Asthma is a very serious medical condition, and your life could have serious affects from it. When you understand what increases the likelihood of an asthma attack, you put yourself in the best position for dealing with it. This article can help you deal with your asthma better.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. 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.
An important part of symptom management is knowing what type of asthma you have. When you know in-depth information about your asthma, you can figure out how to fight against it. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
Asthma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing, consistent management and care. Take the proper medications for controlling your asthma daily, and keep quick relief medication somewhere on you just in case you have a sudden 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 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. If your child is in an area where people are smoking, remove him quickly to avoid an asthma attack.
If you have asthma, you should keep away from any smoke from cigarettes. Never smoke yourself! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. If people smoke around you, you should get away form that area.
If you suffer from asthma and you smoke, it’s crucial that you quit. Smoking is not recommended for anyone, but it creates worse complications for asthma patients by cutting off part of the oxygen supply needed to breathe properly.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Your inhaler will only help if you breathe very deeply. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires constant management. Take the proper medications for controlling your asthma daily, and keep quick relief medication somewhere on you just in case you have a sudden attack. Discuss your best options with your allergist and doctor.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. This means taking every precaution possible, do things like getting vaccinated to prevent sickness to hand washing on a regular basis.
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 hard and fast. You have to force the air out. Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. It pushes air from your lungs so you can breathe more in. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
Take a lot of Vitamin E and C if you are suffering from asthma. These vitamins make lungs function better and keep symptoms of asthma under control. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it won’t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
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. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. A great way to prevent this is to purchase some organic, non-chemical cleaning products. These all-natural products are safe when inhaled.
Think about buying a dehumidifier if your asthma symptoms are bad. 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.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. This annual flu shot will prevent infectious damage to your lungs.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Food should not be eaten outside of the kitchen, and there should be no indoor smoking. When cleaning your home, try not to use products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach. You should also allow fresh air to thoroughly circulate throughout your home after you’re done cleaning it.
Sleep with a feather-less pillow if you have asthma. Pillow feathers force the lungs to work harder and can exacerbate asthma problems. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Get vaccinated every flu season to avoid a high number of infections.
Your home’s humidity can cause mold and mildew growth within it. Mold and mildew can easily cause severe asthma attacks. To halt the growth of mold and mildew keep your home’s humidity low. When you are using a heater in winter time, you can run a dehumidifier for help controlling humidity. In the summer, running your air conditioner will allow you to keep your humidity down.
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. The majority of individuals afflicted with asthma know there are common irritants like pollen, pet dander and smoke. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
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. So, if you have difficulty breathing or a cough that doesn’t go away, see a doctor to figure out whether you suffer from asthma and to determine whether you will be needing medication to prevent or treat the condition.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. The feathers from a pillow can cause asthma symptoms and decrease your lung function. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
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. When you can prove that an item is medically necessary, it can save a lot of time and hassle while working through airport security.
When you are traveling, be sure to carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Traveling adds strain on the body and increases your susceptibility to asthma triggers. You can’t control the weather or the environment when you travel, so keep in mind you are more vulnerable to symptoms and attacks when you go to a new area.
Use your inhaler when you need to, but be aware that this product can cause infections near your gums and teeth. To avoid those complications, be sure to brush teeth, gargle, and rinse mouth completely right after you have used the inhaler.
Even if you have not had any recent breathing problems, you should nonetheless schedule regular checkups. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.
It is important to track how often you use your fast-acting inhaler each week. If you are using it more than twice, your asthma may not be as well-controlled as you think or you may be experiencing unusual circumstances bringing on more frequent attacks. The frequency of use of your inhaler can give you an idea about your surroundings and the need to watch them.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. If you have asthma, it can stop you from participating in basic activities like sports, especially if the condition is severe. Also, other asthma sufferers can alert you to scientific breakthroughs and changes, such as new medications.
You should visit your doctor regularly throughout the year, so they can keep you apprised on the status of your asthma. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and make any changes as they see fit. You are responsible to schedule these appointments so you can stay healthy.
If you feel like your symptoms are taking over your life, speak with your doctor. As much as possible, take steps to use these tips to manage your symptoms, and improve life quality.
Always use an appropriately-designed mask when painting to guard against breathing paint fumes. The fumes from the pain can irritate your asthma. By using a mask, you will keep yourself from inhaling the majority of these fumes. Avoid specific substances and chemicals that will worsen your asthma.