Asthma, when left uncontrolled, has the ability to limit the way you live your life, making even a simple walk outside a dangerous prospect. That is why it is important that you do whatever you can to control this condition. Use these easy suggestions to decrease your symptoms and to keep it from overtaking your life.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. If you suffer from any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. This includes all tobacco products, and you also need to be careful if you are going to apply for a job in a factory or where you have the potential to be exposed to vapors and harmful smoke.
If you suffer from asthma, and have many attacks that are related to your allergy symptoms, there is a medication that is injected and provides long term effects. Omalizumab can effectively control allergy symptoms you may be experiencing and can be suggested by your local allergist if it fits your needs.
Figure out what type of asthma you are suffering with. 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 often triggered by workouts, your inhaler should always be on hand when you exercise. Knowing the patterns related to your symptoms could aid you in avoiding crises.
Try a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. These inhibitors can prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
Asthma is ongoing. Therefore, it also requires continual management of your health. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. Discuss your best options with your allergist and doctor.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Move to a quiet area, and then simply follow manufacturer’s instructions. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medicated mist to fill your lungs.
If you find yourself having a mild asthma attack, force the air from your lungs until they are empty. Breathe out aggressively, as hard as you can. Force all the air out of the lungs! After that, take in three shallow breaths and one deep breath. Once your lungs are full again, do another forceful exhale. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. This technique also forces the air from your lungs to enable more air to come in. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
Everyone in your family, including you, should get the flu vaccination every year. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. The easiest way to start is by performing routine hand-washing, limiting your touching of surfaces while in public places, and getting vaccinations recommended by your doctor.
Should you wind up inside a really dusty room, don’t activate any fans. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
If you are dealing with asthma, make sure you take lots of Vitamins E and C. Since both of these have been attributed to better function of the lungs, they also help to control the symptoms of asthma. Get these nutrients through supplements or food. These vitamins will also provide a boost to your immune system. This will prevent respiratory illnesses that can trigger your asthma attacks.
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 are asthmatic, it may be a good idea to use a pillow that is not filled with feathers. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. The same can be said for bedding, try to get hypoallergenic comforters and sheets.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
You can join an online or offline support group. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. A support group also makes it easier to keep up to date on advancements in asthma science or new medications that come on the market.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
Mildew and mold grow best in a home with high humidity. These things can trigger asthma attacks very easily. You should do your best to maintain a dry home. A dehumidifier can be used in the winter, and in the summer, many air conditioner models also help strip moisture from the air.
Studies show that using a variety of cleaning products in the home can actually increase the odds of triggering an asthma attack. Choose organic products, and stick to as few products as possible.
Understand how to properly use your own asthma medication, particularly the rescue medication. Asthma is a condition traditionally treated with a combination of a regular medicine and an emergency medicinal inhaler. Because you will have asthma for the rest of your life, it is important that you take your maintenance medication properly, and that you use your emergency medication correctly.
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, be sure to get flu shots every year. This is doubly important for asthmatic children. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
When taking asthma medications on a plane trip, bring written medical prescriptions provided by your doctor. If you have the proof that this is a medical necessity, it can cause less hassles during the security check.
If you are asthmatic, it may be a good idea to use a pillow that is not filled with feathers. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. Also, make sure your other bedding is made with hypoallergenic materials.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth and gargling immediately following the use of your inhaler.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Being in odd environments can cause undue stress on your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. You also have little control over your environment when traveling, which can make you more susceptible to an attack and symptoms of greater severity.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. Using it more often than twice weekly means that you should have your asthma assessed by a doctor. You can use your frequency of inhaler use to gauge the effectiveness of your asthma treatment plan and make modifications when necessary.
To stay out in front of your asthma, make sure that you see the doctor to receive regular checkups. You don’t know when you could have another flare-up, or if there are better or safer medications available.
Bed linens tend to collect asthma triggers like pollen, dust and other allergens. You can reduce or eliminate these potential asthma attack inducers by laundering your sheets and pillowcases in hot water every week. Clean bed linens will help you breathe better while you sleep.
Many people underestimate asthma, or at least think that they can’t do anything about it since it is an incurable disease. However, you’ll be amazed at how much difference you can make simply by following these simple steps to try and relieve symptoms and reduce the sources of asthma attacks.
Avoid smoking. Although bad for everyone, cigarettes can cause greater problems for those with asthma. An asthmatic’s lungs are more vulnerable than those of a healthy individual, which makes it especially important to abstain from smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.