Despite the fact that asthma is quite common, many are still anxious about finding ways to effectively cope when an asthmatic attack occurs. The key to peace of mind is being prepared for possible attacks. Here are five basic steps to help alleviate your stress. Your physician may have additional ones.

1. Establish an Asthma Action Plan

Provide action when needed by using asthma action plan and post it on the refrigerator door, so everyone will know exactly what to do at the next attack.

An asthma action plan:

Is a Easy-to-Follow diagram of steps to follow in event of an attack

Is a written outline of all important facts about the patient's history

Details the medications prescribed for the patient, and when to take them.

Without an action plan everyone’s emotions take over and mistakes are made which can be harmful or cause delay in getting help.

2. Keep Emergency Medications in a Common Location

However, most doctors suggest using "rescue inhalers" (such medications as Proventil™ or albuterol©) because they provide immediate relief during an attack.

3. Identify Asthma Triggers and Reduce Them

An asthma attack is often triggered by environmental factors. Prevention is essential.

Keep the indoor environment free of triggers (smoke, cooking odors, pollen dust, mold, pet dander, etc.).

Use HEPA filters in air cleaners and vacuum cleaners to remove airborne factors.

Consider minimizing carpets, curtains and bed coverlets which collect dust.

4. Provide Assistance in Monitoring Condition

Many asthma victims are young children. Parents play an important role in monitoring the child's condition, recognizing early signs and quickly controlling symptoms.

One way to do this is with a device known as peak flow meter. If your doctor follows this protocol, the device can assess your child's best breathing against his current state to know if medication and a call to the doctor is needed.

5. Maintain a Healthy Well-being

People with this condition must make the effort to remain healthy in body and maintain stable emotions (events leading up to an attack) by focusing on planed tasks .

Healthy diet, moderate regular exercise (unless symptoms exist or triggers are present), normal body weight and positive self image are very helpful to staying well.

Children take cues from parents on their health and self-image, see them as abnormal or sickly and they will be.

Contact your local American Lung Association to see if your child can be involved in education and play activities with other asthmatic children, especially an Asthma Camp in the summer. Nothing says "normal" like playing with other kids just like you.

Contact your local hospital’s respiratory therapy department about meeting with the Asthma Educator for more information and helpful advice.

About the Author

Dr. Barry Anderson is a retired college professor and registered respiratory therapist. His 45 years’ experience and having been an asthma victim give him significant insight into health issues. Check out his website at http://Anderson-and-Associates.com .