Asthma

Asthma is a chronic but manageable condition. Asthma occurs when the main air passages of the lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus which further narrows the airways resulting in minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. In some cases, breathing may be so laboured in which case an asthma attack becomes life-threatening. If you are affected by asthma, your healthcare provider will work you to control asthma, reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and help maintain a healthy and active life.
Although many people with asthma rely on medications to relieve symptoms and control inflammation, the following are some recommendations which may assist you to maintain overall health and maintain control of this chronic condition.
Understand your condition and take control of your treatment by identifying what triggers your symptoms. Follow your treatment plan and use medications appropriately.
Organize your day and pace yourself. Remember to take breaks between tasks and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
Talk to others with your condition; connecting with others that face similar challenges will re-enforce that you are not alone. Online chat rooms and message boards or support groups in your community can be sources of support.
Ensure adequate exercise. Regular exercise, 30 minutes of exercise on most days, can strengthen your heart and lungs. Improve sedentary lifestyles by starting slowly and try to gradually increase your activity over time. Also, activities such as golf, walking and swimming are less likely to trigger attacks, but be sure to discuss any exercise program with your healthcare provider.
Clean regularly to help minimize dust. Change furnace and air conditioning filters at least once a year and if you use a humidifier, change the water daily. Ease pet dander with regularly grooming them to reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings or by avoiding pets with fur or feathers.Source: Apple-a-Day The Lung Association of Canada.

http://www.asebp.ab.ca/asthma.html