Living Well with Asthma: 8 Essential Management Tips

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways causing episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. Over 30 million Indians have asthma. **1. Know Your Triggers** Common triggers include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, cold air, exercise, smoke, and strong perfumes. Identify and avoid yours. **2. Use Your Inhaler Correctly** Incorrect inhaler technique reduces medication delivery by up to 80%. Ask our physiotherapy team to check your technique. **3. Follow Your Action Plan** Work with your doctor to create a written asthma action plan for daily management and emergencies. **4. Take Controller Medications Daily** Don't skip your preventive inhaler (usually a corticosteroid) even when you feel well. **5. Monitor with a Peak Flow Meter** Daily peak flow readings help detect worsening asthma before symptoms appear. **6. Get Vaccinated** Annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccines reduce asthma exacerbation risk. **7. Exercise Wisely** Warm up before exercise. Use your rescue inhaler 15–30 minutes before if needed. Swimming is particularly well-tolerated. **8. Manage Allergies and Reflux** Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis and GERD can worsen asthma. Treat them proactively. Our pulmonology team at Iswarya Hospital offers comprehensive asthma diagnosis, pulmonary function testing, and personalised management.