Breathe easier
Struggling to breathe can impact your daily life. Learn four ways to help keep your airways clear.
Do you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or seasonal allergies? If so, an action plan can help you prepare for a flare-up.
Your primary care provider (PCP) can help you make an action plan that meets your personal health needs.
But in the meantime, try following these steps for breathing better.
1. Learn what makes breathing difficult
Pay attention to what makes it harder to breathe. Depending on your condition, symptoms might get worse because of things like:
- Air pollution
- Tobacco smoke
- Pollen
- Other irritants.
Keep notes in a journal or on your phone when you have allergy symptoms or a flare up. Take note of things like:
- Where you are (inside, outside, in the car?)
- What’s around you? (certain plants, animals, cleaning products, perfume, smoke, or others)
- What’s the weather like?
- What did you eat recently?
By taking these notes, you may start to notice patterns that point to certain triggers. And the more you know about what triggers your breathing problems, the easier it is to avoid them.
Get the most out of your benefits
2. Plan ahead
Avoid your triggers, whenever possible. Close windows and take a shower after coming indoors to keep outdoor allergens away. And have your medicines and a mask on hand to help manage symptoms whenever you are outside.
3. Tidy up
Many allergens and asthma triggers can be lurking in your home. One common cause: Dust mites.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that you can’t see with the naked eye. They can linger in cloth surfaces, like bedding, upholstered furniture, curtains, rugs and carpets.
Vacuuming and dusting regularly can help keep dust mites at bay. And wash your bed sheets regularly (once a week) in hot water.
4. Take your medication
Your PCP can prescribe medicines for asthma and COPD, like inhalers and steroids. For daily care, take these medicines as your doctor tells you. And know how and when to use your emergency medicines.
If allergies are making your symptoms worse, try over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like antihistamines. Ask your doctor what OTC medicines they recommend for you.
