Asthma can sometimes be a frightening condition because it inhibits your breathing ability, something basic to all humans. You could get an asthma attack at any time and must always be prepared. The article below will give you a good understanding of everything you need to know about coping with your attacks and living a fuller life.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. Second-hand cigarette smoke is a leading cause of asthma. Ensure that your child is not around other people that smoke, either.
Smoking is extremely harmful if you suffer from asthma. If you are not already a smoker, don’t start, and if you are, quit as soon as possible. Smoking is horrible for people, it is really bad if asthma becomes worse and blocks oxygen to your body, you need oxygen to work and stave off asthma.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
Asthma is ongoing. Therefore, it also requires continual management of your health. You need to keep taking your medications to control the asthma symptoms every day, and if an attack should occur, you should have quick relief medication at your disposal. Speak to your physician and allergist to find out what medications are right for you.
Actually Trigger
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Force air out of your lungs with quick, powerful exhalations. Get the air all out of the lungs. Breathe in by taking three quick breaths, followed by one very deep breath. Doing this will fill your lungs completely, and allow you to expel the air forcefully again. The breathing rhythm that you create by doing this will cause you to be aware of every breath you take. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. It is okay to cough, even to generate sputum. Your ultimate goal is getting your breathing regulated.
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. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. If you smoke, try quitting. Never breathe in chemical fumes or vapors. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
Asthma is not a curable disease and will require life-long 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. Speak with an allergist or your doctor to determine the best care for you.
Make proper use of your inhaler. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
If you find yourself in a room that is dusty, don’t turn on any kind of fan. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. On smog-free, low pollen days, open your windows to improve airflow in the house.
If you’re having asthma problems, a dehumidifier is a beneficial purchase. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. Dehumidifiers keep the humidity out of your home by keeping the air dry.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler’s maker. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Using scented products, like air fresheners and perfume, will increase the level of air pollution and is likely to trigger an attack. In addition, paint that is fresh or carpet that is new release odors that can cause breathing irritations that lead to an asthma attack. Strive to maintain an indoor environment that is free from these pollutants, keeping the air fresh.
Though it is easy to postpone or avoid, get those annual flu vaccinations. When you are afflicted with asthma, steer as clear as you can of all types of respiratory infections. To do this you must take extra precautions against getting sick, like washing your hands often and getting vaccinated every year.
In order to minimize the chance of an asthma attack, be sure to keep your living area very clean, most definitely the bedroom area. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. If you clean with any harsh chemicals or bleach, make sure to ventilate thoroughly afterwards.
Scented Products
Keep all your regularly scheduled asthma appointments, regardless of how you are feeling. You never know when you might suffer another flare-up, or when your doctor might have a better or safer medication to prescribe for your symptoms.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Scented products such as air fresheners, incense and perfume heighten the degree of indoor air impurities and may possibly contribute to an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting can also irritate the airway. Try to see that the air inside your home remains as fresh as possible.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. To prevent these issues, brush and use mouthwash immediately after inhaler usage.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
Smoke should always be avoided when you suffer from asthma. Smoke is one of the primary triggers of asthma. Stay away from chemical fumes, vapors, and cigarette smoke at all times. These can aggravate your asthma symptoms. When anyone lights up a cigarette or cigar in your presence, politely inform them that you have asthma and ask them not to smoke beside you.
Humidity in your home causes an environment where mildew and mold are more likely to grow. Both mold and mildew are associated with asthma attacks. So try your best to make your home as dry as possible. Whenever you use a heater, you should use a dehumidifier, and air conditioning will help in the summer.
For people with serious asthma, exposure to household pets should be limited. Some asthma sufferers are allergic to animal fur or dander on top of their asthma, but even those who don’t have such an allergy can bring on an attack if they breathe in too much of these irritants.
If not properly treated and managed, asthma may be a death sentence. By following the advice in this article, you can help to manage your asthma and bring better breathing and more activity to your life.
Do not smoke. While smoking is a dangerous habit in general, it is far more damaging to those who have asthma. Smoke can severely irritate an asthma sufferer’s lungs; so, if you do suffer from asthma, stay away from both smoking and being around smoke in general.