Asthma can make it difficult for you to live an even semi-normal life. The fact that even something as simple as going for a walk can cause complications leaves you feeling incapacitated. Asthma is incurable and can be difficult to control. The below article provides some advice on preventing your symptoms from getting too bad.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. If you must do the cleaning in your home, opt for natural products with lower chemical content.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. Smoking is terrible for everyone, but it lowers the oxygen supply in asthma patients who need as much oxygen as possible.
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor helps to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
Keep clear of anything that you know to be a trigger for your asthma. This could be something you’re allergic to like pollen or dust. Others find themselves suffering from attacks when they overexert themselves. Pay attention to what causes your attacks so you can prevent them from happening.
If you have asthma that is not covered by health insurance, contact someone in a government agency, like a social worker. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
There are certain medications that cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Not everyone knows this. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. Asthma sufferers need to be careful and guard against any upper-resperatory illnesses. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
Asthma is a chronic condition, requiring constant health management. Make certain you are doing the most you can each day to keep your symptoms under control. Take the proper medications needed for everyday symptoms, and always have quick relief medication by you at all times in the event an attack occurs. Talk to your doctor and allergist to see what is the best idea for you.
You might want to purchase a dehumidifier to use at home if you have asthma. Reducing the amount of humidity in your home reduces the number of dust mites, which in turn reduces the chances of your asthma flaring up. Try running a dehumidifier to dry up the air in your home.
Should you wind up inside a really dusty room, don’t activate any fans. The fan will circulate the dust along with the air, which can cause it to get into your lungs and make your asthma worse. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
Proper knowledge of how to use your inhaler is necessary if you have asthma. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
When you are suffering from asthma and you have hay fever or a cold, you will most likely need an increase in your treatment. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
If you suffer from asthma, ensure you consume lots of Vitamins E and C. They help to increase the function of the lungs and control the overall symptoms of asthma. Vitamin C is available in multiple forms. You can find it in citrus fruits, supplements, and in many other places. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
Receiving a regular flu shot is a great tip to implement if you or someone you love suffers from asthma. This annual flu shot will prevent infectious damage to your lungs.
You may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your home if you suffer from asthma. Cutting down the humidity in the house will lower the amount dust mites in the air, and that will mean fewer asthma flare-ups. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home’s humidity, leaving dry air.
Your home is where most asthma triggers are located. These causes are sources, such as, but not limited to dust, mold and spores. An annual visit by a professional inspector can help keep your home free from these agents, and reduce the likelihood of an attack. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
For those who have asthma, the safest choice is to stick with unscented products. Fragrances are present in hundreds of common consumer products, including cleaning supplies, perfumes, detergents and room sprays. Any of these items could easily increase the of triggering an attack. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Try to maintain fresh air inside your home.
You can wear warm things like a shawl, muffler or scarf, which can help cover your nose and mouth in the colder months. This lets the air warm slightly before you breathe it in. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
There is good reason to make sure you have your rescue medicine for asthma in a convenient, easy to reach place. When you travel, you sometimes strain your body a little more than you think, which can make you a bit more susceptible to having asthma attacks. You can’t exert as much control over your environment when you travel, so you may have an asthma attack or exacerbation of symptoms under unfamiliar conditions.
A lot of times asthma will develop over time, and has symptoms that aren’t always obvious. There are many cases where people have died from their first asthma attack, without even being aware that they were 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.
Support Group
When taking asthma medications on a plane trip, bring written medical prescriptions provided by your doctor. Carrying your prescriptions along with written proof that they are medically necessary, will cut down on potential problems at the airport checkpoints.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma is a terrible condition that can prevent you from engaging in simple daily activities. 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.
Asthma sufferers need to know which types of animals and breeds won’t trigger their asthma attacks. Asthmatics can be affected by the dander or pollen that comes from the animals, even if they have no allergies to them. This can be a very risky situation to put yourself in and should be avoided.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. Without a written prescription stating that the item is medically necessary, you may experience frustration and delays at security checkpoints.
Dust and other allergens often accumulate in bed sheets. Wash sheets on a weekly basis to rid them of allergens. Use hot water to wash the sheets. You should also wash pillowcases. Fresh bed linens, laundered on a regular basis, will keep you breathing clearly and easily at night while you slumber.
Prevent Asthma Symptoms
Consult with more than one physician. Your primary care doctor should be the first person you go to, but think about seeing a few specialists. Think about going to a pulmonologist, an allergist or even a nutritionist, depending on what is triggering your attacks.
Do not treat your asthma lightly. Take the steps you need to to prevent asthma symptoms and seek professional help when you are having a potentially dangerous asthma attack. Use these suggestions to help you prevent asthma symptoms all of your life!
Always try your best to remain calm if you begin having an asthma attack. First thing first, use your inhaler, then wait 30 seconds and begin to use it again. If the attack gets worse, then seek help immediately. Ask a family member or friend to call for ambulatory help or to drive you to the emergency room. Slow your breathing by inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag while you are waiting for help.