The treatment of asthma involves a combination of medicines, particularly inhalers (puffers). The various inhalers must be taken with the correct technique for the medicine to reach the lungs and be effective. When the medication is taken correctly and regularly, symptoms that are often worse at night, (such as coughing or a tight chest), can be effectively controlled, so you should breathe easier and sleep better.
However, identifying and then avoiding potential asthma triggers is important in preventing attacks: at the South West Sleep Clinic we offer advice on the lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent attacks and to help you sleep.
Giving up smoking and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke significantly reduces the severity and frequency of asthma attacks. Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of asthma medication.
Exercise is good for you
Giving up exercise would undoubtedly bring more health problems, but do plan your exercise in advance – use your inhaler 10-15 minutes before you exercise and again when you finish; warm up properly and plan short-burst activities rather than endurance exercises; exercise in warm environments, such as a swimming pool.
It is important that everyone with a long-term condition such as asthma should have a yearly jab each autumn to protect against flu, as well as a one-off vaccination to protect against the serious chest infection pneumococcal pneumonia.