What You Should Not Do When You Have Asthma
Posted on: 13 February 2015
Share
When you are diagnosed with asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that involves the involuntary constriction and closing of the bronchial tubes and which hinders breathing, you may not know what you should do to make your condition better. You are likely tempted to completely alter everything in your life to avoid any future asthma attacks or flareups, or even to just ignore the problem entirely in an attempt to prove how tough you are. However, if you do so, you may actually make several mistakes that not only make your life more difficult, but may also inadvertently worsen your asthma and related symptoms. So, learn what not to do when you have asthma.
Do Not Ignore Treatment Protocols
If you are of the "mind over matter" persuasion, you likely take your asthma diagnosis in stride. And, when your doctor prescribes various asthma treatments, such as the use of a nebulizer, daily inhaler usage, and the use of emergency inhalers in the case of an attack, you nod and smile like the good patient you pretend to be.
However, when you get home, you forgo treatments entirely, skip days at your convenience, or, even worse, do not carry your emergency inhaler with you. Asthma is entirely manageable with proper treatment, but if you refuse to follow your treatment protocol, not only will your asthma continue to get worse, you could be putting your life in jeopardy.
If you are traveling and get a sudden asthma attack while on the highway in the middle of nowhere, the difference between your breathing and not breathing may be your emergency inhaler. But, if you don't carry it with you, you could pass out from and even lose your life to oxygen deprivation. So, don't take unnecessary risks, and follow your asthma treatment plan to the letter.
Don't Stop Exercising Or Enjoying Regular Activities
On the opposite end of the spectrum, people who are overly cautious and fearful of aggravating their asthma may severely limit their daily activities and exertions in an effort to prevent problems. However, this may actually make your asthma worse.
The lungs and bronchial tubes work just like any muscle in your body. The more you use it, the stronger it is and the better it functions. So, your regular workouts, even if they make your breathing difficult at the time, will actually help reduce your asthma symptoms and keep your lungs functioning more healthily for longer.
You should not avoid exercise or activity in deference to your asthma. Instead, just make sure you have your emergency inhaler on-hand, and if you are involved in sports or other activities that put a great deal of pressure on your respiratory system, ask your doctor about preventive treatments you can use immediately before those activities to further prevent asthma complications.
As you can see, asthma is manageable if you know what not to do when diagnosed. Managing your asthma is a balancing act, but you should not place unnecessary limitations on yourself because of it, and at the same time should take the needed precautions to stay safe and healthy with your asthma. For more information, visit sites like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com.