A Practical Guide to Managing and Treating Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways in your lungs are overly sensitive and inflamed. When something triggers them, like pollen, a cold, smoke, exercise, or cold air, they tighten and swell, and you produce extra mucus. The combination narrows your airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Common signs of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. For some, asthma is mild and only flares up occasionally. For others, it can be life-threatening if not managed properly. 

Wherever you fall on the spectrum, poorly managed asthma is risky. It disrupts your sleep, limits exercise, leads to urgent care visits, and can become dangerous quickly. However, today's treatments are effective and flexible. With the right plan, most people living with asthma can lead a full life. 

Working with an experienced allergy and immunology team makes that possible. At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA in San Antonio and Schertz, Texas, Dr. Patricia Gomez-Dinger and her team can pinpoint your triggers, match treatment to your symptoms, and coach you through a simple management plan that fits your life.

Below is a step-by-step guide so you understand what good asthma care looks like.

Knowing your triggers

No two asthma cases look exactly alike, which is why identifying triggers is one of the first and most important steps in managing the condition. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Allergens: pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander
• Irritants: cigarette smoke, air pollution, strong odors, or chemicals
• Exercise: physical activity, especially in cold air
• Weather changes: sudden drops in temperature or humidity shifts
• Respiratory infections: colds, flu, or sinus infections can worsen asthma symptoms
  Once you know what sets off your asthma, you can avoid some triggers altogether and prepare for others. For example, if pollen is a major trigger, you can check the daily pollen count and take precautions before heading outdoors.

Medications that keep your symptoms in check

Asthma management almost always requires medication. These treatments don’t cure asthma, but they keep symptoms in check and reduce flare-ups. Two main categories of asthma medication include:

Long-term control medications

These are taken daily, even when you’re not having symptoms. The most common type is inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce airway inflammation and your sensitivity to triggers.
Quick-relief medications

Also called rescue inhalers, these are used when symptoms suddenly flare up. They work within minutes to relax tight airway muscles during a flare-up. They’re not meant for daily use, but having one on hand is essential.

Some people also benefit from combination inhalers or newer biologic therapies if their asthma is severe. At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA, we’ll work with you to find the right balance. 

Lifestyle and home strategies

Medication alone isn’t enough. Lifestyle habits can make a big difference in how often symptoms occur and how severe they are. Small adjustments can help reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.
Stay physically active

Exercise strengthens your lungs and overall health, but warm up gradually and avoid outdoor workouts when the air is very cold or pollen levels are high.

Keep your environment clean

Vacuum and dust often, use air filters, and wash your bedding in hot water to reduce allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Avoid smoke and irritants

Secondhand smoke, wood-burning stoves, or even strong perfumes can trigger symptoms. 

Stay up to date on vaccines

Respiratory infections can be especially dangerous for people with asthma. Annual flu shots and other recommended vaccines help protect your lungs.

Monitor your symptoms

Keep track of flare-ups and use tools like a peak flow meter to measure your lung function at home.

When combined with medication, these habits make it far less likely that asthma will interfere with your daily routine. Left unmanaged, asthma can seriously limit your health and even become life-threatening. But with the right plan built around your triggers, you can breathe easier and live fully.

At Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center PA, we specialize in helping patients take control of asthma at every stage. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our team has the tools and expertise to create a plan that fits your needs and keeps you healthy long-term. 

Don’t wait until your next flare-up; schedule an appointment with us today.