Asthma: Patient Education from University of Colorado Hospital
Living with Asthma
Though asthma is a chronic condition it can be treated with medications and with lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor about medicines that might improve your asthma symptoms. Discuss any side effects that may result from taking medication.
Limiting the number of irritants in your environment may help reduce your symptoms. For example, you can minimize the dust in your home by having washable curtains and blinds and covering your mattresses and box springs with dust-proof covers.
Exercise is recommended when you have asthma in order to strengthen your lungs and heart.
If you're allergic to dander avoid pets with fur or have them groomed as often as possible to minimize dander.
Another way to keep asthma under control is to learn how to manage a flare-up of symptoms. Learning to identify triggers that cause flare-ups and avoiding them as much as possible is recommended.
Getting a Second Opinion about Asthma
People with asthma may choose to seek additional medical advice from another doctor or specialist.
Asthma Support Groups
Allergy and Asthma Mothers of Asthmatics
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Additional Asthma Resources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
American Academy of Family Physicians
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
American Lung Association