Asthma symptoms can come on suddenly and without warning. Coughing, wheezing, and feeling as though you can’t catch your breath can be frightening.
If you have suffered from chronic asthma it may seem as though you are stuck in a cycle where you are trying to take control of your asthma, yet it is controlling you.
The good news is if you know how to manage it properly, asthma doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying your life.
This article will explain 7 tips on how to best manage asthma and associated symptoms so you can breathe easier!
Though it may be easier said than done, avoiding stressful situations can help you manage asthma.
Stress may not directly trigger asthma, but it can make it more difficult to control the symptoms.
As an example, extended periods of stress, combined with uncontrolled breathing problems may contribute to other health concerns. It also can impact your life, making it difficult to sleep, concentrate and have an effect on your mental health.
It is important for patients to manage stress by regularly exercising, meditating, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol and eating healthy food.
Something as simple as going for a walk may also reduce your stress and help you get some fresh air into your lungs.
Smoking or being in close proximity to a smoker is not the best idea for anyone, let alone a person who has asthma.
Cigarette smoke irritates your lungs’ airways and it will definitely exacerbate your symptoms, e.g., coughing and wheezing.
Additionally, it may permanently damage your airways, and cause cancer, gum disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Also, it is important to avoid secondhand smoke. Choose to walk away from those who are smoking or ask them not to smoke next because it may flare your symptoms.
One of the best ways to manage your asthma is avoiding asthma triggers. Triggers may be different for everyone.
The key is to determine which triggers affect you specifically and avoid them as a precaution. Common triggers include dust, pollen, indoor mold, strong odors, sprays, colds or even some foods and beverages (shrimp, dried fruit, wine).
If you have been prescribed medication, try not to forget to take it, even if you are feeling fine.
It’s best to find a routine that works best for you to remember when to take preventative medication. Also always make sure to have your rescue inhaler on hand.
It may also slip your mind to refill your prescription if you’re running low. Don’t wait until the last minute. Staying on top of your medication schedule is one of the most effective ways to manage the condition.
You may not want to burden your family and friends so you try to manage asthma on your own.
If you are strong-willed and self-reliant, doctors advise having someone who can help you in an emergency. It is important not only in emergency situations, but also to help you manage triggers and help you remember to take prescribed medication.
By keeping your home clean, you can reduce or eliminate common asthma triggers. This includes dirt, dust, and pet dander. If you are cleaning yourself it is a good idea to wear a mask so as to not irritate the lungs.
It’s also important to try to get rid of mold in your home. It isn’t just in the bathroom and you may find it in other areas of the home that are damp. Mold can be invisible, airborne or stick to fabrics in the home. If you suffer from asthma it is best to ask for help to identify and manage mold in your home.
If you suffer from asthma or suspect that you may have it, don’t wait until your symptoms worsen.
You can effectively manage asthma with the help of your doctor. They not only can prescribe you the best medications to manage asthma, but can also give you advice on how to manage asthma attacks.
Wheezing, coughing, or feeling tightness in your chest? We have three convenient clinics if you need help with asthma symptoms
We are not only a walk in urgent care but also offer telemedicine urgent care if appropriate.
COVID-19 can be especially alarming for those who have asthma. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms we offer COVID-19 testing, including rapid COVID testing.
Our physicians are compassionate and knowledgeable on the best treatment for emergency asthma attacks. Contact or visit us so you can take control of your asthma symptoms!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Muscle pain in the neck is a common complaint. Almost everyone has experienced muscle pain in the neck to some degree. Various factors cause neck pain, including sleeping in an awkward position, stress, or working on a computer. This can lead to patients experiencing mild to moderate pain.
However, sometimes muscle pain is more severe. This may be experienced if you have been in a serious car accident, injury, or orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Mild to moderate pain usually will resolve on its own, but if it becomes chronic, it may be time to see a doctor as there may be an underlying condition that is causing pain.
Along with muscle pain, you may experience other symptoms. Some may include:
Spasms can cause a sudden tightening in the neck. Along with pain, your neck may feel tight, and it becomes painful to turn your neck.
Joint pain can feel deep or sharp and can be caused by the facet joints, which are part of the vertebrae in the neck. The pain can radiate to the upper back or shoulders.
Neck pain can cause headaches that are felt in the neck or back of the head. Often this is due to tension which causes spasms in the neck. Usually, you experience dull or aching pain.
Pinching of the spinal nerves can cause sharp pain in the neck. It may radiate down the arm and can feel like pins and needles.
To successfully treat chronic neck pain, your doctor needs to determine the source of your neck pain. The doctor will start by getting a history of your symptoms and completing a physical exam.
They may check the rotation of your neck, pain experienced, and the function of the muscles in other areas of the body.
From a history and physical, the doctor can often determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
Tests that may be ordered, include an MRI, X-Ray, CT, or an EMG (electromyogram) which evaluates nerve and muscle functioning.
Before seeking treatment, it is important to know when you should see a doctor:
Various treatment options may be recommended to treat your pain. Options can include physical therapy, TENS units, traction, or immobilization of the neck. The doctor may also suggest corticosteroid injections in the neck. Numbing options such as lidocaine injections can also be used as a treatment option.
Surgery is rarely necessary as there are many options to treat pain with non-surgical options. However, surgery can be considered for treating nerve root or spinal cord compression.
Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches offers several locations for your convenience! Our locations include:
We offer telemedicine urgent care and also are available to treat walk-in patients. We are also here if you need COVID-19 testing, including rapid COVID testing (PCR testing & Antigen test covid ).
No matter your medical need, we are here for you to provide compassionate and professional care. Contact us today!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Online Marketing for Doctors by RedCastleServices.com
