Asthma is a fright-inducing situation, whether it afflicts you or someone you care about. Know what asthma may do, what the condition is, and how to manage it properly. Always know what could possibly happen, learn to spot the warning signs, and be prepared to react if you can’t prevent them.
Asthma is not a curable disease and will require life-long health management. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. Talk to your doctor and allergist to see what is the best idea for you.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. 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.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can’t breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Exhale quickly and hard. You have to force the air out. Inhale three times with short breaths, and then on the fourth one take a deeper breath so your lungs are full of air but still comfortable. Then breath out as hard as you can again. This establishes a regular pattern to your breathing routine, which means you have to pay attention to how you are breathing. Expelling the air from your lungs in this fashion also allows you to breathe in deeper. You may generate sputum or cough but that is alright, since your main objective is getting you to breathe normally again.
Asthma Problems
Get a flu shot every season and make sure your family does as well. If you are afflicted with asthma, avoid getting any infections if possible. Take the right steps to stop yourself from getting sick, wash your hands and get the right vaccines.
Be aware of certain medications that can lead to asthma problems. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Scented products, like air fresheners, incense and perfume, raise indoor pollution levels and can trigger asthma attacks. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Keep your indoor air clean and free of pollutants to stay healthy.
If you find yourself having a mild asthma attack, force the air from your lungs until they are empty. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. Really force that air out of your lungs! Inhale a series of three quick breaths, followed by a deeper one, before exhaling with force again. This establishes a regular pattern to your breathing routine, which means you have to pay attention to how you are breathing. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
To cut the risk of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as you can, particularly the bedroom of the person with asthma. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. A reduction in humidity will also lessen the amount of dust mites in your home. This lessens the chance of an asthma flare up. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
Those who have asthma should avoid down pillows. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Try organic cleaners that are free of irritating chemicals.
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor’s appointments. You don’t know when you could have another flare-up, or if there are better or safer medications available.
You will need to keep your residence really clean, especially the bedroom where the asthma sufferer sleeps in order to help lessen the chances of an attack. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This lets the air warm slightly before you breathe it in. Breathing in cold air tends to start asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
As you can see, there is so much to find out about asthma. The tips in this article offer a few ways to deal with asthma, whether you suffer personally or if it’s a loved one. You can lessen the effect that asthma has on their life!
Know the right way to take your asthma medication, and above all any rescue medication. Asthma is usually treated by using a regular medicine supplemented with a rescue medicine, like 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.