Although there's yet to be a cure for asthma, researchers are constantly digging up new ways of treating the condition. A product that simply enhances your current medication could make life less complicated. Or a holistic treatment approach could be what you need.
Either way, don’t let asthma control your life. Find the best treatments to control your asthma.
1. Get an asthma spacer
Inhalers are fiddly. You have to multitask just to take the full dose of medication.
Can’t they make it easier?
As it turns out, yes. A spacer is a nifty tool to add to your asthma care plan. It’s a large plastic tube that you can attach to metered-dose inhalers. There’s a mouthpiece on the other side of the tube which you use to breathe in the medication as it collects in the chamber of the spacer.
A simple solution to a frustrating problem.
2. Use a peak flow meter
It could be those potent cleaning products that your friend always seems to use. Or the neighbour’s pesky cat who turns up uninvited and unwelcome. Asthma triggers aren’t always easy to identify, which is where a peak flow meter comes in handy.
To use a peak flow meter, you blow into the device as hard and as fast as you can to get a peak flow reading. Repeat this three times and write down the highest reading in your peak flow diary. Make sure you scribble down exercise or a run-in with a flamboyant dog to help pinpoint the triggers. You might even begin to notice specific patterns which determine the type of asthma you have.
3. Go for a holistic approach
Don’t just tackle your asthma one-sided. Find out exactly what you need to enhance your asthma treatment plan. Discussing your symptoms and triggers with a health professional will help you identify the right treatments, and get the advice you need to keep your asthma under control.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking is a dangerous habit on its own, never mind if you have asthma. Quitting isn’t easy. But seeking professional help will boost your chances of kicking the habit once and for all.
Encouragingly, research suggests that quitting smoking will lead to an improvement in lung function for asthmatics, so it’s never too late to give it up.
Managing your asthma is absolutely critical but it's important not to forget about the less visible aspects of your health. If you want to know what's really going on in your body, the best way to gain valuable insight into your health is to take a blood test.
The numan take
Although there’s currently no cure for asthma, there are a plethora of treatment options available which are worth exploring with a medical health professional. It’s particularly important to keep your asthma under control while the risk of catching COVID-19 (coronavirus) is still present.
Devices such as a spacer and a peak flow meter have many benefits when it comes to taking your medication and tracking your symptoms. You may also want to make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, to improve lung function and keep your asthma symptoms at bay.
