Asthma is a chronic condition that challenges your ability to live your life. It diminishes your capacity for normal activities, like taking a simple walk. Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for asthma, but there are indeed treatments. That said, there ARE tips and techniques which can make managing your asthma and returning to a full life possible, and we’ve included many in this article. Read on!
Stay away from smoking, or being around any smoke, vapors or fumes. You must abstain from using any tobacco products. Also, when job hunting, you need to take into consideration whether or not you will be exposed to anything detrimental to your condition while on the job.
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. Your allergist may recommend a variety of medications to control your reactions and the onset of asthma.
If you have asthma and cannot get health insurance, see a social worker. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
If you have asthma, get a dehumidifier for your home. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Try running a dehumidifier to dry up the air in your home.
Social Worker
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. When you breathe in smoke, particularly in an enclosed area, your lungs cannot function as well, and it increases your risk of having an asthma attack.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with a social worker. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Scented products, like air fresheners, incense and perfume, raise indoor pollution levels and can trigger asthma attacks. Certain things around the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Clean your indoor air and keep it as fresh as you can.
Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important if you suffer from asthma. These vitamins aid in improving the function of the lungs and controlling the symptoms of asthma. These vitamins can be easily obtained, either through your diet or a supplement. Getting enough vitamins is also a good way to prevent asthma attacks by boosting your immune system.
Attend your regular asthma checkups, even if things seem to be going well. Your health care provider may have new prescriptions that could benefit you in case the need arises.
Try joining an in-person or virtual asthma support group. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
Avoid aggravating your asthma condition while sleeping by covering your mattress and pillows with plastic before putting clean linens on. You may cut down on these potential inducers of an asthma attack by cleaning your sheets and pillows in hot water each week. If there are always fresh linens on your bed, you are much more likely to sleep restfully without unexpected asthma attacks.
Many of the biggest triggers for asthma can, and do, exist in your home. These causes can include dust, spores and mold. If you want to prevent and manage these sources of asthma attacks, have regular home inspections by a professional, and get identified harming agents cleaned out. On top of that, doing housecleaning regularly can prevent build up of these particles.
Visit at least two different doctors. Your family doctor or primary care physician can be the person you go to regularly for asthma symptoms, but also talk to a few specialists. Asthma centers, allergists, pulmonologists, and nutritionists can all help ensure you are attacking your asthma on all fronts.
Mold and mildew grow in a home due to the humidity that creates a friendly environment for them. These substances are prime triggers for asthma attacks. It is best if you keep the air in your home as dry as possible. In the winter, use a dehumidifier along with your heater, and in the summer months, you can use your air conditioner to help control the amount of water in the air within your home.
Try to avoid the seasonal pollen that may trigger an asthma attack. Even though asthma isn’t an allergy, they share many things in common. Air quality levels for specific pollutants are now readily available and it is possible to use this information to limit exposure on high level days.
In the winter, prevent attacks by wearing shawls, mufflers and scarves that cover the nose and mouth. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. Inhalation of cold air is proven to initiate asthma attacks, and younger kids afflicted with asthma of moderate or severe proportions are especially at risk.
You need to know how to properly use your inhaler if you have been diagnosed with asthma. In order for the inhaler to work, you must carefully follow the directions. You must breathe deeply for at least a few seconds when using your inhaler. Using the inhaler in a proper manner can make all the difference for those who deal with asthma.
Asthma Treatment
Asthmatics should always wear a mask when dealing with the harsh chemicals in fresh paint. Paint can irritate asthma a great deal, so a mask will create a protective shield to combat this issue. In fact, you should stay vigilant here and avoid any and all chemicals that may trigger an asthma attack.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. It’s important to use both forms of medication properly to treat your chronic condition.
Consume more foods which contain vitamin B6. Known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 has been proven to reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. Pyridoxine is crucial in making molecules, which can relax bronchial tissue. One common source of vitamin B6 are bananas.
If you are traveling by plane and must bring inhalers or nebulizers on board, you should bring a written prescription for the equipment. Written proof of needing your equipment can help you with any issues you might have in the security line.
Identifying your personal triggers is one of the best ways you can learn to stop an asthma attack before it occurs. Start an attack journal to help identify these triggers, and share what you record with your doctor. Once they are known, do whatever it takes to prevent triggers from going off, and if possible, just wipe them out of your life and environment completely.
Do not treat your asthma lightly. Prevent asthma symptoms and attacks whenever and however possible, and if your symptoms spiral out of control then see a doctor immediately. Use the advice you have read from this article to manage your symptoms of asthma and take back control over your life.
The cause of asthma can be hereditary or it can be induced by environmental factors. Sometimes both factors have a role in the disease. If you have a family member with asthma, watch your children and yourself for asthma symptoms. There are many environmental factors, like mold, great deals of dust, smoke and pollution that can lead to asthma, so it’s important to keep both yourself and your children away from these things.