1. Tips for Preventing Asthma Attacks
All over the world millions of people are suffering from a chronic lung condition known as asthma. The
airways of people who suffer from asthma become narrow and inflamed thus constricting airflow and
causing trouble while breathing. Furthermore due to the generation of mucous the airway passages get
blocked further reducing the air flow to the lungs. Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing,
chronic coughing, and feeling of tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. As asthma is a chronic
problem without any cure so asthmatics should do their best in preventing asthma attacks.
Symptoms of asthma usually flare up and cause severe problems because
of triggers. Triggers can be anything, from dust to the food you eat and
these are known as allergens. The triggers for an asthma attack can be
different for each individual so the first step to preventing asthma is to
know the triggers. Common indoor allergens include smoke, dust, pollen,
dust mites, mold spores and dander from pets.
People with asthma should know about the triggers and avoid them as
much as possible. If you are a smoker then quit smoking and it is also
important that you do not allow anyone to smoke in your home at any
time. Studies have revealed that smoking reduces the effectiveness of
asthma medicines. To keep away dust use HEPA filter vacuum cleaner
and air filters. Do not keep your windows open during pollination as
pollens can easily flare up asthma symptoms. Dust mites are a major cause of flaring up of asthma. To
prevent them use hypoallergenic bed sheets, pillow covers and hypoallergenic mattress protector. Anti-
allergy bed fabrics are specially made; they trap in the dust mites and prevent the allergens from coming
in contact with you. But they do not finish off the dust mites. So for best results wash all bedding at 60°
as anything over 54° will kill dust mites.
Keep yourself informed about the local weather at all times. Make it a habit to
listen to the weather forecast on the television or radio as this will help you avoid allergens like pollen,
dust and smog. As dander from pets is also a trigger so if you have pets then make sure they do not
enter your bedroom or sit on your bed. Make sure to give your pet a bath every week as this will reduce
the amount of dander. If you suffer from severe asthma attacks due to pet dander then you should
consider finding a new home for your pet although this may be very hard to do.

2. Studies have also revealed that food allergies can also trigger asthma attack. If you are allergic to certain
foods then avoid them. Remember as prevention is the best cure for controlling asthma so gather as
much as information available on your condition. Talk with your doctor, nurse and family members and
chalk out a healthy living plan.