Asthma keeps you from breathing properly, which can be extremely scary. Not only does an attack usually occur suddenly, it can be fatal and constantly limits your quality of life. In this article, you will learn some of the triggers of asthma attacks and some helpful ways to reduce their frequency and severity.
If you have asthma, you should definitely avoid smoking or being exposed to any kind of fumes or vapors. This means avoiding tobacco products, and making sure that you do not choose any kind of job that could expose you to harmful vapors or smoke, such as factory work.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. Certain asthma sufferers experience attacks when they around around allergy triggers, such as dust or pollen. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. Try to figure out when your asthma began so it can be avoided.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
There are medicines out there that may increase your chance of triggering asthma symptoms. NSAIDs and aspirin are known for their ability to cause symptoms. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma together with any of these conditions.
If you have asthma, get a dehumidifier for your home. Reducing the amount of humidity in your home reduces the number of dust mites, which in turn reduces the chances of your asthma flaring up. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
If you’re having an asthma attack, a great way to handle this is to immediately evacuate the air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and hard. Exhale with maximum force! Then take three quick breaths, next a deeper breath till your lungs fill with air, then repeat the forceful exhalation again. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It also expels air from your lungs so more can enter. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
It has been shown that if you use multiple varieties of cleaning products around your house, it will increase the chance of an asthma attack. Try using organic cleaning products that are not comprised of irritating chemicals.
If your asthma attacks are severe, you may want to speak with your doctor about a long lasting injection of medication to control your symptoms. Omalizumab is an antibody medication that is used to control these allergic reaction symptoms and may be recommended by your allergist.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Indoor air pollution rises with the constant use of anything scented, ranging from air fresheners to incense, and all this can trigger asthma attacks. Fresh pain and new carpet also let off odors that are irritable to the airways. Try to keep the indoor air as clean and fresh as possible.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Only permit food in designated eating areas, such as the kitchen or dining room, and don’t allow smoking inside the house at all. Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
A leukotriene inhibitor can be helpful if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that can bring about inflammation, resulting in an asthma attack. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Some illnesses create issues that make it necessary to increase medication temporarily. You might even get a new treatment added onto our existing program until the illness subsides.
When suffering from asthma, make sure to choose products that are unscented. Fragrances are present in hundreds of common consumer products, including cleaning supplies, perfumes, detergents and room sprays. Any of these items could easily increase the of triggering an attack. Put down some new carpeting and throw up a coat of paint to get rid of indoor odors. Take all necessary measures to ensure that your home is always filled with fresh, clean air.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Get vaccinated every flu season to avoid a high number of infections.
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Asthma is a terrible condition that can prevent you from engaging in simple daily activities. Others who suffer from asthma can give you immeasurable amounts of support and advice, and help you keep up with new medical developments.
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. If you have asthma, it’s most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can’t tolerate smoke. Avoid these things when you can to breathe easier.
Be sure to thoroughly understand how to utilize asthma medication correctly, particularly any rescue medication. A typical asthma treatment plan is daily medication backed up with an emergency inhaler. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.
Sleep with a feather-less pillow if you have asthma. The pillow feathers can cause asthma to flare up and minimize your lung function. The same it true for bedding, try purchasing sheets and comforters that are created from hypoallergenic materials.
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. To prevent these issues, brush and use mouthwash immediately after inhaler usage.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life – especially if it is quite severe. On top of that, an asthma support group will keep you apprised of the latest developments in asthma medication and other significant medical breakthroughs.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. If you find that you are relying on it more than two times a week, your asthma is possibly not being well-controlled. This number can help you monitor your environment for asthma triggers and let you determine if your treatment plan is working properly.
Asthma is a disease that can develop slowly over time, making it sometimes difficult to spot the symptoms. There are some cases reported that were so severe that a person died from one asthma attack when they didn’t even know they were considered at risk. That is why it is important to check regularly with your doctor and always point out if you are having any kind of breathing problems or related symptoms. With the proper medical attention, you can prevent attacks and keep asthma under control.
Avoid smoke, if you don’t want to have an asthma attack. Smoke can seriously affect the lungs and is a common asthma trigger. The fumes from chemicals, or smoke from cigarettes, should be avoided at all costs. Exposing yourself to these pollutants can have a significant effect on your asthma symptoms. Politely request that smokers abstain from smoking in your presence.
Allergens, pollen, dust and some other asthma aggravators can collect in your bed linens. A weekly wash cycle using hot water can eliminate these potential triggers for asthma attacks. Clean bed linens will help you breathe better while you sleep.
If asthma is allowed to go untreated and uncontrolled, it can be fatal. When you follow these handy tips, you will be able to control your asthma and enjoy everyday activities (such as breathing) to the fullest!
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Immediately use your asthma inhaler, rest for 30 seconds, then use it once more. If the attack you are experiencing starts getting worse, seek assistance. Go to the hospital immediately or call 911. Breathe into a paper bag for assistance in slowing your breathing during the trip to the hospital.