Various Ways to Prevent Severe Asthma Symptoms

Living with asthma can be stressful, especially when you worry about when the next flare-up will happen and how bad it will be. However, by learning about your condition and taking the right daily steps, you can take control of your breathing. It all starts with recognizing the signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack, and Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan can help. We provide advanced asthma testing and personalized treatment plans for patients in Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and Livonia to help keep their lungs healthy.

Asthma is a long-term disease that affects your lungs. It causes your airways to narrow and swell (cause inflammation), and may also lead to excess mucus production. This makes breathing difficult and often triggers coughing or a loud wheezing sound.

So, what is severe asthma? It’s a specific type of asthma that doesn’t respond well to standard daily medicines. People with this condition often experience frequent and intense breathing problems that can disrupt their normal lives.

Asthma isn’t the same for everyone. Your triggers might be completely different from someone else’s, but there are a few common types:

• Allergic Asthma – Airborne allergens – such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites – trigger this type.
• Non-Allergic Asthma – This type of asthma is triggered by factors in the air that aren’t allergens, such as cold weather, strong odors, or smoke.
• Occupational Asthma – Inhaling harsh fumes, dust, or chemicals at your workplace can cause occupational asthma.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma – This occurs when you engage in physical activity, especially in cold or dry air.

Medical experts don’t know exactly why some people get asthma and others don’t. It’s likely a mix of your family history and your environment. If your parents have asthma, you’re much more likely to develop it.

Also, being around certain things can trigger your airway swelling. Common triggers include pollen, mold, pet dander, cold air, and emotional distress. Catching a respiratory virus like a cold or the flu can also make your lung issues much worse.

Knowing how your body feels during a flare-up is very important. Common signs include shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a whistling sound when you exhale. However, severe asthma symptoms are much more dangerous and require fast action. The signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack include:

• Extreme shortness of breath that stops you from speaking in full sentences
• A very fast heartbeat and rapid breathing
• Your rescue inhaler medicine doesn’t help you breathe better
• Your lips or fingernails turn a pale, blue, or gray color

Preventing flare-ups is the best way to stay healthy and out of the hospital. Here are some effective steps you can take every day:

• Know Your Triggers – Keep a journal to track what makes your breathing worse. Once you know your specific triggers, do your best to avoid them.
• Take Your Medicine – Always take your daily controller medicine, even if you feel fine. It reduces the hidden swelling inside your airways.
• Create an Action Plan – Work with our specialists to create a daily asthma plan. This plan should explain what medicines to take and what to do if you feel sick.
• Stop Smoking – Cigarette smoke is a major trigger for lung disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your lungs. You should also avoid secondhand smoke.
• Get Vaccinated – Sicknesses like the flu and pneumonia can cause serious asthma flare-ups. Ask our specialists about getting your yearly vaccines.

Sometimes, standard care from a primary doctor isn’t enough. You should see our board-certified providers if you use your rescue inhaler more than twice a week. You should also make an appointment if your symptoms wake you up at night. A board-certified allergist can offer advanced options for treating severe asthma. They can test you for specific allergies and create a highly personalized plan for severe asthma treatment.

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Michigan helps patients in Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, and Livonia find lasting relief from severe asthma. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward healthier lungs.