Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/599769
18 WhAT CAn i DO? • Keep a peak flow diary to help you see if your periods are affecting your asthma. • If, over a few months, you notice your asthma consistently gets worse before your period, go to see your doctor. They may advise you take extra controller medicine during the week before your period. • Aspirin and other medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets, eg Nurofen, ibuprofen and Ponstan) used for period pain may induce an asthma attack in a small number of people. Paracetemol is usually safe. If you take regular medicines for period pain check with your doctor or Respiratory coordinator. DUrinG eXerCise exercise, especially in cold air, can be a frequent asthma trigger. A form of asthma called exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity. Symptoms of this kind of asthma may not appear until after several minutes of sustained exercise. When symptoms appear sooner than this, it usually means that the person needs to adjust his or her treatment. you may experience chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing after you begin your exercise. if this occurs often you must inform your doctor as soon as possible. your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication that will protect you against exercise-induced asthma for several hours after dosing. This will ensure your completion of exercise or sport without any interruption of your asthma symptoms. sOme Tips TO rememBer BefOre yOU eXerCise • Make sure the people you are exercising with know you have asthma. • Increase your fitness levels gradually. • Always have your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise. • If exercise triggers your asthma use your reliever inhaler immediately before you warm up. • ensure that you always warm up and down thoroughly. • Try not to come into contact with things that trigger your asthma. • If you have symptoms when you exercise, stop, take your reliever inhaler and wait until you feel better before starting again. • If you use controller medicine, take it as prescribed by your doctor.