While asthma exacerbations can’t be completely avoided, there are some measures that asthmatics can take in order to prevent or minimize them. First, children should see their doctor during the summertime to ensure that their asthma is well-controlled before school starts. For those at high-risk of an exacerbation, studies have shown that adding a medication such as montelukast (Singulair), either permanently or during the 6-week period of time following the start of school in the fall, can significantly reduce the severity of an exacerbation.
Second, getting a “flu shot” during the autumn months can prevent becoming infected with the influenza virus. When most people say they have the “flu,” they mean a “flu-like illness.” Infection with the actual influenza virus makes people very sick, especially asthmatics. Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths in this country every year, particularly in the very young, very old, and those with chronic heart and lung diseases (such as asthma).
Next, frequent hand-washing is extremely important. Many viral infections are spread via contact with contaminated surfaces, and frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill these viruses. Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, then washing your own hands, may prevent you from spreading your infections to other people.
It seems silly to say that you should take your routine asthma medications as prescribed, but many people who have asthma exacerbations haven’t been using their medications routinely. If you are taking your medications routinely yet have frequent asthma symptoms or exacerbations (more than one per year), then your asthma may not be under good control. Taking a simple online questionnaire may help to determine if your asthma is controlled. See your doctor soon if you suspect your asthma is not well-controlled. Lastly, following an asthma action plan may help you decide what to do if you do get sick. Asthma action plans are not used very often, as they are a lot of work for doctors and patients to establish. However, they are relatively simple to make, and can be a wonderful tool to help determine what to do about your asthma if you do get sick.
Learn more about healthy living with asthma.
Source:
Sears MR. Epidemiology of Asthma Exacerbations. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008; 122:662-8.
National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Accessed November 3, 2008.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
