Since I was diagnosed at five years old, asthma has been a significant part of my life. Over the forty years that I have lived with asthma, I’ve incrementally grown more accustomed to the condition. In my earlier years it was more difficult to maintain my asthma, since I misplaced my inhaler frequently.

At the age of seven, my mother followed the advice given to her by my doctor and signed me up for the local swim team. From then, up to the present, swimming has had a huge impact on maintaining my asthma. I’m unclear on the scientific evidence regarding asthma, but swimming has not only increased my lung capacity but it has also helped me to keep in shape throughout the year. A small additional secret for maintaining asthma is to simply keep a warm drink with you as often as possible. Regularly drinking heated beverages has had a positive effect on asthma.

My guess is that the steam produced by the heat of the beverage helps to stop triggers for asthma attacks. An additional practice that is recommended to help reduce the triggers of an asthma attack is to inspect your house for dust mites. I suggest vacuuming and dusting routinely to minimize the amount of dust mites in your home. It’s also helpful to clean and wash items like tables, bed sheets, desks and chairs often. When cleaning these items, be sure to use a wet cloth rather than a dry one, since this does a better job of collecting the dust.

Also, it’s recommended that pet owners keep their animals clean and groom them as often as possible. Start by brushing your pet’s fur on a daily basis, to reduce shedding and get rid of hair balls. It may be a good idea to wash your pet each day, to keep it from attracting any dander. When having an asthma attack, do your best to direct your attention to something besides wheezing. Instead, think of something that relaxes and calms you like a close friend/lover, cool water, or maybe our favorite indulgence. Find a relaxing place to sit down and allow your body to rest.

During this time, be sure to take deep, full and slow breaths. Put some concentrated effort into avoiding short, shallow or easier breathing. The negative effects of asthma on your overall life can be significant, if not properly treated. Find ways to implement the tips given here; work them into your daily life. Asthma is conditions that can be ameliorate, if left unattended. In combination with using these suggestions, always be sure to have your inhaler with you at all times.