Don't Let the Asthma Win!

There are several things people with asthma can do to lead a healthy and full life. There is no doubt that living with asthma can be extremely debilitating, but it does not have to defeat us. For instance, there have been many asthmatics that have made it in the sporting world. The global superstar, David Beckham is just one of them. According to Healthline, in 2009, Beckham was photographed using an inhaler after playing a match for LA Galaxy. When questioned about it, the megastar said he had "good days and bad days". He also went on to say that he never felt the need to discuss but now hopes it can be seen as positive and inspiring to people with the condition.

So, how do we not let asthma win?

A good place to start is by making sure you are taking your medications properly. For years I was taking my reliever inhaler all wrong. Inhaling hard and fast in the hope more of the salbutamol would reach my airways. So, taking your inhaler properly is very important. If you have forgotten or are not sure, you can get in touch with your primary carer or a nurse and they will give you all the advice you need.

Using your preventative medications, as prescribed, is key in keeping asthma at bay, as this can aid in preventing asthma attacks. Also, if you are taking other medications it is important to check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure your asthma could be at risk.

Exercise regularly

You do not have to run 13-mile races to keep fit. As long as I keep myself moving and burning a little energy, this seems to help my lungs to take in more air, keeping my asthma from coming on. This may be a mind-over-matter thing but I feel great when I have exercised. A brisk 30 minute walk every day could be enough. If it is not, you can always increase, but, for me, it is absolutely essential to keep active.

Avoid smoke

My parents quit smoking over ten years ago. They say it made a massive difference to their lung capacity. And mine too, because I was not passively inhaling the smoke and this made a huge difference. The only thing I want going into my lungs is fresh air.

Eat the right foods

When I first learned of the phrase, "you are what you eat", without knowing exactly what this meant, I intuitively knew that it meant that I was not eating the best I could and this meant that I skillfully managed to stay in denial with my eyes firmly shut! When I was living on a diet of greasy, fatty, and sugary foods, it really took its toll on my system.

Especially my digestive system. You can change your diet overnight if you have the right mind frame. My body was not designed to process convenient foods. Getting plenty of fish, vegetables, and fruit in my diet was a sure way of reducing my asthma symptoms. Obviously, it is worth mentioning that knowing what triggers certain foods have on your asthma is vital. A good nutritionist would be able to advise accordingly.

What do you do to keep asthma from winning?

These are the things that I keep in mind to keep my asthma from winning so that I can try to stay healthy and active! Do you do any of these as well, or do you have other strategies to share?

"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming" - David Bowie.