Asthma is more common these days than it used to be. The good
news is it's also a lot easier to manage and control.
Since more teens have asthma, you're probably used to seeing
people take a break from sports to use an
inhaler
or take a moment after school to test their airflow with a
peak flow meter
. But even though asthma is a part of so many people's daily
lives, there are times when they can feel annoyed or frustrated at
having asthma - just as they get annoyed or frustrated by anything
else.
Different people have different reactions to the ways that
asthma affects their lives. For example, some worry that
they might have to avoid all physical activities - even those
approved by their doctors - and miss out on fun. Others go to the
opposite extreme, denying they have asthma at all and maybe
forgetting or refusing to take the medications that can control it.
Still others find that asthma is a convenient excuse to get out of
chores or gym class.
Taking Action
If you have asthma and don't want it to have control over
you, take control first.
The best tool for controlling asthma is something your doctor
gives you called an
asthma action plan
. Following all the steps described in an action plan allows people
with asthma to enjoy daily activities just like everyone else.
Your asthma action plan offers you the best protection against
potentially dangerous (not to mention embarrassing) episodes - such
as having an asthma attack at a party where people are smoking.
Unfortunately, people may not always stick with their plan for
lots of different reasons. Maybe they forget to take medications.
Perhaps they don't completely understand why they're
supposed to take certain steps or medications. A few might feel
embarrassed about checking their airflow or using an inhaler in
front of others. And some may mistakenly think they don't need
medicine after they start feeling better - putting them at risk for
potentially dangerous flare-ups.
More Tips
Here are some simple steps that can help you get around these
common problems:
-
Understand your plan.
Ask your doctor to explain why each medication and step of the
plan is important. You'll feel more in control if you
understand exactly what's going on and what will happen if
you follow (or don't follow) your plan. Check in with your
doctor often and go over the plan, explaining where you may have
had trouble with it and why.
-
Use asthma management tools.
Even if you're feeling absolutely fine, don't abandon
tools like daily
controller medicines
and peak flow meters if they're a part of your treatment
plan. Although it can be tempting to skip recommended daily meds
and rely only on occasional
rescue medicines
, this usually doesn't work.
-
Set up a schedule.
It can be easy to slip up and forget to take a medication - but
this is less likely to happen if you follow the steps on your
action plan at the same time every day. Make your medicine part
of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth.
-
Don't smoke.
Cigarette smoke is a common cause of asthma aggravation in teens.
Talk to your parent or a doctor about how to quit if you smoke.
If your friends smoke, don't stand nearby when they light up
because secondhand smoke is a common trigger of asthma attacks.
If someone in your family smokes, talk with him or her about
quitting.
-
Control your environment.
Environmental triggers, such as dust mites and
pet dander
, can be hazardous if you have asthma. If you have pets, keep
Fido or Fluffy out of your room. Also, try to keep your room dust
free by cleaning it regularly, and talk to your doctor about
using special mattress and pillow covers.
-
Find a sport or activity that works for you.
Some sports, such as swimming and baseball, are less likely to
trigger asthma flare-ups. Other sports may be more challenging
for people with asthma, like endurance or cold-weather sports.
Many athletes have found that with proper training and
medication, they can participate in any sport they choose. Sports
can boost your mood - a great help for those times when you may
feel frustrated about having asthma.
Using a management plan to deal with asthma is good for more
than your health. Getting used to following an asthma action plan
can give you the discipline to stick with a plan and succeed in
other areas of life as well.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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