This information guide was created to help the millions of people who live with asthma every day – like you! A handful of the most helpful hints and tips have been selected for this article to enable you to lead more fulfilling life.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. If you are responsible for cleaning your residence, think about purchasing natural products, which are less likely to set off your asthma.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is a trigger for asthma attacks, not to mention the myriad of other diseases it can cause. Try to keep your children out of environments that are smokey to ensure the health of their lungs.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. This can also be caused by beta blockers, like medications that are used in managing high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, so they can best treat your asthma.
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 bad for everyone, but it’s particularly dangerous for an asthma sufferer, as it cuts off vital oxygen to the lungs.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. There are many all-natural organic cleaning products available that may help eliminate asthmatic problems.
If you use more than four types of chemical cleaning agents in your house the risk of your child having an asthma attack increases. Opt for organic cleaning products that do not contain irritating chemicals.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. Many asthma suffers find that dust or pollen can trigger an attack. While in other people, all it takes is physical activity and an attack can trigger. Try to figure out when your asthma began so it can be avoided.
Asthmatics should avoid being exposed to smoke, regardless if you are a smoker. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the lung’s function can be decreased, and you will increase the chance you have an asthma attack. Smaller areas without proper ventilation make you even more susceptible to an attack.
Avoid using a fan in any room that has excessive dust. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. Instead, you should consider opening a window to get some fresh clean air going through your lungs.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Food must only be allowed in the kitchen area, and there should be no smoking in the house at all. Don’t use strong cleaners or bleach and air out the house immediately following cleaning.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. While inhaling, spray the dosage in your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Allergens, the common cold and influenza can increase your asthma symptoms. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. Your doctor may need to add new treatments to your typical asthma regimen until you are well.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. These vitamins have been known to improve the function of the lungs and reduce some asthma symptoms. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. 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.
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, be sure to get flu shots every year. This is doubly important for asthmatic children. Stave off these infections immediately by getting your vaccinations yearly.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. Lowering humidity will reduce the amount of dust mites in your home, and help your asthma improve. Dehumidifiers keep the humidity out of your home by keeping the air dry.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. Whenever you can, stay away from these agents that can trigger symptoms or cause full-blown asthma attacks.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Use organic cleaning products since they don’t have irritating chemicals.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. Such irritants include mold spores, dust, smoke and chemical fumes. 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. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t expose yourself to secondhand smoke. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the lung’s function can be decreased, and you will increase the chance you have an asthma attack. Smaller areas without proper ventilation make you even more susceptible to an attack.
Mold and mildew grow in a home due to the humidity that creates a friendly environment for them. These substances can easily trigger asthma attacks. So, it makes sense to keep dry air in your home. A dehumidifier can be used in the winter, and in the summer, many air conditioner models also help strip moisture from the air.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Rescue Medication
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. The same it true for bedding, try purchasing sheets and comforters that are created from hypoallergenic materials.
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. Asthma typically is treated so that the sufferer has a regular maintenance medication, but is also prescribed a rescue medication, like an inhaler. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.
Asthma generally develops over a period of time, and the symptoms are not always obvious. There are actually many people that have passed away from an asthma attack without ever knowing they were even at risk. Therefore, if you find yourself having difficulties breathing or with a chronic cough, it is essential that you see a doctor and get tested for asthma. The sooner you get the needed treatment and medication, the better.
If you’re flying and bringing along your asthma medications, bring a doctor’s written prescription with you. When you can prove that an item is medically necessary, it can save a lot of time and hassle while working through airport security.
If you have asthma, don’t stop using your inhaler unless your doctor tells you to. However, watch for infections in your gums or other mouth discomfort after using your inhaler. Prevent these unnecessary side effects by gargling and brushing your teeth right after you use the inhaler.
It is important to use your maintenance inhaler daily as prescribed. However, understand that most types of inhalers contain ingredients which may make your mouth more susceptible to infections. You can prevent any of these mouth issues by brushing your teeth and gargling mouthwash as soon as you use the inhaler.
To improve your asthmatic condition, use a clean humidifier or vaporizer while you sleep. Bacteria can grow inside the machine because of the moist environment, and you will be releasing that right into the air if you are using it.
Do not smoke! Smoking is one of the worst things a person with asthma can do. The lungs of someone with asthma are irritated by smoking, whether by that person or someone nearby.
If inhaler use happens more than two times in each of your weeks, you must schedule an appointment with your doctor about this and possibly adjust your medication. This frequency of inhaler use means that your inhaler medication is not functioning effectively. Having to restock your inhaler more frequently than once every six months is also a concern.
If asthma does strike, don’t lose your cool. Wait thirty seconds to try your inhaler after using it the first time. If your attack worsens, get help. Get somebody to phone for EMS or even transport you themselves to the nearest emergency medical facility. Breathe into a paper bag for assistance in slowing your breathing during the trip to the hospital.
Joining a support group for asthma sufferers, or having a conversation with others who have asthma, is very helpful. They can give you pointers and tips on what to do in certain situations, and can help you in your fight against asthma. Keeping supportive people in your daily life is very important.
When you follow our guide, you will surely live a better life with your asthma symptoms under good control. Armed with this knowledge you have discovered within this article, you can participate in a more proactive lifestyle and make up all the things that you have missed out on.
You need to identify your particular triggers so that you can prevent an asthma attack. Think about using a journal to write down the things that you think might be triggering an attack, and talk about your notes with your health care professional. Once they are identified, you should make every attempt to avoid the triggers and remove them from the environment that you live in when at all possible.