Did you know that every year more people develop asthma? Or that Maine is on the top ten list of number of adults with asthma? More than 100,000 adults in Maine have asthma and more than 22,000 children.
Years ago, an allergist explained to me that trying to breathe during an asthma episode is like trying to breathe through a straw when the end has been pinched shut. That image stuck.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and leads to breathing problems, including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble sleeping. According to the Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program, “In most cases, the cause is unknown and there is no known cure. Asthma can be controlled and treated.”
What triggers an asthma attack?
People with asthma each have their own triggers. For instance, pollen may set off an attack for one person, but not another. Common triggers include:
- Tobacco smoke
- Outdoor air pollution
- Mold
- Cleaning agents
- Dust mites
- Strong smells from perfumes and cologne
Tips on controlling asthma
Creating a personal asthma action plan
If you look at #3 on the tip sheet above, it says have a written asthma action plan. Basically, what the plan should include is instructions on what medications to use and how often and what to do if your symptoms get worse. Here’s a sample plan.
You can download action forms and get other information about asthma on the Maine CDC website.
Loved the info graphic! I thought it was very easy to follow and it was very creative. There are so many different things that can trigger asthma, the hard part is finding the one that affects you. Thanks for the seven tips and the asthma action plan is a great idea!
You made a good point to create an asthma action plan to control any triggers or prevent you from getting an asthma attack. It is recommended that you always become aware of possible signs or symptoms that may indicate an attack and how you can stop it from happening. It’s also best to bring the proper medication so you have everything ready and available on hand in the event of an emergency. If I have asthma, I would make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks.