Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated: May 5, 2015, 12:45 PM
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Asthma is a condition where air passages become inflamed and narrow as a result of which breathing becomes difficult. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and coughing. Follow these simple things to prevent complications of this disease.
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Know your symptoms: It is important to identify early signs of an attack like shortness of breath and cough to prevent and manage your asthma attack better.
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Always keep your inhaler handy: Carry your inhaler wherever you go and stick to your medicines, do not miss out on any of them.
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Get immediate help: Visit your doctor immediately after your attack even if it has subsided. It is best to get yourself checked to prevent any complications.
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Keep your surroundings clean and dust-free: Dust is one of the major triggers of asthma. It is important to keep your house clean and dust-free. Vacuum it regularly and keep your windows and doors shut to avoid dust and dirt. Also stay away from flowers as pollen grains also trigger asthma.
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Don't over-exercise: Avoid exerting yourself too much as it leads to narrowing of air passages, making it difficult to breathe.
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Don't interact with your pets: Contact with cats and dogs is dangerous for asthmatics. Animal fur, saliva and small hair particles are some of the major triggers for asthma and hence it is best to stay away from them.
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Don't use anti-inflammatory drugs: Certain over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and certain beta-blockers may trigger asthma attacks. It is also important that you inform your doctor that you suffer from asthma whenever he/she is prescribing medicines.
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Don't breathe from your mouth: When you don't breathe through your nose, the air is not warmed before it reaches your lungs, and cold air is more likely to trigger an asthma attack.
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Don't smoke and stay away from smokers: Cigarettes have various chemicals that irritate your lungs and worsen symptoms like wheezing and coughing. It is best to not smoke and also avoid passive smoking.
