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Asthma is a chronic condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and chest tightness, after exposure to a trigger. Over 25 million Americans have asthma, which includes children of all ages and adults. Asthma can begin at an early age or in adulthood.
The good news is, you can have a normal life despite having asthma. As long as you have a plan to prevent and manage your asthma attacks, you don’t have to compromise living a full and enjoyable life. An allergist is a health specialist that can help you create an effective plan against asthma attacks, so you don’t live in fear of another flareup.
Generally, here’s what you can expect from typical asthma prevention and management plans.
Asthma Prevention Plan
The first thing you have to do is identify your asthma triggers. Often, an allergist can help identify your triggers, but your input is also valuable. The creation of an effective prevention plan requires patient participation. Ultimately, only you can provide the doctor with useful information regarding your attacks.
Here are the possible asthma triggers that can cause your airway passages to narrow:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Fumes
- Smoke
- Strong odors
- Extremely cold or dry weather conditions
Since these are asthma triggers, you have to work on preventing exposure to them. An allergist can recommend ways to avoid your triggers and provide you with medication and other treatment options to control your symptoms, such as control inhalers.
Other asthma triggers include exercise, stress, and certain medications. Being ill with the flu, having a bad cough, or battling a cold can also trigger your asthma. If your asthma is triggered, it’s important to relax and stay calm as you take the right steps in your asthma attack management plan that your doctor or allergist has created for you.
Asthma Attack Plan
Your asthma attack plan includes steps to take during an asthma attack. For instance, you may need to take quick-relief medication to prevent the inflammation of your airways and use a rescue inhaler for immediate relief from symptoms. Your allergist may recommend immunotherapy in order to reduce your reaction to triggers, which is a great long-term solution.
Self-treating asthma is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Chronic conditions like asthma require proper management guided by a health care professional. The most effective asthma management plans allow you to live symptom-free.
Effective Asthma Treatment in Will County & DuPage County, Illinois
At Oak Brook Allergists, we create customized treatment plans for patients with asthma. We understand that no two cases are alike, and consequently, no two treatment plans should be alike. If you or your child suffers from asthma, early treatment can prevent complications, protect your lungs, and ensure that you continue to live a normal and happy life even with the condition.
Our allergists are talented, friendly, and ready to provide you and your family with the care you need. To schedule a consultation with an Oak Brook Allergist, call our clinic at (630) 574-0460 or request an appointment now.
