If someone you know has recently been diagnosed with asthma, you might be wondering what you can do to help them with their condition. Here are a few ways you can encourage your loved one to take steps toward controlling their asthma symptoms.
Learn as much as you can about asthma and its symptoms and triggers. The more you know, the better you can help your loved one make informed decisions.
Encourage your loved one’s independence. The more ownership they have over their asthma control plan, the more confidence and self esteem they will have regarding their own physical health.
Be an example and a partner in healthy choices. Tobacco smoke makes asthma symptoms worse. If you are a smoker, get help to quit. Call the New Hampshire Quitline at 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or go to https://quitnownh.org for free quit smoking help.
Eliminate all sources of smoke from your environment. Wood smoke, car exhaust and tobacco are common triggers for people with asthma.
Make sure to take time for yourself and take care of your own mental and physical health.