There are many people who are afflicted with asthma. If you are among them, and find it challenging to live with it, this article was written specifically for you. The advice in this article will help you cope with asthma and live an easier life.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, regardless of their health; however, when you have asthma, smoking restricts the oxygen your lungs needs to breathe and function properly. If your lung function is affected, you run the risk of having more frequent attacks.
Any type of smoke can bring on a serious asthma attack. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, stop. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes or vapors. This could trigger a serious asthma attack, and you may have trouble preventing it from happening. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
Never take medications without getting your doctor’s approval so you don’t wind up taking one that has a side effect of exacerbating asthma.. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Avoid using a fan in any room that has excessive dust. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
If you have asthma, avoid people who smoke. When you breathe in smoke, particularly in an enclosed area, your lungs cannot function as well, and it increases your risk of having an asthma attack.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor helps to prevent leukotrienes. A leukotriene will cause inflammation in the respiratory system, causing an asthma attack. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. Be aware that fresh paint and new carpet also can emit harmful odors that irritate sensitive airways. Aim to make the air inside your home allergen free, and as fresh and clean as possible.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Be sure to hold the mist in your lungs for about ten seconds.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. A flare-up can occur at any time, and your physician may have learned of a prescription medication that can treat your symptoms more safely and effectively.
Contact a social worker if you have asthma but do not meet the eligibility requirements for health insurance. It is essential that you can buy your asthma medicine, and a social worker might help you find a hospital or clinic that can provide your medicine at reduced cost, or free.
You can join an online or offline support group. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. Asthma patients should try their best to avoid getting respiratory infections. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
Asthma Attack
An increased propensity for asthma attacks has been linked with the utilization of multiple cleaning products. The more you use, the greater the risk of an attack. A great way to prevent this is to purchase some organic, non-chemical cleaning products. These all-natural products are safe when inhaled.
Your home can be full of the major triggers leading to an asthma attack. Some of these irritants include dust, mold and spores. To keep healthy, lower your risk of an asthma attack by getting rid of these triggers from your home. Furthermore, thorough and frequent cleaning will ensure that allergens and other possible triggers do not accumulate in your home.
If you have asthma, try to avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke. Tobacco smoke can bring on an asthma attack, especially within areas without good air flow. The smoke restricts the ability of your lungs to breathe, making an attack much more likely to occur.
Asthma is a disease that effects the respiratory system, and can take many years to develop, often times going undetected. There are some cases reported that were so severe that a person died from one asthma attack when they didn’t even know they were considered at risk. Therefore, if you have trouble breathing or a constant cough, you may want to seek a medical professional to determine if you have asthma. Your physician can also determine whether you need medication for either asthma prevention or asthma treatment.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Products that contain strong scents, like incense, perfume, or air freshener can trigger an asthma attack just by lingering in the air. Freshly painted walls and brand-new carpet can also give off odors that cause irritation to airways. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
If you are traveling by plane and must bring inhalers or nebulizers on board, you should bring a written prescription for the equipment. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
To lower the chances of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as can be, especially the bedroom. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
You should definitely use your preventative inhaler on a daily basis. However, you should be warned that the drug can also cause infections in your mouth, particularly near your teeth and gums. You may be able to avoid this problem by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth thoroughly after each use of the inhaler.
If you have hay fever or a cold, chances are your asthma treatment will be increased. The side effects of many illnesses can flare up your asthma so bad that you have to have an increase in treatment. Your family doctor may recommend adding another treatment or medication to your current regimen until you recover from your illness.
Keep notes on how often you are compelled to use your inhaler each week. If the inhaler is used more than twice, the asthma problems you are suffering from may not be well-managed or something else might be causing additional attacks to come on. The frequency of your inhaler use is a good way to remember to check out your environmental surroundings and be mindful of all factors relating to your asthma regimen.
Avoid using a feather or down pillow if you have asthma. Feathers can trigger asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. The same goes for bedding – try to buy a comforter and sheets that are made from hypoallergenic materials.
When you clean house, it is recommended that you clean your floor with a wet mop instead of sweeping it. If you choose to sweep, you’re swirling up a tornado of dust and allergens, both of which are common triggers for asthma symptoms. Use a dampened rag when dusting, instead of a feather duster, so as to prevent stirring up loose dust particles and other asthma triggers.
When you are traveling, make sure you have a rescue inhaler with you. Being in odd environments can cause undue stress on your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. You also have less control of your surroundings while you are away from home, so it is difficult to avoid potential triggers and to maintain control over your attack.
This information can offer you ways to manage your asthma productively and regain your full lifestyle back. With the knowledge that you have discovered today, you can get back to a more active lifestyle, and enjoy taking a proactive approach towards getting back to the things you have been missing.
Mold and mildew thrive in homes with high humidity levels. These substances can easily trigger asthma attacks. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dry home. One way to control the humidity in the house is to employ a dehumidifier to pull out the excess moisture.