The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that 1 in 13 people suffer from asthma. That roughly translates to 25 million people in the country who suffer from this respiratory disease. The CDC also believes that asthma is more common in women than in men. This disease can be kept in check with simple adjustments in one’s lifestyle. Here is how.

Stay away from smoke
If a person has asthma, it is assumed that a person does not smoke. However, second-hand smoke is just as hazardous for your health. Stay away from areas that may trigger an attack. If there are people smoking near you, move away and drink some water. If you happen to enter an enclosed space with smoke, make sure to cover your face with a mask and keep your inhaler handy.

Be in contact with your doctor
Once diagnosed with asthma, you should make sure to schedule regular visits with your doctor and not just when you have an attack. Timely visits can make the doctor’s prognosis more detailed, it is also advised that you write down your symptoms and any other questions you may have.

Exercise regularly
Asthma makes your lungs weak; to keep them strong, exercising just 30 minutes a day will definitely help in the longer run. Rigorous exercises such as running or zumba might just have an adverse effect and cause breathlessness. Instead, try going for workouts like swimming, yoga, or even tai-chi! Always ensure to check with your doctor first.

Know your medications
This is an important lifestyle tip for managing asthma as it will help you keep it under control. Different people have different kinds of asthma and there is no one kind of medicine for all. One should ensure that they follow their doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of their medication. Missing either may result in more complications.

Don’t stress
Stress is a very common trigger for asthmatic patients. Therefore, it is imperative that you stay calm. In this fast paced world, it seems impossible to just relax. However, it is crucial that you always take some time out for yourself and indulge in some self-pampering. Few minutes of meditation will put you at ease.

Get a good night’s sleep
Although this is true for everyone, it is especially vital for asthmatic patients to have a good night’s sleep. Sleeping helps your body heal and recalibrate from the day’s stress. With an already compromised immune system, it is even more important for you to get a good eight hours of sleep every night.

Stay away from pollen
Who doesn’t love flowers? Although beautiful, flowers may act as attack triggers for asthmatic people. Therefore, any flowers inside your room should be kept on your balcony or porch. The pollen in flowers may cause you to start coughing, so substitute them for fragrance sticks instead.