Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Minimize Asthma Attacks

Nearly 28 million Americans — adults, teens, and kids — have been diagnosed with asthma, and that number is increasing every year. Although asthma medications can play a pivotal role in controlling symptoms and preventing dangerous asthma attacks, you can do several things to reduce those risks and enjoy better health, too.

At Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center in Hillsborough, New Jersey, allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist Dr.  Edwin Schulhafer focuses on comprehensive solutions to asthma care. That’s why he offers custom treatment plans that often include lifestyle hacks.

Here are six such hacks he routinely offers patients. 

Know your triggers 

Asthma affects different people in different ways. One person’s symptoms might be triggered by pollen or mold, while for another person, it’s animal dander or perfumes. Still, others experience symptom flare-ups during physical exercise when their lungs are working extra hard. Once you identify your triggers, it’s easier to take steps to avoid them — or at least to know when you’re more likely to need your inhaler.

Increase your exercise

Exercise keeps your lungs and airways sturdy, helping to maintain the normal elasticity that supports healthy breathing (and prevents attacks). A 2015 study found aerobic exercise significantly reduced asthma attacks and inflammation in people with moderate-to-severe asthma. Moderate exercise (like regular walking) is essential even if you have exercise-induced asthma. 

Supercharge your diet

Research shows that foods high in antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, may help reduce asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and supporting optimal lung function. To that end, include lots of colorful fruits and vegetables along with leafy greens in your daily diet. Simultaneously, avoiding unhealthy fats and deep-fried foods may also help. 

Lose those extra pounds

Upping your exercise and eating healthier provide an additional benefit: They can help you lose excess weight, which can also reduce your asthma symptoms. Not only does excess weight make it harder to exercise, but it can also make you breathe more heavily during physical activity, which, in turn, can trigger an asthma attack. Plus, extra belly fat can press on your ribs, making it harder to breathe overall. 

Work on de-stressing

It isn’t always easy to reduce your stress levels, but studies show stress is related to a whole host of health problems — including asthma symptoms. When you’re anxious, your breathing rate often speeds up, and your chest and airway muscles become tense and rigid — changes that can trigger an asthma attack. Activities like yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, focused breathing, and meditation can help reduce stress, control your asthma, and help you enjoy better overall wellness.

Stop smoking

It might seem obvious, but if you have asthma, it’s important not to smoke. Smoke is a significant trigger for asthma symptoms (even secondhand smoke), and it also impairs lung function, which means your asthma symptoms can be a lot worse. Smoking also makes your asthma medications less effective. Finally, if you have kids with asthma, quitting is even more critical to help them enjoy better health now and in the future.

Keep your asthma under control

To control your asthma symptoms, get help from an expert. Call Dr. Schulhafer’s office or request an appointment using the online booking tool. Dr. Schulhafer also offers telehealth visits.