If you were recently diagnosed as an asthmatic, you may be panicking. There is no cure for asthma, as it is a chronic disease. An asthma diagnosis is definitely not the end of the world, though. You will have to make a few changes so you can live as comfortably as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid cleaning products. The chemicals in these products make you more prone to an asthma attack. If you’re the one that cleans your home, try organic or natural cleaning solutions that are much less risky to your health.
What kind of asthma do you have? Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. Those whose asthma is exacerbated by exercise will know to always have an inhaler on hand. If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
If you have moderate asthma attacks, exhale forcefully, so that you force air from your lungs. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. This will force the air from your lungs. Take three short breaths, and then take a fourth, deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably; then, breathe out with force again. This will create a rhythm and will help you be aware of the way you are breathing. It also voids your lungs of old air so that new air can enter. You might cough hard or create mucus, but its just a sign your breathing is getting back to normal.
To keep your child healthy, make sure they are never around smoke. One of the primary causes of asthma is secondhand smoke. Also, do not let your child around others who smoke.
Dust will make you have an attack, so keep the air calm in dirty rooms. When you turn on the fans they will move the dust in the room around and this can trigger your asthma very easily. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you don’t smoke. When smoke enters your lungs it cuts off your oxygen supply, and if you suffer from asthma it can make breathing extremely difficult, and result in an increased number of attacks.
If allergens are causing you to suffer from frequent asthma attacks that are moderate to severe, there is an injectable medication that can provide you with long-term relief. For example, Omalizumab can be used to keep your allergic reactions to a minimum and your asthma under control.
Actually Trigger
If you are having trouble dealing with asthma, a leukotriene inhibitor might be of good use. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a type of chemical substance which may cause inflammation and could cause an attack. The inhibitor will prevent leukotrienes, which can decrease the amount of asthma attacks that you have.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Common medications used for controlling high blood pressure often times contain beta blockers, which asthmatics may be more sensitive to. Tell your doctor if you are an asthmatic and you are using these medications.
Proper knowledge of how to use your inhaler is necessary if you have asthma. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. 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.
Consider getting injections of medications to treat your asthma if you are prone to attacks induced by allergy symptoms. Omalizumab is one such medication, and can control the allergic symptoms you may be experienced. An allergist will be able to tell you if this is a good option.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. Both vitamins improve lung function, helping you to better resist asthma attacks and other negative symptoms. You can get both of these vitamins from eating certain foods, or by taking the vitamins in supplement form. Loading up on these vitamins will energize your immune system, aiding your body in preventing the illnesses that worsen or trigger asthma.
Talk to a social worker if you have asthma and no health insurance. Affording asthma medication is important for handling the illness, and social workers can find places the offer the medicine at low costs.
Studies show that using a variety of cleaning products in the home can actually increase the odds of triggering an asthma attack. Try organic cleaners that are free of irritating chemicals.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Organic products are preferable to more chemically loaded, commercially produced cleaning products.
Realize what triggers your attacks, and you can avoid or manage these situations. Those who experience asthma are susceptible to some common things like pet dander, smoke, or pollen. Make a special effort to avoid agents that bring on even minor asthma symptoms, much less a major attack.
If you have asthma, it is imperative that you stay away from smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the lung’s function can be decreased, and you will increase the chance you have an asthma attack. Smaller areas without proper ventilation make you even more susceptible to an attack.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Asthma, especially severe asthma, can be a debilitating condition and prevent you from participating fully in daily life. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
If you suffer from asthma, it is best to buy unscented products. Scented products should be avoided, such as air fresheners, perfume, and incense. These can increase the amount of air pollution in the home and even trigger an attack. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Do not allow mold or mildew to grow in your home, because they can be extremely dangerous for asthma sufferers. These substances are prime triggers for asthma attacks. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dry home. When you are using a heater in winter time, you can run a dehumidifier for help controlling humidity. In the summer, running your air conditioner will allow you to keep your humidity down.
Dealing with asthma is rather like being a Boy Scout; the important part is to be prepared. By understanding this disease and how to manage it, you can keep it from escalating into a crisis situation. Reading this article has been the first important step in getting control of this disease.
If you are traveling by plane and taking along your asthma medications, make sure to have with you any written doctors prescriptions, especially when carrying some large asthma equipment like a nebulizer. Carrying your prescriptions along with written proof that they are medically necessary, will cut down on potential problems at the airport checkpoints.