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What Should I Expect from an Asthma Diagnosis?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

An asthma diagnosis is often followed by specific treatments, along with lifestyle changes. With proper care, most people who are diagnosed with asthma can manage this ailment efficiently. The first step towards controlling asthma is to work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that will help keep your asthma under control.

Following an asthma diagnosis, your doctor will provide you with a plan that will help to prevent future asthma attacks. It is crucial that you follow this plan in order to alleviate any further attacks. Learning how to avoid asthma triggers is one of the most important aspects of any asthma treatment plan.

An asthma inhaler.
An asthma inhaler.

Every person is different, but there are a couple of triggers that tend to affect most people who suffer from asthma. Exercise, cold air, smog, pollution, certain scents, anxiety, and secondhand smoke are all common triggers. The best way to determine what things cause you to have an asthma attack is to become aware of your surroundings.

Many people who have recently been given an asthma diagnosis are urged to keep a journal detailing the dates, times, and environmental conditions surrounding asthma attacks. By tracking your attacks, you can determine what factors trigger these instances. In addition, avoiding any asthma inducers is a good idea.

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies. Allergens, colds, and the common flu are all considered to be triggers for asthma. By avoiding these things, you can avoid any asthma attacks caused by inducers. People who suffer from asthma attacks should take special precautions to avoid blocked airways.

Washing your hands, obtaining a flu shot, and making sure that you have enough sleep are important. Some people also believe that this diagnosis means a change in diet, though this is debatable. Some asthma victims also take part in breathing exercises that are meant to open airways inside of the lungs.

For those with asthma, it can be very helpful to keep a journal detailing the factors surrounding their asthma attacks.
For those with asthma, it can be very helpful to keep a journal detailing the factors surrounding their asthma attacks.

Lastly, it is essential that you take any asthma medication prescribed to you. An asthma diagnosis means that you will have to take medication regularly. Medications differ from person to person, though all asthma medications must be adhered to. Contrary to popular belief, asthma medication must be taken even when an asthma attack has not occurred. Waiting to take medication after an attack will not help your body to control asthma. Living with asthma can be difficult, but most people adjust to lifestyle changes quickly.

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    • An asthma inhaler.
      By: alctxphoto
      An asthma inhaler.
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • For those with asthma, it can be very helpful to keep a journal detailing the factors surrounding their asthma attacks.
      By: pio3
      For those with asthma, it can be very helpful to keep a journal detailing the factors surrounding their asthma attacks.
    • Inhalers are most often used to treat asthma.
      By: perfectmatch
      Inhalers are most often used to treat asthma.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.