Extra precautions can go a long way in managing severe asthma when you live on your own. You may experience fewer flare-ups and an overall better quality of life.

Severe asthma can significantly affect your daily activities, with chronic symptoms interfering with your routine. You might experience symptoms like:

  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness

Having severe asthma may also put you at a greater risk of experiencing an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can make breathing hard, and you might need emergency medical attention.

As someone living with asthma, you may already take extra precautions to prevent flare-ups. These can include avoiding triggers and having an emergency asthma kit at the ready. If you live alone, you may feel stressed about the possibility of an asthma attack with little assistance at your disposal. Developing a safety plan can help.

One of the great ways to prevent severe asthma attacks is to avoid your triggers as much as possible. Some common triggers to look out for include:

  • tree, grass, and ragweed pollen (seasonal allergies)
  • mold
  • animal dander
  • dust mites
  • perfumes and other strong odors
  • air pollution
  • cigarette smoke
  • overexertion during exercise
  • cold, dry weather
  • cold and flu viruses

Sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid all of the above triggers. But what you can do is keep your home and personal workspace clean.

Wash your hands frequently to prevent getting sick. Also, avoid the outdoors during peak pollen, mold, and air pollution counts. You can check the weather in your area for these alerts.

Sometimes, severe asthma can be unpredictable. So, preparing an emergency kit is a good idea to avoid catching yourself off guard when a flare-up develops.

Your kit should include any quick-relief medications, such as a rescue inhaler and spacers, and other medications your doctor recommends.

It’s also common for severe asthma to worsen during seasons of cold or dry weather. When you get sick, the last thing you might want to do is go out and pick up supplies from the drugstore. Keep items such as soups, cough drops, tissues, and tea at home at all times.

When you live alone, it’s important to maintain regular contact with your loved ones. This can help them know when to contact you if they suspect you may not be feeling well.

At the same time, let your friends and loved ones know that you’re having a flare-up. Keeping them up to date on your condition may benefit you in the short term and the long term. You can let them know if any complications arise and you need help.

It’s also important to accept help when family and friends offer it. Even seemingly small gestures can add up. These may include picking up supplies, walking your dog, or giving you rides to your medical appointments.

The less energy you spend on errands, the more you can focus on getting through your asthma flare-up.

In the case of an asthma emergency, keep important medical numbers on speed dial and on a physical list somewhere prominent in your home, such as on the fridge. This can help you avoid searching for your doctor’s number online.

Aside from your primary doctor, it’s also important to have phone numbers on hand for the following medical professionals and facilities:

  • your allergist or pulmonologist
  • urgent care facilities in your area
  • the emergency room
  • your pharmacist
  • virtual doctors recommended by your primary care doctor, as necessary

Generally, your asthma is “well-managed” if you experience symptoms 2 or fewer days per week.

Keeping an asthma journal can help track how well you’re doing. You can write down your symptoms, medication frequency, and the overall effect on your daily activities.

Chronic symptoms that require a rescue inhaler multiple times per week need additional evaluation by your doctor. They may recommend another type of long-term management medication or a higher dose inhaled steroid.

You may also want to talk with your doctor about different types of asthma. You may have eosinophilic or allergic asthma, which often is more severe. Your doctor can make these diagnoses with blood and allergy tests.

Specific treatments called biologics can help treat these forms of asthma. Talk with your doctor about these treatments so you can manage your asthma and prevent future flare-ups when you’re home alone.

If traditional medication treatments don’t manage your symptoms, consider talking with your doctor about bronchial thermoplasty. This outpatient procedure uses radiofrequency waves delivered through a catheter to open your airway muscles.

While asthma is a lifelong condition, severe asthma poses the most concerns because of the higher risk of flare-ups and attacks. Some forms of severe asthma may also be treatment resistant.

No matter your living situation, taking as many preventive measures against flare-ups as possible is important. Have the tools and supplies you need at home, and talk with your doctor if these items don’t provide long-term relief.