Asthma can cause life-altering changes to your life because of the severity of the condition. When you understand what increases the likelihood of an asthma attack, you put yourself in the best position for dealing with it. This article provides many tips and approaches to help deal with your asthma.
Asthma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing, consistent management and care. Be sure you are practicing proper self-care, and make sure you have your inhaler ready to go in case you suffer a full-blown attack. Work with your allergist and doctor to find the right treatment program that makes you feel good and allows you to still do the things you want to do.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. This does mean avoiding all tobacco products as well as being mindful of sources of employment, with special attention to factories that might provide exposure to smoke and vapors.
When suffering a mild or even moderate asthma attack, attempt to push all air from your lungs. Breathe out hard and fast. This will force the air from your lungs. Then take three quick breaths, next a deeper breath till your lungs fill with air, then repeat the forceful exhalation again. This will make your breathing rhythmic and help you pay more attention to it. 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.
Cleaning Products
You may want to use a leukotriene inhibitor if your asthma is being particularly problematic. Leukotriene inhibitors work to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a chemical substance that can lead to inflammation that can cause an asthma attack. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
If you suffer from asthma, strong cleaning products should be avoided. The chemicals in these products make you more prone to an asthma attack. There are many all-natural organic cleaning products available that may help eliminate asthmatic problems.
If you have asthma and lack the health insurance coverage to deal with asthma treatment, talk to a social worker. You will need asthma medications, and if you are unable to afford them, a social worker can find a hospital or clinic that can offer you medication for free or for a little cost.
Avoid anything that is known to trigger your asthma. Certain asthma sufferers experience attacks when they around around allergy triggers, such as dust or pollen. For others, it may be linked to physical exertion. You should know what causes asthma, so you can stay away from these things.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. By decreasing the humidity you have in your home, it will decrease the dust mites, which will then decrease your asthma from flaring up. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Common medications used for controlling high blood pressure often times contain beta blockers, which asthmatics may be more sensitive to. Make sure your physician is aware of all of your chronic conditions and any medications you are on so they can treat your asthma appropriately.
Studies show that using a variety of cleaning products in the home can actually increase the odds of triggering an asthma attack. Opt for organic cleaning products that do not contain irritating chemicals.
Be sure to avoid cigarette smoke if you have asthma. Don’t smoke! Avoid vapors and chemical fumes from cigarettes. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. If others are smoking and you are nearby, get away from them immediately.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. You might even get a new treatment added onto our existing program until the illness subsides.
If allergy symptoms cause you to have moderate to severe asthma attacks, there is a medication available that can help for extended periods of time. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Know what causes your asthma attacks, as this will enable you to work around them or prepare to treat the asthma attacks that result. Some common asthma triggers include pet dander, pollen, and cigarette smoke. Whenever you can, avoid the things that trigger your asthma.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. As its name suggests, this inhibitor works by preventing the release and build-up of leukotriene. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. Feathers can trigger asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. Do everything you can to avoid a respiratory infection if you have asthma. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Make regular asthma checkups with your doctor, even if you are not having any issues come up. You cannot be certain when you will next have an issue with your asthma, or when there may be a better medication available to utilize for your condition.
Using four or more cleaners in your home can contribute to asthma attacks. Consider purchasing and using organic cleaning products since they are void of irritating chemicals.
Protect yourself against breathing in cold air that aggravates your asthma by wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Breathing cold air can set off an asthma attack, particularly in small children who have have somewhat severe asthma.
As soon as you have concerns about worsening symptoms, visit your doctor. Also, apply these tips as much as you can so that you can have fewer symptoms and have a higher quality of life.
If you have asthma, clean your floors with a wet mop, instead of sweeping with a traditional broom. Sweeping can stir up some asthmatic triggers that will exacerbate your symptoms. When you dust, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster which can spread these triggers.