5 Ways to Prevent a Severe Asthma Attack 

Complications of a severe asthma attack can quickly become life-threatening, ranging from reduced blood-oxygen levels (hypoxia) to respiratory failure to cardiac arrest. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that every day, ten people in the United States die because of uncontrolled asthma.

One of the many specialty services our team at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, offers is asthma care and management. There is no cure for asthma yet. However, there are treatments that can help prevent the severe health complications of this chronic condition.     

Here are five effective strategies our team recommends that help prevent severe asthma attacks:

1. Stick with your asthma action plan

Developing a comprehensive asthma action plan in collaboration with your healthcare provider is crucial.

This plan should be tailored to your needs, outlining your daily asthma management routine, including medication usage, triggers to avoid, and steps to take in case of worsening symptoms.

It may seem overwhelming initially, but your responsibility in following an asthma care strategy can be as simple as taking your medication as directed and following up with your Allergy A.R.T.S. provider as scheduled.

Follow-up visits are essential since they provide ongoing medical support as you learn to manage the details of asthma. By strictly adhering to this plan, you can effectively control your asthma and minimize the risk of severe attacks.

2. Identify and avoid triggers

Asthma triggers vary from person to person and can include allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, smoke, pollution, exercise, and even certain weather conditions.

Our Allergy A.R.T.S. team recommends you take proactive steps to identify your specific triggers through observation and, if necessary, allergy testing. Once identified, make a concerted effort to minimize exposure to these triggers.

This might involve using air purifiers, keeping indoor spaces clean and well-ventilated, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons or days with poor air quality.

3. Take your medications

Controller medications are essential for managing asthma daily by reducing airway inflammation and preventing symptoms. These medications act differently than rescue inhalers, offering immediate short-term benefits if you struggle to breathe.

On the other hand, controller medications can’t help during an asthma attack but work to improve lung function long-term. It's crucial to take these medications as prescribed, even when you're feeling well, to maintain optimal asthma control and prevent exacerbations.

Skipping doses, not using your rescue inhaler as directed, or neglecting controller medications can increase the risk of severe asthma attacks.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly affect asthma management and prevention. Exercise regularly, as physical activity can improve lung function and overall respiratory health.

Additionally, focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, as certain nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against asthma symptoms. 

Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as tobacco smoke can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of severe attacks.

5. Stay prepared

Despite your best efforts, asthma attacks can still occur. Therefore, it's essential to stay prepared to manage asthma flares.  

Keep rescue medications, such as quick-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol), readily available for quick relief during asthma exacerbations.

Familiarize yourself with the early warning signs of worsening asthma symptoms, such as increased coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, and take prompt action as outlined in your asthma action plan.

Contacting your asthma care team is also essential if you notice frequent or worsening asthma exacerbations. A change in your controller medication, treatment of an underlying condition (e.g., allergies), or other medical care could prevent a severe attack and long-term damage linked to uncontrolled asthma.

Don’t ignore asthma. Call or request an appointment online at Allergy A.R.T.S. today to schedule an evaluation.