Unless you are asthmatic, it is difficult to fully comprehend what patients of asthma go through. An asthmatic attack can escalate from a mild response to a life-threatening situation. It is why asthmatic patients must be particular about settling in areas where they can find an ER near them. This, however, is not to mean that every asthma attack is serious. Some can be controlled at home. You will only need to show up to Waco emergency room for the severe attacks. Read on to learn more about asthma, and how you can cope with it.

What is Asthma?

It is a respiratory condition where your airways become narrowed due to inflammation. When they swell, they produce excess mucus that obstructs your airways. This makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma condition can be minor, or very severe, and potentially life-threatening. It is regarded as a chronic illness that never goes away.

Asthma is not an easy condition to have. More often than not, the patient has to deal with self-image problems that come with the chronic condition. Asthma also causes other problems that lower the quality of life, including stress, fatigue, and even pain. Once you find out you have asthma, it is important to figure out different tips that can help you cope with chronic illness. This will mean much more when you have an asthma attack, randomly, in the middle of your daily life activities.

What Are the Asthma Symptoms?

What does asthma feel like? How do you know you have asthma? Detecting the symptoms of asthma can help you determine whether you have the condition, so you can seek medical help. Some of the symptoms include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing at night
• Chest pain, pressure, and tightness
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Problem sleeping

Tips for Coping with Asthma

An important thing for all asthma victims to consider is a technique to help you cope with the condition. The number one tip is to seek asthma attack treatment for the frequent asthma attacks and complications. You shouldn’t be in denial about our condition, as this is the only way to manage the effect thereof. Some tips for coping include the following:

• Talk to a doctor – you cannot be certain about your own techniques of dealing with asthma. Therefore, you have to work with a doctor to find the best control for your condition. A doctor is also going to monitor your health at different intervals, to make sure that your asthma does not worsen.
• Use medication correctly – every asthma patient knows that inhalers are part of the medication to help cope with the condition. Be sure you are using your inhalers correctly. Seek help from a medical expert for instructions on usage.
• Control allergens at home – certain allergens in your home will trigger asthmatic attacks. Remember that asthma is a respiratory problem. This means that you will be sensitive to environmental triggers like pet fur, tobacco smoke, dust, pollen, dust mites, to mention a few these factors can aggravate your asthma, which is why you must create an asthma-friendly home.
• Exercise – physical activity has an impact on your body both physically and emotionally. This also applies to the health of your lungs. Therefore, for lung diseases, you need to keep up with regular exercise. The exercise will improve blood flow in your body, which will benefit your internal and external systems. If your asthmatic attacks come in the way of physical activity, consult your doctor about what your alternatives are.
• Use a peak flow meter – this is a device that helps measure the amount of air you can blow out. This indicates the health of your lungs, as well as your ability to control your asthma.
• Educate yourself – now that you know that asthma is a chronic condition, get yourself to accept your health condition. Educate yourself and your family about the condition. Find trustable sources to learn more about asthma, and living with it. This is especially important for patients who are newly diagnosed with asthma.
• Avoid stress – stress and anxiety are major ways to aggravate your asthmatic attacks. Therefore, learn to slow down and relax. This will help reduce the triggers that can bring up the random asthmatic attacks.