Asthma strikes by making it difficult or impossible to breathe properly. It is no wonder the condition is a frightening one. Its onset can be instantaneous, and can even result in death. This article not only explains some of the triggers of asthma attacks, but also details solutions for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
If you are afflicted with asthma, it is critical that you don’t smoke. Although smoking is bad for all people, it is especially worse for asthma patients because it cuts off the oxygen supply that you need in order for your lungs to function and keep away asthma attacks.
If you have received a diagnosis of asthma, you are not to smoke or be near vapors or other types of fumes. Stay away from jobs that would expose you to toxic or heavy vapors, and refrain from any tobacco use.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. For many, allergens like dust and pollen, can trigger their attacks. Or, you may need to avoid certain activities that overexert your body. You should know what causes asthma, so you can stay away from these things.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. As far as triggers that cause asthma attacks or causes of the condition in general, secondhand cigarette smoke ranks right up there. It’s best to also keep your child away from places in which others will be smoking.
If you have asthma and find yourself having frequent attacks caused by alleries, it may be time to consider a long-lasting medication. It is called omalizumab, and it is an antibody medicine used to control allergic reaction symptoms. You will need to speak to your allergist to find out if this would be helpful to you.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. Common medications used for controlling high blood pressure often times contain beta blockers, which asthmatics may be more sensitive to. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. This prescription will prevent the product of leukotrines and help to abate the symptoms of asthma. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. The inhibitor will block leukotrienes from getting into your lungs and lessen the chances of you suffering an asthma attack.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. 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. Speak to your allergist and doctor to see what they recommend for you.
Use the inhaler the right way. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The medicine must go to your lungs for it to work. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
If you’re in a dustier room, avoid turning on a fan. Dust blown around by fans can cause your asthma to rear up. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
Talk to a social worker if you’re not eligible for any health insurance and you’re an asthma sufferer. You must have the ability to afford your medication, so a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer them at little cost or free.
Consider getting injections of medications to treat your asthma if you are prone to attacks induced by allergy symptoms. For example, Omalizumab can be used to keep your allergic reactions to a minimum and your asthma under control.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity and keep the air in your home dry.
You can help to prevent asthma attacks by maintaining a clean home, particularly the asthmatic’s bedroom. Do not allow smoking in your house, and keep food in your kitchen. If you clean with any harsh chemicals or bleach, make sure to ventilate thoroughly afterwards.
For asthma sufferers, the unscented option is always the best choice among different products. 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. Be aware that fresh paint and new carpet also can emit harmful odors that irritate sensitive airways. Try to see that the air inside your home remains as fresh as possible.
Be prepared for your asthma treatment to be increased if you have a cold or hay fever. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
Asthma treatment dosages will need to be increased if you are sick with a cold or are dealing with hay fever. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. Your physician may even recommend that you take additional medication until you recover.
Flu Shot
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. When you travel, you sometimes strain your body a little more than you think, which can make you a bit more susceptible to having asthma attacks. Traveling can make asthma symptoms worse, and it is difficult, nearly impossible to control environmental triggers during travel.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Prevent those flu infections before they happen by getting a flu shot each year.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. Some of these irritants include dust, mold and spores. To ensure health and reduce the potential for asthma attacks, have a yearly inspection for the presence and removal of these hazards. Keep your house clean to keep these asthma triggers out of your home.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. Asthma sufferers generally have different triggers in common like pollen, pet dander and smoke. When possible, stay away from triggers of asthma symptoms in an effort to prevent a severe attack.
You can wear warm things like a shawl, muffler or scarf, which can help cover your nose and mouth in the colder months. Proper winter wear can keep cold air from agitating your lungs. Breathing cold air can set off an asthma attack, particularly in small children who have have somewhat severe asthma.
Not to scare people, but asthma can truly be fatal if sufferers do not control and manage it properly. If you heed the advice that this article shared with you, not only will your asthma be better managed, you will also have a greater breath capacity and a more active lifestyle.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. 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 frequently you need to use the inhaler can help you recognize any environmental changes you need to make.