Asthma is a problem that all ages are constantly dealing with. Always be aware of warning signs and certain environments that may worsen your symptoms. By avoiding things and places that bother your system, and by seeing a professional about your asthma, you will be better able to prevent an attack. The following article will provide you with ideas to help you control your asthma.
An important tip to help protect your asthma-afflicted children is to always refrain from smoking around them. It has been medically proven that smoking can cause asthma or make existing symptoms worse. You should never put your children in a situation where they are exposed to people who are smoking.
When you suffer a medium-intensity attack, try and forcefully exhale all air from your lungs. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. Really expel the air from your lungs! Do your inhalations in triple bursts of short breaths, and then follow with final deep inhalation so that you fill your lungs comfortably, before exhaling with vehemence once more. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. Do not be alarmed if you cough or generate excess mucous; this is perfectly normal. Your only concern is to return your breathing to normal.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Although smoking causes health problems for everyone, it is even more dangerous to asthma sufferers because the smoke causes airway swelling that cuts off oxygen to your lungs, and can trigger an attack.
Dust will make you have an attack, so keep the air calm in dirty rooms. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. A lot of the cleaning products have certain chemicals in them which can trigger asthma attacks. If you’re the one that cleans your home, try organic or natural cleaning solutions that are much less risky to your health.
Asthma Attacks
Stay away from anything that you are aware of that may trigger your asthma. Perhaps you have allergies or are sensitive to dust and pollen. Others find themselves suffering from attacks when they overexert themselves. Do your best to understand and figure what exactly triggers your asthma so that you know what you need to avoid.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. Taking an inhibitor will reduce the amount of this substance your body produces, which should decrease the number of attacks you experience.
There are certain medications that cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Not everyone knows this. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with a social worker. 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.
If you are having an attack that is not severe, push as much air out of the lungs as possible. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. Truly pump all air from your lungs! Then take three small breaths in, followed by a deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably. Next, exhale forcefully again. Breathing in this rhythmic manner helps you to concentrate on the breaths you’re taking. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. If you cough or produce sputum, don’t worry. Just remain focused on your objective, which is to regain a normal rate of breathing.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. These vitamins make lungs function better and keep symptoms of asthma under control. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
When you are dealing with asthma, try getting a lekotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor helps to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can provoke an inflammation that causes an asthma attack. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
To minimize the chances of triggering a bout of asthma, keep your house extra clean, particularly rooms where asthma patients sleep. Food should not be eaten outside of the kitchen, and there should be no indoor smoking. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
If you have asthma and cannot get health insurance, see a social worker. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
Be keenly aware of the triggers for your asthma attacks. If you know the cause, you can stay away to prevent asthma attacks. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. Whenever possible, avoid those substances that trigger either symptoms or full-blown attacks.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
When you are traveling, be sure to carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. Traveling can make asthma symptoms worse, and it is difficult, nearly impossible to control environmental triggers during travel.
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. Try organic cleaners that are free of irritating chemicals.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. 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.
Unscented products are best for asthma sufferers. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, can pollute the air triggering your asthma. Put down some new carpeting and throw up a coat of paint to get rid of indoor odors. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. This will keep you from breathing cold air. Young children are especially at risk for an asthma attack if the air they breathe is too cold, but this problem can affect anybody with asthma.
Feather pillows can be bad for those with asthma. The feathers contained in these pillows can aggravate asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Maintenance Medication
In the winter, prevent attacks by wearing shawls, mufflers and scarves that cover the nose and mouth. You can help warm the air with these things before they bring any harm to your lungs. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Know exactly how any asthma medication you take or may take works. Asthma is generally treated with a rescue medication, usually an inhaler, in addition to a regularly-taken maintenance medication. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.
Be sure you understand how to use your asthma medication, especially emergency medication. When you have asthma, you should be on a maintenance medication and have an emergency medicine for asthma attacks. Usually this is in the form of an inhaler. Because asthma does not get cured, those afflicted with it must continue to take their regular medication and use their rescue inhaler when needed.
You should not take asthma lightly. Asthma attacks can kill you, so you should always take the necessary measures to ensure you are safe from worse problems. Always have a backup inhaler with you, and try to limit your exposure to irritating airborne contaminants. If you use them, you may find that you can reduce your symptoms and feel better.
If you’re flying with asthma medications, be sure you get a prescription from your physician. If you’ve got written proof, it’ll save you a lot of hassle when you’re at a security check.