Asthma is a chronic condition that unfortunately does not have a cure. Many people who had asthma as children may not suffer from it as adults, but for others, this is a lifelong issue. The condition can make the very act of breathing a struggle. Asthma can be triggered by a number of issues including changes in the weather, pollen season, smoking, and obesity, among other factors. Along with medication, there are a number of lifestyle tips for managing asthma that can be helpful in managing it. Let’s take a look at some of these lifestyle changes.

• Exercise regularly
  Certain exercises can help increase your lung capacity and strengthen them. This can reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks. If you live a very sedentary lifestyle, start with a walk around the block and gradually build up your stamina. On windy days, consider exercising indoors.
• Check the weather and pollution levels before stepping out
  Pollen, dust, and pollution are the most common asthma triggers. So, before stepping out for the day, always check the pollution and pollen levels. This can be found on a number of apps and websites. Also, avoid being outdoors when it is very windy.
• Maintain a healthy BMI
  Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lungs. Hence, one of the important lifestyle tips for managing asthma is to maintain a healthy weight. To do this you must focus on a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables
  Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must-have in your daily diet. Fruits such as strawberries and vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli have very high anti-oxidants that help control asthma attacks. Consider eating at least 2 portions of fruits and vegetables per day as one of the important lifestyle tips for managing asthma.
• Try an anti-inflammatory diet
  An anti-inflammatory diet can be very helpful for asthma patients as it helps reduce inflammation in the lungs, reducing the risk of an asthmatic attack. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory diets. Some of the common lifestyle tips for managing asthma recommend avoiding fried and fatty foods and controlling portion size as well.
• Avoid stress
  Stress can make asthma symptoms worse. As far as possible, try to avoid stressful situations. You could enroll in a yoga or meditation class to learn more effective ways of dealing with stress. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, practice taking deep breaths to calm your nerves.
• Avoid smoke
  Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke as far as possible. This is because smoking can trigger asthmatic attacks and aggravate the symptoms. You should also avoid smoke from stoves and fires.

In addition to the above, getting a flu shot is also recommended. Following these simple lifestyle tips for managing asthma can make the condition much easier to live with. However, they will not cure it and cannot be considered to be a substitute for medication.