by Kemyia Austin

Created on: July 10, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

I have had asthma all my life, controlling it is something I have learned how to do very well. Summertime is tough for many people, not just asthma and allergic ones. The content of pollen, heat, ultra-violet rays, and ozone depletion detection rays has become a big issue for all people. Medication is helpful to those who do not have a strong immunity to vaccines and prescribed medicine. From my experience, I can tell you the top 3 ways to control your asthma and the top 3 medications that will help. Not all medication is needed and if you learn to control it the right way, you won't need medication at all.

The top 3 ways to control your asthma without medication is (1) make sure you exercise your lungs. I am 213 pounds, no, I am not afraid to admit it. With my weight, asthma is very hard to control so I swim and walk as much as I can. Swimming requires lung power and strength, it will allow you to fortify the rib cage outside of your lungs. That will make the breathing easier and better to maintain. It will also build strength because you will learn how to process breathe. (2) Keep your house or living conditions maintained at all times. You would be surprised what dust, dirt, chemical fumes, and other toxins can do to your lungs. Because of asthma, you are more suceptable to infection, fluid build up in the lungs, cold, and flammation. Many of my sheets are cotton or silk. Try to stay away from polyester because it attracts alot of unwanted dust. (3) Yoga is excellent for those like me who don't like to exercise. It forces your body to exhert energy and stress. Stress can cause asthma attacks and other health related issues. Make sure you keep your mind clear and focus. Surround yourself with positive people.

The top 3 medications that have worked for me was (1) albuterol, (2) advair, and (3) and Singulair. I have had albuterol since I was a child. When my lungs developed in its full capacity, it no longer worked for me. Albuterol relaxes your lung muscles so that it will open your airways, allowing you to breath easier. It helped with my wheezing, shortness of breath, and panakes. When I was 13, I changed to Advair. Advair helped with my inflammation and constriction. By this time, my asthma was getting worse and my snorring was starting to scare my family and finace. Singulair helped for a while but by the time I was 17, I had gotten it under control. I now breath very well because I swim alot, I keep my house clean and free of dust, and I stretch. Yoga is very expensive so I just watch the shows and immitate what they do.

All of these activities and medications will help you to better cope with Summer. Summer is a beautiful time of the year and just because you have asthma, does not mean you can not enjoy it.

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