There is no joking when it comes to asthma and the damage it can cause upon its victims. You need to be able to take the right steps so that you are in control of your asthma, which will help you greatly when having to deal with this illness. This below article is the perfect launching platform for those who desire to learn about asthma and all the different ways it can affect you.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. Allergens such as dust and pollen can bring on an asthma attack at any time. Others find themselves suffering from attacks when they overexert themselves. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
During an attack that isn’t severe, force all air from your lungs. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Inhale a series of three quick breaths, followed by a deeper one, before exhaling with force again. This gives your breathing a rhythm, which makes you aware of how many breaths you take. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. You might cough or produce sputum, but that is fine; you are trying to get breathing under control again.
Certain prescription medications have the potential to cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. 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.
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. Never smoke yourself! Do not breathe in the vapors or any other chemical fumes. More often than not, smoke is going to trigger an unavoidable asthma attack. Do everything you can to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, allergens and harsh chemical fumes to keep your asthma symptoms under control.
Asthma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing, consistent management and care. 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. Work with your allergist and doctor to find the right treatment program that makes you feel good and allows you to still do the things you want to do.
If the room that you’re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. Otherwise, the dust will fly into the air and could give you an attack. If you need airflow, simply opening a window would be better.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Stave off these infections immediately by getting your vaccinations yearly.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. Feathers may trigger asthma symptoms by irritating your lungs. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor works by preventing leukotrienes. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
Wear a covering over your mouth and nose when you go outdoors in the colder weather. A shawl, scarf or muffler would work well. This helps warm the air prior to it entering your lungs. Young children are especially at risk for an asthma attack if the air they breathe is too cold, but this problem can affect anybody with asthma.
Use the inhaler properly. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The inhaler is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
It is important to know the proper way to use asthma medication, especially the medication that is used in an emergency. Asthma typically is treated so that the sufferer has a regular maintenance medication, but is also prescribed a rescue medication, like an inhaler. Asthma lasts a lifetime, so you must manage your treatment and lifestyle to ensure you’re taking the best care of yourself.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. Feathers can aggravate symptoms of asthma and lower lung function. This also goes for bedding; use sheets, comforters and blankets that are crafted from hypoallergenic materials.
If you are flying with your asthma medications, especially a large piece of equipment such as a nebulizer, be sure to bring along a written prescription from your doctor. Written proof of needing your equipment can help you with any issues you might have in the security line.
Your home’s humidity can cause mold and mildew growth within it. This stuff can easily set off an asthma attack. Therefore, try and keep the home dry. You can maintain a dry home by using a dehumidifier and heater in the colder months, and air conditioning when it is warm.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth and gargling immediately following the use of your inhaler.
Asthma generally develops over a period of time, and the symptoms are not always obvious. There have been a few cases where a person dies from their first attack, because they didn’t know they suffered from the condition. Because of this, if you notice that you have trouble breathing or are constantly coughing, you may want to visit your doctor. They can tell you if you have asthma and if there is a medication that you should be taking. Your doctor can also tell you if there is something you can do to prevent asthma from developing.
Make note of how often, on a weekly basis, you use your inhaler. You should not have to rely on a rescue inhaler more than twice per week. If you find yourself needing it more often, it could be a sign that your asthma is not being controlled well or that there is a new environmental factor causing attacks more frequently. How often you use your rescue inhaler should serve as a reminder that your environment needs to be monitored.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. The written prescription will help you get through security without difficulty, because it establishes that your nebulizer and supplies are medically necessary.
Keep in mind that mopping your floors with a wet mop will cause less asthma problems than sweeping will. If you are sweeping, you can trigger an asthma attack by stirring up a lot of allergens into the air. A damp rag should be used when dusting because a feather duster can cause dust to kick up and lead to an asthma attack.
Asthma Attack
For asthma sufferers having contact with pets or other animals need to be minimized. Animals carry pollen and dust with them and can trigger serious asthma attacks.
Avoid smoke, if you don’t want to have an asthma attack. Inhaling smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Vapors, cigarette smoke, and chemical fumes should be avoided. Things like this can make your asthma worse. If you live with or near a smoker, find a way to politely ask that they not smoke around you or your living spaces.
Allergens, pollen and other irritants can collect in your linens and aggravate your asthma. Use fresh linens to make up your bed on a regular basis. Fresh linens, washed regularly, can ensure you breathe better as you sleep.
Bed linens tend to collect asthma triggers like pollen, dust and other allergens. It is important to wash your bed linens at least once per week in very hot water if you want to reduce or eliminate the potential aggravators. You will breathe easier at night when you have freshly washed and clean bed linens.
See a specialist. Your family doctor will be in charge of your asthma treatment, but seeing a specialist can provide you with invaluable help. Asthma centers, pulmonologists, allergists or even nutritionists will be able to work with you, make certain that you check out all outlets offering treatment.
During times that pollen counts are high, asthma sufferers should try to stay indoors. Even though asthma is not technically an allergy, those who suffer from allergies often find their condition is exacerbated by the same irritants and triggers that those afflicted with asthma are affected by as well. Technology has brought with it real-time air quality reports that can be consulted before exposure to outdoor air that may cause irritation to asthmatics.
If you are suffering from asthma, you should learn how to utilize your inhaler the right way. Don’t just breathe normally or shallowly after spraying inhaled medication into your mouth. You must breathe deeply for at least a few seconds when using your inhaler. The medicine will not be able to do its job if you aren’t taking the time to take it the right way.
If you have symptoms that are getting more severe, see your doctor. Also, follow this advice to control your symptoms so you can live a healthy life.
When painting, you should buy a protective mask if you suffer from asthma. Not surprisingly, paint fumes are a known irritant for asthma. Specially designed masks can filter out these fumes. In general, you should avoid anything that will trigger an asthma attack or worsen your asthma symptoms.