Asthma is scary, regardless of who is affected by it. You need to know the causes and potential effects of asthma so that you can manage the condition more effectively. Always know what could possibly happen, learn to spot the warning signs, and be prepared to react if you can’t prevent them.
Asthma is a chronic condition, requiring constant health management. Make sure you are taking the right medications to control your everyday asthma symptoms, and have a quick relief medication on hand if you have an attack. Find out from your allergist and your doctor what is best for you.
Don’t smoke around your child if they have asthma; this could worsen their situation. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Always ensure your child is in a smoke-free area.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. You have to force the air out. Inhale in a series of three, or three shallow breaths and one deep breath. After your lungs are filled with air, forcefully exhale again. This gives your breathing a rhythm, which makes you aware of how many breaths you take. It also voids your lungs of old air so that new air can enter. Regardless of whether spetum is generated, it will aid in returning breathing back to a normal state.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking isn’t good for anyone, but it’s worse for those with asthma. It cuts off the oxygen supply that your lungs need to function properly to keep away the asthma attacks.
If the room that you’re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. When you turn on the fans they will move the dust in the room around and this can trigger your asthma very easily. The better way would be to open a window to increase the airflow in the room.
Asthma Attacks
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotriene is a chemical substance that can lead to inflammation that can cause an asthma attack. The inhibitor will prevent leukotrienes, which can decrease the amount of asthma attacks that you have.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. This can vary from person to person, as small particles like dust can cause asthma attacks. For others, attacks can be caused by physical activities. It is important to determine what triggers your asthma attacks so you can try to avoid those things.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. The medication you take for high blood pressure can also cause asthma symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are an asthmatic and you are using these medications.
If you have asthma and lack the health insurance coverage to deal with asthma treatment, talk to a social worker. Asthma patients need their medications, and a social worker might be able to hook you up with programs to help you such as clinics and programs through pharmaceutical companies.
If you find that you are in a dusty room, do not put on any type of fan. Otherwise, the dust will fly into the air and could give you an attack. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
Get annual flu vaccinations for your entire family. If you are afflicted with asthma, avoid getting any infections if possible. This means you should also be sure to wash your hands frequently and get vaccinated.
If you have asthma, get a dehumidifier for your home. With less humidity, there will be fewer dust mites, and that means that there is less of a chance that your asthma will flare up. Dehumidifiers remove the humidity by drying out the air that flows through your house.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Using products with scents, like perfume, incense and air fresheners, boosts the amount of air pollution indoors and can bring on an attack. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Try keeping the air indoors as fresh as it can be.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. If you inhale the smoke, it will harm your lungs and increase the possibility of an asthma attack. Always be mindful of this, especially in small spaces that do not have very much air flowing.
Figure out your asthma triggers. Once you know what they are, you can change your lifestyle to prevent asthma attacks. If you can’t avoid a trigger, you can pack your inhaler, take allergy pills or engage in other preventive measures so you don’t have an attack. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. When possible, stay away from these triggers that cause symptoms or ultimately, full-blown attacks.
As stated earlier, there is a lot that you should know about asthma. This article contains just a sampling of hints that are helpful for managing asthma, or to help a friend or family member with the disease. You can lessen the effect that asthma has on their life!
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. You also have little control over your surroundings as you travel, and this may result in an increase in symptoms or frequency of attacks.