk of respiratory infections that trigger asthma attacks.
Restful sleep, stress management, and avoiding exposure to environmental irritants can also contribute to improved asthma control.
Additionally, regular exercise can improve lung function and overall fitness. However, it's important to choose activities that are suitable for your condition. Dr. Jiang details healthy exercise strategies during your office evaluation.
Dr. Jiang advises his patients to follow up regularly regarding asthma. He uses these visits to monitor your lung function, which is crucial for understanding your asthma control and detecting any changes in your condition.
Periodic lung function tests, such as spirometry, can assess how well your lungs are functioning and identify any decline before symptoms worsen. This allows Dr. Jiang to adjust your medication plan, lifestyle habits, etc., as necessary.
You may also benefit from using a peak flow meter at home, a simple device that measures your peak expiratory flow. This can provide early signs of deteriorating lung function, alerting you to schedule an office visit.
Although there is no cure for asthma, you can minimize the risk of severe attacks, enhance your overall well-being, and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Chuan Jiang today for an evaluation and asthma treatment strategy tailored to your needs. Call the office or request an appointment online.