Living through a bout of asthma is quite unsettling, as is the knowledge that the disease will never entirely go away. Knowing the right way to treat and manage your asthma can dramatically improve your life. Keep reading to learn some specific strategies that can help you live a full life despite your asthma.
It is vital that neither you, nor anyone else, smoke around a child with asthma. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke and any other kind of fumes.
There are many different types of asthma. Gaining as much knowledge as you can about the type of asthma you have can make your day-to-day activities a little easier. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. You can actually start preventing asthma attacks if you are aware and mindful of any patterns that your symptoms present.
If you are asthmatic, you absolutely must not subject yourself to any form of cigarette smoke. Smoking is a terrible habit but it’s even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. If you’re the one that cleans your home, try organic or natural cleaning solutions that are much less risky to your health.
Keep away from any and everything that you know triggers your asthma attacks. Some people have allergies that cause asthma, and allergens such as dust and pollen can cause an attack. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. It is important to determine what triggers your asthma attacks so you can try to avoid those things.
Exhale Forcefully
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause 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. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
If you have moderate asthma attacks, exhale forcefully, so that you force air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and forcefully. Forcefully push the air out from your lungs. Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. This gives your breathing a rhythm, which makes you aware of how many breaths you take. It also helps to push air out from your lungs so new air can come back in. If you cough up mucus, don’t worry – just get the breathing back to normal.
Asthma is a disease that is continuous. As such, it requires long-term health management. Always be very sure that you’re taking the right type of medication for your condition if you hope to control it. It’s also important to have a quick-relief medication available. A variety of options are available for the treatment of asthmatic attacks. Consult your doctor and an allergist.
Consider a leokotriene inhibitor if your asthma is not controlled by other methods. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can provoke an inflammation that causes an asthma attack. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
If you have asthma and have frequent attacks that are related to allergies, there are medicines that can be injected to provide you with long-term relief. Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
Knowing how to properly manage your asthma is very important. Asthma’s burden can be lighter if you learn how to live with it in a successful manner. Fortunately, medical science has discovered much regarding asthma, and the information here can get you started towards better management and clearer understanding of this affliction.
If you have asthma that is not covered by health insurance, contact someone in a government agency, like a social worker. It’s vital that you stay on medication, so there may be programs available to help you get them at a discount.