Asthma can be a challenging condition. It can inhibit your ability to do some basic daily tasks, like going for a walk outside. Even worse, asthma can’t be cured, and it’s extremely difficult to control the symptoms. Follow the tips below to prevent asthma attacks and manage your symptoms.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. This means avoidance of all tobacco products, as well as taking into consideration any smoke or vapors you might be exposed to in a prospective workplace.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. One of the best ways to combat asthma and its limiting effects on your life is to know and understand as much as you can about your specific condition. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. By knowing the pattern to your symptoms it will be a big help to you avoiding crises.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Be certain that you are prescribed or using the appropriate medicine to manage your daily symptoms, and that you have an emergency medicine readily available in the event of an attack. Consult with your physician and allergist to find out what is best for you.
If your child or another loved one suffers from asthma, you should be sure to never smoke cigarettes when you’re near them. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Never allow anyone to smoke around your child, and teach them not to smoke as an adult themselves.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Asthma creates breathing problems by constricting airways, and cigarette smoking only exacerbates the problem. Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening. Leave a room if people smoke, or ask them to stop.
If you are afficted with asthma, it is critical to quit smoking and avoid the use of any other tobacco products. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, regardless of their health; however, when you have asthma, smoking restricts the oxygen your lungs needs to breathe and function properly. If your lung function is affected, you run the risk of having more frequent attacks.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. This could trigger an asthma attack because this will move the dust around. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
You want to make sure you can avoid situations that could trigger your asthma. Certain asthma sufferers experience attacks when they around around allergy triggers, such as dust or pollen. While in other people, all it takes is physical activity and an attack can trigger. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. Air is kept dry by dehumidifiers by sucking the humidity out of it.
Asthma doesn’t just go away, so you can’t just stop managing it. 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.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Organic cleaners are also a safer choice since they contain fewer chemical irritants.
If you use any more than four kinds of cleaning product around your home, then the risk of an asthma attack is increased. Choose natural and organic products which don’t have chemicals that will irritate your disease.
Asthma Symptoms
If you’ve got asthma, don’t smoke or be near smokers. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
Make sure you know what triggers asthma attacks so you can either avoid those triggers or be prepared to manage your asthma symptoms. Some common asthma triggers include pet dander, pollen, and cigarette smoke. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
Your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you become ill. Adjusting your medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms of these and other illnesses. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Be sure you understand how to use your asthma medication, especially emergency medication. Most people treat their asthma with regular daily medication, and carry supplemental emergency medication in the form of a rescue inhaler. Asthma is not curable, so it is very important that you take your medication properly and only use your rescue medication if you need it.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
Asthma generally develops over a period of time, and the symptoms are not always obvious. In fact, some people who didn’t even realize they had asthma died as a result of their initial attack. It is advised that you seek out a medical professional if you ever have shortness of breath or experience constant coughing; this may be a sign that you suffer from asthma and need proper medication to prevent an asthma attack and keep your condition under control.
Don’t skip appointments for your checkups, even if you haven’t had any recent asthma attacks. You don’t know when another flare-up will happen, or when your physician can offer you safer or superior medicine for your symptoms.
When flying and bringing along asthma medications and equipment, be sure to pack your prescriptions. This is especially true for large items like a nebulizer. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
Some of asthma’s major triggers can be right in your home. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. If you want to prevent and manage these sources of asthma attacks, have regular home inspections by a professional, and get identified harming agents cleaned out. Furthermore, thorough and frequent cleaning will ensure that allergens and other possible triggers do not accumulate in your home.
Inhalers are important to use every day, but be aware that inhalers have been known to cause infections near the teeth and gums. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth and gargling immediately following the use of your inhaler.
Bed linens often trap allergens, dust, pollen and other things that can aggravate asthma. You could reduce the potential impact of these asthma inducers by cleaning your sheets regularly. You’re less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
Try to avoid the seasonal pollen that may trigger an asthma attack. While asthma and allergies are separate illnesses, you’ll find that the triggers for one tend to be mirrored in the other. These days, information about the quality of local air is readily available, so people with asthma can avoid spending time outside when the air is full of things that irritate their lungs.
See a specialist. The first place to consider visiting is your main doctor, but they might also be able to recommend a specialist. Allergists, asthma centers, pulmonologists, and even nutritionists can work with you to make sure you are taking advantage of all avenues of treatment.
If you suffer from asthma and allergies, make sure you clean your humidifier before using it. Bacteria can build up in the moisture of these machines, and get relayed into the very environment that you are attempting to make more conducive to your condition.
If you are suffering from an asthma attack, try to remain calm and do not panic. Wait thirty seconds to try your inhaler after using it the first time. If the attack you are experiencing starts getting worse, seek assistance. Get someone to call an ambulance or get you to a hospital. Slow your breathing by inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag while you are waiting for help.
Knowing the correct way to use an inhaler is essential. Simply spraying it and then inhaling in a shallow manner will negate the inhaler’s benefits. Every time you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe the mist in deeply and hold it for a a few moments. If you are having trouble using it correctly, ask your doctor for help at your next visit.
If you are utilizing the inhaler more than two times a week, ask your doctor to change your medicine. Frequent use of the rescue inhaler means that your management medicine is not working as it should. This also goes for refills. If you find yourself refilling your inhaler in excess of twice a year, then you need to change medications.
As the above article has stated, asthma is a terrible condition that should never be taken lightly. If you feel like you are losing control of the situation, go see a doctor. The more you use the tips you just read about, the better control you’ll have over your asthma. Don’t let asthma stop you from living a full life.
Schedule regular visits with your doctor to check up on your asthma. Ideally these should occur every few months. Only your doctor can fully evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate changes in treatment. You are responsible to schedule these appointments so you can stay healthy.