6 simple tips to avoid an asthma attack

Asthma attacks can be terrifying, and, even when your asthma is under control, there may be environmental factors that can trigger your attacks. Thankfully, though, if you take control of your surroundings, you can help minimize the risks of an asthma attack. Here are six simple tips to help you take control.

Cold weather — particularly cold, dry air — can trigger an asthma attack.

To keep cold weather from triggering an asthma attack, wear a scarf to protect your throat or consider a turtleneck on days when the temperature drops very low.

Also, avoid going out during the nighttime hours during the colder parts of the year when the weather is at its coldest.

Using hot water in your washing machine might drive up your electric costs, but it can cut down on the presence of dust mites in your bedding.

Dust mites may trigger asthma attacks, and they tend to live in bedding since it's generally left out in the open and undisturbed most of the time. But, using hot water to wash bedding can kill these mites and thus reduce the chance that they'll trigger an asthma attack.

A wood burning fireplace may add ambiance and provide heat, but it also lowers the air quality in your home.

If you use a fireplace or combustion stove for heat, you may want to think about upgrading to a cleaner system.

Mould is another common asthma trigger, and it likes warm, damp environments.

But a dehumidifier takes the moisture out of the air, helping to control mould growth. If you choose to get a dehumidifier, keep humidity levels below 50 percent to minimize the risk of mould.

Animal dander is a big issue for asthma sufferers. Combined with allergies, this dander's almost guaranteed to trigger breathing difficulties.

Unfortunately, it's not the animal's fur itself that is the problem, so a haircut won't solve the problem of animal dander.

In fact, if you have a furry friend, you may need to find them another home. But, if you're considering a new pet, try adopting one that's allergy friendly.

Some breeds of dog have little to no dander, and there are hairless cat breeds that are less likely to cause problems.

Avoiding tobacco smoke can help prevent asthma attacks.

Even outdoor exposure can be a problem, so the safest tactic for dealing with cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products is just to avoid them as much as you can.

These are just a few things to avoid to help minimize the risk of an asthma attack.

Stress, allergies, air quality, and exercise can all contribute to an attack.

Ultimately, following a control regimen that your doctor has prescribed is the best way to avoid breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. But you can follow the simple tips outlined here to help reduce your risk of an attack and take control of your asthma right now.