Dr. Ammr Al-Houssan Shares Ways to Control Asthma and Allergies 

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance like pollen, causing a runny nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Allergy-induced asthma occurs when allergies cause your airways to get narrowed and inflamed. If you suffer from either asthma or allergies, you may want to do all you can to keep these conditions under control. According to Dr. Ammr Al-Houssan, a Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology contributor, medications can help, but it’s not the only tool to minimize your symptoms. He explains several ways to control asthma and allergies.

Know What You’re Allergic To

According to Ammr Alhoussan, the best way to keep your allergies or asthma in control is to know what triggers them. This will involve making a few lifestyle tweaks that allow you to eliminate anything that triggers the allergy or asthma symptoms. Triggers include:

• Fragrances
• Air pollution
• Cold air
• Smoke
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Cold or flu
• Sinuses
• Exercise
• Mold

Some triggers may not always be obvious, such as mold. Your specialist can help you identify the allergens you respond to and then take steps to prevent and manage them. It’s almost impossible to get rid of all triggers, but with a few lifestyle changes in daily habits, you can lessen the intensity of your reactions when exposed.

Keep Track of Your Symptoms

Keep a diary with all the symptoms you experience every time you have an allergic or asthmatic attack. With little planning and organization, you can capture all your symptoms in your diary, which can help your doctor check consistencies and patterns. Knowing your symptoms also allows you to prepare for the attacks and act on time.

Develop a Solid Allergy or Asthma Action Plan

An allergy or asthma action plan works best when you collaborate with your doctor, points out Ammr Al-Houssan. Both of you will conduct a day-to-day assessment of your condition, list triggers and symptoms, and develop a solution. The action plan must include medications and other solutions that can offer relief based on your condition. The doctor can create a step-by-step guide on what to do, including quick-acting medications and home remedies.

Carry Fast-Acting Medications

Even if you’re taking all measures to control your allergy or asthma situation, it’s prudent to always be prepared for symptoms as they can occur anytime. You want to be ready with fast-acting medication that helps provide temporary relief. Many people keep a bronchodilator, which helps open the airways. Anticholinergic also works well in preventing the muscles around the airways from tightening up. Let your friends, colleagues, and family know about your action plan and the medication you use.

Keep Your Home Allergen-Free

Most allergy and asthma triggers are roaming around your home. From pet dander to dust mites, mold and fragrances, there’s a chance that your habits play a role in the severity of your condition. To keep things under control, keep your home and your indoor and outdoor air space clean. Use scent-free household cleaners, clean your home frequently, use an air filter, buy bedding that keeps dust mites at bay and invest in HEPA vacuum cleaners.