Asthma is one of the most common diseases affecting the US population, with at least 25 million people. This illness represents a tough challenge for patients because it doesn’t have a cure; however, our helpful treatments applied in primary care in Lamesa, Texas, make it easier to handle the symptoms and prevent a severe attack.
Understanding Asthma Symptoms
Chronic asthma causes the respiratory tract to swell and narrow, making breathing difficult. The common symptoms are:
- Whistle breathing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pressure in your chest.
- Persistent cough, usually at night or when you wake up.
What Factors Can Cause a Severe Asthma Attack?
Asthma’s common symptoms are regular and mild, but the risk of suffering a crisis is constant. The consequences of a severe asthma attack are dangerous, even mortal. That’s why you must identify the possible causes and avoid the complications.
The most common triggers are allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold, or abrupt weather changes. Also, breathing diseases or exposure to strong chemicals are often triggers. Finally, an intense workout can also be a risk factor if you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions.
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How Does Primary Care Help Prevent Attacks?
When we provide primary care in Lamesa, Texas, we summarize prevention in five key pieces of advice for our patients, detailed below:
Medication Management
Ensure your inhaler is working correctly and is adequate for your situation. The inhaler habit also has some measures; don’t wait until you feel symptoms worsening to use it. Keeping your lungs stable is the primary function of your inhaler.
💡Remember to check both of your inhalers: the maintenance one and the emergency one.
Set an Action Plan
Follow your medical instructions when symptoms worsen. Write an emergency plan and take it with you. Your doctor can clarify your warning signs depending on your condition, so you can recognize them and act accordingly. State to your loved ones what to do and how to follow your action plan in case you can’t act because your symptoms don’t allow you to.
Avoid Your Known Triggers
Know your triggers and be careful everywhere you visit. If you know that dust, smoke, pollen, or animals can worsen your asthma, mark distances or protect yourself from those factors. You may carry a mask to protect your nose from those sources. As well, keep your spaces clean and free from tobacco smoke.
Keep Good Habits
An excellent bedtime routine, hydration, and gentle physical activities (only if your doctor allows it) can strengthen your lungs and reduce the risk of a severe attack. Make the physical activities in open spaces to increase the amount of air your lungs receive and avoid complaints about your breath.
Have Regular Medical Checkups
Every warning sign from your body is important. If you experience shortness of breath or you are using the inhaler more than usual, your wellness requires a medical checkup. Setting a planned calendar for your medical appointments can help you prevent any complications. With every consultation, you must track your symptoms and follow the medical instructions to get an overview of your asthma progress.
🏥 Schedule appointments regularly and stay in touch with your specialist.
Take Control of Your Asthma with Primary Care in Lamesa, Texas
Don’t let your asthma symptoms worsen. At South Plains Rural Health, we offer completely personalized primary care in Lamesa, Texas. We are experts in supporting patients with chronic diseases and teaching you new wellness with long-term results. New breathing means healthier days.