How to Live (and Thrive) with Asthma

With proper management of asthma, you can live a full, active and healthy life. Anyone with asthma knows that it can be a serious and even life-limiting condition. Everyday asthma symptoms can range from coughing and wheezing to shortness of breath. Medications taken for asthma management can cause dry mouth. With smart choices, you don’t have to let these symptoms stop you from living your life the way you want.

Avoiding asthma triggers

You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. With asthma, it’s especially true. It’s always easier to avoid the onset of symptoms than it is to treat a full-blown attack. Everyone’s asthma is slightly different, so it’s important to understand what causes your symptoms in the first place. Is it allergies? Exercise? Anxiety?

You may have one or more triggers. A great way to help pinpoint them is to keep an asthma diary. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a little notebook where you jot down where and when you start to experience the first signs of an asthma attack. It’s important to also note what you were doing at the time and any environmental factors that might be relevant. For example, was someone spraying aerosol nearby? You may find that small changes, like switching from spray deodorants to roll-ons, can make a big difference to your quality of life.

Getting and staying prepared

Life with asthma can be normal – active and enjoyable. It can’t, however, be completely spontaneous. Anyone who’s ever found themselves without their inhaler can tell you that. To make the most of your days and nights, just put a little thought into preparing for them. You already know you need to have your medications, including any inhalers and nebulizers, with you at all times. Just make sure you always have enough on hand and keep an extra set in your car or at work.

Staying hydrated is also important, especially when you’re on the go. Stock up on oral rinses or sprays that can keep any uncomfortable side effects at bay.

Helping loved ones with asthma

Do you have family members with asthma? You might be wondering how you can help them thrive in spite of the condition. This is particularly important if they’re more vulnerable, such as the elderly.

If you have an older relative with asthma, you can help them by keeping an eye on their symptoms and reporting any changes to their doctor. Make sure their medications are always in stock, in date and easy for them to access. They probably use inhalers as part of their asthma therapy, so check that these are kept clean and dry. And if they suffer from Dry Mouth, choose everyday products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, that are specially formulated to ease its symptoms.

You and your loved ones can still enjoy a full life and thrive with asthma. It just takes awareness, planning and a few minor adjustments.