Are you one of the millions of people of all ages who suffer from asthma related symptoms? This article has easy tips that you can follow to control the symptoms of your asthma.
If you suffer from asthma, it is vital that you avoid smoking; if you do, you should quit. When smoke enters your lungs it cuts off your oxygen supply, and if you suffer from asthma it can make breathing extremely difficult, and result in an increased number of attacks.
If you have received a diagnosis of asthma, you are not to smoke or be near vapors or other types of fumes. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
When you suffer from asthma, avoiding cleaning products is really important to do. A lot of agents in cleaners tend to trigger asthma attacks and symptoms. If you have the job of cleaning your house, you should safer, natural products.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Although smoking causes health problems for everyone, it is even more dangerous to asthma sufferers because the smoke causes airway swelling that cuts off oxygen to your lungs, and can trigger an attack.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. Asthma sufferers are often sensitive to chemical cleaners; using these products can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. When you are tidying your home consider using natural products that are effective for cleaning rather than traditional cleansers.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breathe out aggressively, as hard as you can. Exhale with maximum force! Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It will also empty your lungs of air, so that they’re ready to take in new, fresh air. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
When you suffer a medium-intensity attack, try and forcefully exhale all air from your lungs. Breathe out hard and fast. Truly pump all air from your lungs! Follow this by breathing in three times quickly, and a fourth time deeply to ensure your lungs are filled to capacity, then exhale again as forcefully as possible. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. Expelling the air from your lungs in this fashion also allows you to breathe in deeper. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
If you find yourself in a room that is dusty, don’t turn on any kind of fan. This will cause the dust to move around, which could cause an asthma attack. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
If you are an asthma sufferer and are denied health insurance, talk to a social worker. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. There are modern medicines that are highly effective at blocking leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammation-causing chemicals that can bring on asthma attacks. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
Annual Flu
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. 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.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
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. Keep food in a kitchen or on the dining room table, and avoid cigarette smoking inside. Air the house out thoroughly after cleaning and avoid the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals indoors.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
Your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you become ill. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. Your family doctor may recommend adding another treatment or medication to your current regimen until you recover from your illness.
To cut the risk of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as you can, particularly the bedroom of the person with asthma. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. Once you have cleaned your house, air it out; you should also eliminate utilizing any toxic chemicals inside.
Asthmatic patients should avoid using feather pillows. Feathers in a pillow can bring on the symptoms of asthma and decrease lung function. Same thing with bedding – purchase sheets and a comforter that are constructed from hypoallergenic materials.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. 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.
Attend your regular asthma checkups, even if things seem to be going well. You never know when you might suffer another flare-up, or when your doctor might have a better or safer medication to prescribe for your symptoms.
If you are going on a trip on a plane and need to take your asthma medicine, take your prescription with you! If you have the proof that this is a medical necessity, it can cause less hassles during the security check.
Humidity in the home can create an environment that is ideal for mold and mildew to grow. These things can trigger asthma attacks very easily. Thus, keep the air in your home as moisture-free as possible to avoid asthma-related problems. You can maintain a dry home by using a dehumidifier and heater in the colder months, and air conditioning when it is warm.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. Your medication may need to be adjusted or an alternative treatment considered if you find that you need to use it 3 or more times per week. The frequency of use of your inhaler can give you an idea about your surroundings and the need to watch them.
When it’s colder, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler that will cover your mouth and nose to avoid asthma attacks. Bundling up puts heat between the air and your lungs, which can help lessen your risk of an asthma attack. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Those with asthma should minimize time with pets and animals. Even people that do not have allergies are prone to suffer an asthma attack from the pollen and dust on animals.
It is important to know the proper way to use asthma medication, especially the medication that is used in an emergency. A treatment made up of a daily medication plus a rescue inhaler can help to keep asthma under control. Asthma is a lifelong condition; you should correctly take your regular medication and use your rescue medication only as needed.
To make sure all of your medical needs are being met, you will need to consult at least two doctors. Specialists can supplement the asthma treatments your regular doctor provides for you. Asthma centers, allergists, pulmonologists, and nutritionists can all help ensure you are attacking your asthma on all fronts.
Th above article provided you with advice to keep your asthma at bay. However, the biggest factor will be how determined you are to apply them. Individuals who ignore warning signs or underestimate the impact of symptoms are placing themselves in grave danger. Lead a healthier, more symptom free, life by following the advice above.
Be sure you know exactly how to properly use your inhaler if you do have asthma. Spraying it inside your mouth and inhaling is not all it takes. You must simultaneously inhale and spray the inhaler, then hold your breath for several seconds. Failing to do so will mean that the medicine will not be able to help open up your breathing.