Asthma is basically an allergic reaction, which causes the muscles surrounding the airways to constrict them to stop the flow of air into the lungs. This is done by the muscles to avoid foreign matter to enter the lungs. Many things can trigger this muscular reaction and they differ from one person to the other. Individuals suffering from asthma must always be aware of their surroundings to avoid triggering a reaction.
Allergy tests are also a must for them. In order to avoid something you must know what it is you must avoid. Allergy tests reveal the environmental factors that trigger allergic asthmatic reactions. Environmental factors like pollens, dust, animal hairs and many other substances found in the air will cause allergic reactions. A person suffering of asthma must have treatment for his allergies and for the asthma too. You cannot effectively prevent asthma attacks if you are not caring for your allergies.
Climate changes are usual asthma triggers. Proper precautions must be taken, wear a sweater, wear a cap or hat. If it is too cold wear a scarf. Try not to sit out in the open at daybreak or nightfall. Prolonged exposure to the night air without protection can also provoke asthma. Of course night swims in the ocean or pool are not recommended either even if it is warm. The temperature change between the water and the air may trigger a reaction.
Stay alert; there are sometimes foods that after eating them you start sneezing or coughing. You may be allergic to these or some component of it. Sometimes you walk into a friend’s house and the sneezing and coughing begins; it doesn’t have to be much, a couple of sneezes or coughs but you weren’t coughing or sneezing before you arrived, that means something in that environment is affecting.
There are special medicines prescribed for the prevention of asthma attacks. These are medications that prevent, up to a certain point; that your airways close up. If they prevented this from happening completely a person could inhale the allergens he is allergic to in great quantities and go into shock and possibly die. These medications help to control minor affections and keep the respiratory system working but they will not stand up to a massive allergen attack. They must be taken everyday at the same hour because their effect is accumulative, not curative. Taking two doses today because you forgot yesterdays dose does not work, protection and dosage must be applied daily for it to have the best effect on the system.
Once the asthma attack is in progress they do not work anymore, in case of a severe attack the person must seek medical attention immediately. A severe asthma attack can and will result in death if it is not treated immediately. Millions live normal lives everyday suffering from asthma, it is just a matter of discipline with medications, attention to the environment around you and the common sense to stay away from situation that you believe might compromise your health.