If it is left without watching, asthma can become very severe. Attacks from asthma have been known to be fatal. It is important to talk to your doctor about it, as well as take time to research to learn more, too. With these easy to follow pieces of advice, you can live a healthier life with asthma.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren’t exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. It is very possible that one might bring on an asthma attack with some chemicals used for cleaning. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
What triggers your asthma? Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. Knowing the patterns of your symptoms will help you avoid crises.
Asthma is ongoing. Therefore, it also requires continual management of your health. Be certain that you are prescribed or using the appropriate medicine to manage your daily symptoms, and that you have an emergency medicine readily available in the event of an attack. Have a discussion with your doctor or allergist to determine what the best plan for you might be.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
If you have asthma and find yourself having frequent attacks caused by alleries, it may be time to consider a long-lasting medication. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
If you have asthma and cannot get health insurance, see a social worker. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. A leukotriene will cause inflammation in the respiratory system, causing an asthma attack. By blocking the effects of leukotrienes, a leukotriene inhibitor can reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
Make sure you know what triggers asthma attacks so you can either avoid those triggers or be prepared to manage your asthma symptoms. Smoke, pollen, or pet dander are common triggers. Make a special effort to avoid agents that bring on even minor asthma symptoms, much less a major attack.
Vitamins E and C are beneficial to anyone with asthma. They are believed to aid respiratory function and to be instrumental in keeping your asthma in check. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
Wear scarves, shawls and mufflers to cover your noise and mouth during colder weather. You can inhale warmer air into your body with these. Studies have consistently shown that cold air can cause your throat and lungs to constrict, triggering asthma attacks. Children are especially susceptible to cold-induced asthma.
When suffering from asthma, make sure to choose products that are unscented. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Keep your indoor air clean and free of pollutants to stay healthy.
Make sure you understand the correct way to use your asthma medication, especially any rescue medication. Asthma is a condition traditionally treated with a combination of a regular medicine and an emergency medicinal inhaler. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.
If you need to travel with your asthma medication, particularly if you plan on bringing a nebulizer or other large equipment, it can be helpful to obtain a letter from your doctor explaining their use. Having written proof that the item in question is in fact medically necessary can cut down on hassles at the security check.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. The feathers can make it harder to breathe right and trigger an attack. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
Keep track of the number of times per week you use your rescue inhaler. If you have to use your inhaler more than twice, then our asthma is not being controlled effectively, and you may need to see your doctor for a way to get it under control again. The amount you utilize your inhaler can remind you to always monitor your environment as a means of effectively managing your asthma.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Allergens, pollen, dust and some other asthma aggravators can collect in your bed linens. 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. Fresh linens, washed regularly, can ensure you breathe better as you sleep.