Home care for mild wheezing includes:
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
- Avoid exposure to pollen.
- Avoid exposure to mold.
- Avoid cough medicine.
- Avoid medications that make you sleepy.
- Avoid substances that trigger wheezing.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Place a vaporizer or nebulizer in the bedroom at night.
Home care for those who take medication for wheezing includes:
- Follow asthma home care instructions.
- Learn to use prescribed inhalers correctly.
- Use short-acting inhalers every 20 minutes, or as directed by your doctor.
- Long-acting medications must be used regularly.
- Learn to use a peak flow meter.
- Know the peak flow danger zones.
- Develop a strategy for using your inhaler based on your PEFR reading
- Stay calm during a wheezing attack.
Peak Flow Zones:
- Green Zone: a PEFR that is 80-100% of personal best represents good control
- Yellow Zone: a PEFR that is 50-80% of personal best represents a moderate attack
- Red Zone: a PEFR that is less than 50% of personal best represents a severe attack and may identify the need for treatment in an emergency department
