10 tips for newly diagnosed asthmatics

The following was published on 1/2/13

10 tips for newly diagnosed asthmatics (or view the slideshow by clicking here)

So you've recently been diagnosed with asthma.  Now what?  The following are some tips to help you through the next several months.  These are things you should do (or should not do).   

1. Educate.  Educate. Educate:  This is essential for all asthmatics.  The more you know, the better off you'll be.  You're off to a good start simply by reading this and hanging out here.  
2. Know you are not alone:  You have the companionship of about 25 million Americans and 300 million people worldwide who also suffer from this affliction have their asthma controlled.  
3. Asthma can be controlled:  By seeing your doctor regularly, and getting on the right asthma controller medicines, you can get your asthma controlled.  If you want some tips click this link.
4. See your doctor at least yearly:  This is essential to get your asthma controlled.  New asthmatics may need to see their doctors every 4-6 months until you gain the control you deserve. 
5. You'll need to create an asthma action plan:  When you're asthma acts up you'll need to know what to do.  For this reason, you'll want to work with your asthma doctor to create an asthma action plan.  To learn moreclick here. 
6. Once controlled you can prevent asthma attacks:  It's true.  If you do everything your doctor says, and you work hard to avoid your asthma triggers (see tip 6 below), you should be able to PREVENT asthma from interfering with your life.  
7. Take your asthma controller medicine every day: This is essential.  You must take your asthma controller medicine especially when you feel good.  This will keep your lungs strong and fit for when you are exposed to your asthma triggers.  
8. Know your asthma triggers:  These are things that irritate you and trigger your asthma.  Examples include dust mites, tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen, mold, strong smells, pollution, and cockroach urine.  To learn more click here.  
9. Hang out with fellow asthmatics:  Many of these asthmatics share their experiences and knowledge they've obtained.  You can find them at asthma communities like this.  You can find more by links like this.  
10. Be a Gallant Asthmatic:  If you're perfect, and do every thing right, you should be able to gain asthma control and maintain it.  You'll might benefit from some tips from Jake Gallant, but stay away from Joe Goofus. 

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