Lifestyle Tips for Those Suffering from Asthma and Allergy
Taking control of your asthma and allergy attacks can give you a better quality of life. These attacks can play havoc with your professional, personal, and social life and seriously restrict their mobility and relationships.
Habits and lifestyle choices play a major role in triggering attacks. Most sufferers already have a good idea of the broad triggers that could signal an attack, but may ignore them or take chances that result in disasters for themselves and those around them.
Allergies are aggravated by seasonal changes. It’s important to distinguish an allergy from a more serious condition so that it is treated in the right way.
Diet and nutrition
Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to improve immunity and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Whole grains and lean meats are other food choices that can fight imminent allergy and asthma attacks. Avoid processed foods as many of them contain dyes and preservatives that could trigger a reaction. Studies have shown that a diet rich in vitamins C and E along with omega-3 fatty acids build resistance. Recent explorations of the Mediterranean diet (rich in nuts, olive oil, grapes, and tomatoes) show that children who have been consuming this diet are less prone to allergies and asthma attacks.
Healthy lifestyle choices
Quit smoking and encourage those living in your home or sharing your office space to avoid smoking around you. Apart from cigarettes, campfires, barbecues, wood-burning stoves, and cook-outs are other sources of smoke that should be avoided. Avoid animals that may trigger attacks. Keep your windows closed at night as pollen tends to spread early in the mornings. Avoid wearing contact-lenses during early spring.
Exercise
Shedding excess weight reduces the load on your body. Try breathing through your nose rather than the mouth while exercising. Take up yoga. Talk to your doctor about a regular indoor exercise plan suitable for your condition. Don’t exercise in locations where there are high respiratory problem triggers such as lawns, highly polluted urban areas, pollen residue, etc. Get enough rest and sleep. Make sure your home, furniture, furnishings, clothes, and working environment are kept dust-free.
Take your shots
Ensure that you take your regular annual flu shot. Your doctor will also suggest other vaccinations or immunization shots that are suited for your condition and age.
Stress-free
Asthma and allergy attacks have a large emotional component to them. Anxiety, stress, and worry can trigger attacks, so ensure that you protect your emotional health. In many cases, asthma or allergies can result in depression because the patient feels restricted and the symptoms affect their personal and social relationships. Share your feelings with your physician so that these issues can be addressed.
Be careful about OTC
Over-the-counter medications can give immediate relief; however, they’re not long-term solutions. Some medications such as nasal decongestants could be addictive, while others have undesirable side-effects. Instead, substitute with home remedies such as steam inhalation or using a neti pot to clear the sinuses. Antihistamines can help with itchy eyes.