4 Proven Strategies for Managing Asthma

While being able to breathe deeply is easy for many people, this often doesn’t apply to the more than 27 million Americans who have asthma. This doesn’t mean that people with asthma can’t breathe easier; it just means that it may require more effort and planning.

When it comes to managing asthma, our Temecula Medical Group team, which includes Dr. Richard H. Rawson, Ryan D. Rowan, PA-C, and Armanda L. Alvarez, FNP-C, has your back. Through our vigilant oversight and planning, we help our patients get out into the world without being limited by asthma.

Here’s a look at some great strategies when you have asthma:

1. Have an asthma action plan in place

When you have asthma, you know that some days are worse while others are better, so keeping up with these cycles can be tricky, and we don’t want you to be caught off guard or without the right tools.

We create an asthma action plan, such as the one found here, for all of our asthma patients. This written plan covers symptoms, medications, airflow, and what to do when you struggle to breathe. Your asthma action plan is also invaluable in spotting trends and recognizing when an attack might be on the horizon, allowing you to take steps to avoid it.

Even if you feel like you know the drill, inside and out, having this plan can act as a good reminder and helpful for those less familiar with it. 

2. Have the right team in place

One reason our team focuses on concierge care is for conditions like asthma. To best manage asthma, you need access to care when you need it — people who are having an attack can’t wait for weeks to see a provider. 

Through our concierge care, we’re on call for asthma patients whenever they need us. Not only are we available 24/7, but we also provide ongoing and follow-up care to ensure that you have the right medications and tools in place.

3. Manage your asthma triggers

People with asthma often have triggers that lead to flare-ups or attacks. Recognizing what worsens your asthma can go a very long way toward better controlling the condition. To give you an idea, here are some common triggers:

• Smoke
• Cold weather
• Allergens like mold, pollen, and pet dander
• Exercise
• Strong fragrances

As you can see, this is a broad list, and it’s hardly complete. To identify your unique triggers, our team works with you to keep a sort of diary that tracks asthma symptoms so we can see if there are some culprits you should avoid or work around.

4. Manage stress

These days, stress is in abundant supply. When you have asthma, stress can lead to attacks, so it's a good idea to find ways to relax, which can also relax your airways. Whether it’s listening to some music, meditating, or taking a walk with a friend, it’s important that you tune out for a few minutes to truly relax, which can help you breathe more easily.

These best practices are beneficial for anyone with asthma, and we’re happy to work with you to develop a more personalized management plan that will help you breathe confidently.

To get started, please contact our office in Temecula, California, or visit our clinic from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday-Friday.