Are you an asthma sufferer who wishes they had more knowledge about their disease? You aren’t the only one. There are lots of people who want the straight dope about asthma, but aren’t sure what information is authoritative. The things that you will read about asthma in this article might be a surprise for you.
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. If you have the job of cleaning your house, you should safer, natural products.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is something that can lead to serious asthma. Try to keep your children out of environments that are smokey to ensure the health of their lungs.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. For many people, allergens such as dust and pollen can induce an attack. Some people get attacks after being physically active. It is important to determine what triggers your asthma attacks so you can try to avoid those things.
Asthma Symptoms
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. You should not smoke! Avoid breathing in the vapors and any other types of chemical fumes. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. If others are smoking and you are nearby, get away from them immediately.
There are some common medications that you could be using that will cause asthma symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
If you are a person with asthma and have persistent attacks related to allergy symptoms, a medication that can be used for a long term effect is one that can be injected. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. You need to always take your medications for your everyday symptoms, and keep your quick relief medication with you in case you do have an attack. Consult with your physician and allergist to find out what is best for you.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. These vitamins have been known to improve the function of the lungs and reduce some asthma symptoms. You can get both of these vitamins from eating certain foods, or by taking the vitamins in supplement form. The vitamins can help to boost the immune system, which will help you to stay healthy and less ill, which means you will have less asthma attacks.
Don’t turn on the fan if the dust in a room is aggravating your asthma. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products with a strong smell such as air fresheners, incense or perfume can trigger asthma attacks. Be aware that fresh paint and new carpet also can emit harmful odors that irritate sensitive airways. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
Social Worker
If your kid or you suffer from asthma, you should get a yearly flu shot. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
Talk to a social worker if you have asthma and no health insurance. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. The same reasoning applies to all bedding – only purchase bed sheets and comforters that are manufactured from hypoallergenic materials.
A dehumidifier is an excellent investment for asthma sufferers. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers keep your home dry by keeping the humidity out.
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. If you have the proof that this is a medical necessity, it can cause less hassles during the security check.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Scented products such as air fresheners and perfumes can trigger an asthma attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting give off odors that can irritate sensitive airways. Try to maintain the air in your house as free from possible asthma triggers as possible.
Keep an asthma diary and record how often, each week, you must use a rescue inhaler. If you use it three or more times each week, your treatment plan may not be working effectively or else an atypical situation may be triggering an increased number of attacks. How often you use your rescue inhaler should serve as a reminder that your environment needs to be monitored.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. Feathers can have a negative effect on the lungs and can worsen asthma symptoms. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
Stay away from smoke if you have asthma. Cigarette smoke will often trigger an asthma attack. So do whatever you can to stay away from vapors, chemical fumes and smoke from cigarettes. These environmental conditions can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. If there is someone who always smokes around you, you should politely ask this person to smoke when you aren’t present.
Find out how you are supposed to use your asthma medication and rescue treatments. Asthma is generally managed through regular medicine which is supplemented with rescue medications like inhalers. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
If you tend to suffer from any allergies or asthmatic conditions, always clean vaporizers very thoroughly, as well humidifiers and any associated apparatus. If the vaporizer or humidifier has not been thoroughly cleaned there could be bacteria growing inside of it. When you turn it on it will pump allergens that you will inevitably breath in.
Inhalers are important to use every day, but be aware that inhalers have been known to cause infections near the teeth and gums. To avoid those complications, be sure to brush teeth, gargle, and rinse mouth completely right after you have used the inhaler.
Knowing how to appropriately and safely use your inhaler is essential if you are afflicted with asthma. Spraying it into your mouth and then inhaling doesn’t work. You must simultaneously inhale and spray the inhaler, then hold your breath for several seconds. Follow the instructions on your inhaler exactly to get the most benefit.
Almost everyone with asthma would like to learn about the condition. Now that you’ve read this article, you’re aware of important information that will help you cope with the problems asthma causes. Use what you learned from this article, and apply it as much as possible to make your life a bit easier.
If you’re finding that you need to use your inhaler 3 or more times a week, it’s best to talk to your doctor about switching medications. Frequent need of an inhaler is an indication that the medication prescribed is not the right strength. This is also true if your inhaler needs refilling more than two times annually.