Avoid Your Asthma Triggers
Unfortunately, your asthma can act up whether you're at work, at home, or at play. And each person may have different reactions. Along with taking medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider, here are some steps you can take to avoid triggers and better manage your asthma:
Monitor your medicines
Aspirin, cold medicines, nonsteroidal medicines (i.e., ibuprofen and naproxen), some medicines for heart disease and high blood pressure,
and even some eye drops may cause asthma symptoms. So talk to your
doctor about all the medicines you take.
Care for colds and infections
Your doctor can help you with a treatment plan. It's also a good idea to get an annual flu shot. And of course, try to stay healthy by eating right, exercising, and avoiding others with colds.
Eat foods that won't trigger your asthma
If your asthma seems to act up after eating and drinking certain foods and drinks, like beer, wine, shrimp, dried fruit, or processed potatoes, try eliminating them from your diet.
Avoid pollen or outdoor mold
During allergy season, consider staying inside midday and afternoon, when pollen counts are high. Close your doors and windows to keep out airborne pollens and molds that may trigger your asthma. And ask your doctor if you should adjust your asthma treatment.
Remove indoor mold
Fix leaky faucets and pipes. Use bleach to clean any mold lingering on shower curtains and surfaces. If the bleach triggers your asthma, try wearing a mask or asking someone else to clean for you. Added moisture encourages mold to grow. Using a dehumidifier can help.
Reduce smoke, strong odors, and sprays
Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, or even a stove may irritate your asthma symptoms. So can perfumes, paints, hair spray, and powders. What's more, these scents and odors may often linger in your house. Your best bet is to avoid them as much as possible.
Turn on the air conditioning
If airborne pollens and molds trigger your asthma, air conditioning can help relieve some symptoms. However, air conditioning can cause temperatures to change abruptly, which in turn can trigger an asthma attack. Be sure to monitor the air conditioning carefully.
Pace yourself during activities
Warm up, then cool down to help avoid an asthma flare-up. And don't forget to pace yourself. If you can't carry on a conversation, you may be working too hard. If your asthma symptoms act up, take a break. Of course, you should also take any recommended medications, as well as consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Take cover in cold weather
Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days to avoid an asthma flare-up.
Control pet dander
Your lovable pet may trigger your asthma. Pet dander can even spread throughout your home. So keep pets away from your bedroom, furniture covered in fabric, carpets, and even stuffed toys. It may help reduce your asthma symptoms if you bathe your pet regularly.
Eliminate mites and cockroaches
Keep your home as clean and dust free as possible. To get rid of mites, cover mattresses and box springs with dust-proof covers and wash all bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) once a week. Replace your pillows at least once every five years. To avoid roaches, use traps and avoid leaving food out.
Use man-made fibers, not feathers
While feather and down pillows, quilts, and cushions may be comfortable, they may also cause your asthma to act up. Instead, use ones filled with man-made fibers. Also, consider replacing curtains with blinds, and carpets with wood floors.
Asthma Control Test is a trademark of QualityMetric Incorporated.
Important Safety Information About ADVAIR DISKUS and ADVAIR HFA 45/21, 115/21, 230/21 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) Inhalation Aerosol
Prescription ADVAIR won't replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms and should not be taken more than twice a day. ADVAIR is for people who still have symptoms on another asthma controller, or who need two controllers. ADVAIR contains salmeterol. In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So ADVAIR is not for people whose asthma is well controlled on another controller medicine.
Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treating asthma with ADVAIR. Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. If taking ADVAIR, see the doctor if asthma does not improve or gets worse. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Tell the doctor about any heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart rhythm. Inhaled corticosteroids as well as poorly controlled asthma may cause a reduction in growth rate. The long-term effect on final adult height is unknown.
ADVAIR DISKUS is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to 11 years old, ADVAIR DISKUS 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms while on an inhaled corticosteroid.
ADVAIR HFA is for patients 12 years and older.