Have you been diagnosed with asthma? The following article has simple advice for keeping asthma under control.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. The complex list of ingredients on many cleaning products makes it difficult know which ones have the chemical compounds that might aggravate asthma symptoms or even initiate an attack. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
Are you informed about what type of asthma you suffer from? One of the best ways to combat asthma and its limiting effects on your life is to know and understand as much as you can about your specific condition. For example, if your asthma is brought on by bronchitis, you should keep your rescue inhaler with you during times when you are sick. You can avoid any future crisis by knowing and figuring out patterns of the symptoms you have.
Avoid anything that is known to trigger your asthma. For many people, allergens such as dust and pollen can induce an attack. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. Determine what your trigger is so you can easily avoid an attack.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler’s maker. The inhaler can only help you if the medication actually reaches the lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. Make sure you hold your breath for 10 seconds or more to get the medications into your lungs.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. Talk to a doctor if you have any of these conditions along with asthma.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Food should be restricted to the kitchen, and smoking inside the home should never be permitted. Try to avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleach in the home while cleaning; and, once the home is cleaned, air it out.
Asthma is a disease that is ongoing and must be attended to every day. Take the proper medications for controlling your asthma daily, and keep quick relief medication somewhere on you just in case you have a sudden attack. Speak to your physician and allergist to find out what medications are right for you.
Flu Shot
Any type of smoke can bring on a serious asthma attack. Never smoke yourself! Do not breathe in the vapors or any other chemical fumes. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. Never visit a home or establishment where people will be smoking, and if people start to smoke, walk out.
If you have asthma, you should get a flu shot once per year. Prevent those flu infections before they happen by getting a flu shot each year.
Don’t turn on the fan if the dust in a room is aggravating your asthma. While it may seem smart to get the air circulating, in reality this will only stir up the dust, making it easier to inhale and trigger an attack. The better way would be to open a window to increase the airflow in the room.
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor’s appointments. A flare-up can occur at any time, and your physician may have learned of a prescription medication that can treat your symptoms more safely and effectively.
If allergens are causing you to suffer from frequent asthma attacks that are moderate to severe, there is an injectable medication that can provide you with long-term relief. Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
If you’re flying and bringing along your asthma medications, bring a doctor’s written prescription with you. Carrying your prescriptions along with written proof that they are medically necessary, will cut down on potential problems at the airport checkpoints.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. When you are afflicted with asthma, steer as clear as you can of all types of respiratory infections. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Use your inhaler when you need to, but be aware that this product can cause infections near your gums and teeth. Always clean your teeth and rinse your mouth after you use your inhaler.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. You can buy these vitamins to help you get better function from your lungs and control your asthma symptoms. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. If you use it three or more times each week, your treatment plan may not be working effectively or else an atypical situation may be triggering an increased number of attacks. How often an inhaler is used can help to monitor the environment.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Indoor air pollution rises with the constant use of anything scented, ranging from air fresheners to incense, and all this can trigger asthma attacks. Put down some new carpeting and throw up a coat of paint to get rid of indoor odors. Clean your indoor air and keep it as fresh as you can.
Cigarette Smoke
If you have asthma, you should get a flu shot once per year. Regular vaccinations will help you and your children to avoid lung infections.
Avoid all types of smoke, including cigarette smoke, if you have asthma. Smoke can induce an asthma attack. Make sure to stay away from chemical fumes and cigarette smoke whenever possible. These can increase symptoms of asthma. Ask any smokers not to smoke in your presence.
To stay out in front of your asthma, make sure that you see the doctor to receive regular checkups. A flare-up can occur at any time, and your physician may have learned of a prescription medication that can treat your symptoms more safely and effectively.
Be sure you know exactly how to properly use your inhaler if you do have asthma. It’s not enough to spray a little into your mouth and breathe softly. Every time you use your inhaler, be sure to breathe deeply and slowly. Failing to do so will mean that the medicine will not be able to help open up your breathing.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. If you know other asthma sufferers, you can stay up to date on the latest medicines and treatment options.
If you use an inhaler more than 2 times a week, talk to your doctor about a new medication potentially. This means your inhaler isn’t working right. It also isn’t working right if you’re having to refill the inhaler more than two times a year.
If you are going on a plane trip with asthma medications, make sure to bring your written prescription along with you. When you can prove that an item is medically necessary, it can save a lot of time and hassle while working through airport security.
If you have asthma, schedule checkups ever few months with your doctor to stay on top of your condition. Your doctor should be recording your current state as a benchmark, and making necessary changes to improve your situation if needed. The responsibility of scheduling these appointments falls on you. Make sure you attend each and every one so that your doctor can stay updated on how your treatment plan is working in order to help you remain healthy.
When you clean house, it is recommended that you clean your floor with a wet mop instead of sweeping it. Those particles that can trigger asthma attacks are stirred up when you sweep. In the same vein, choose a damp rag as opposed to a feather duster when dusting, as this prevents dust from flying about.
If you are planning on painting a room in your house, buy a mask in advance to protect you from breathing in fumes. The fumes from the pain can irritate your asthma. By using a mask, you will keep yourself from inhaling the majority of these fumes. Stay away from any chemicals or substance that could worsen your condition.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid being around smoke. Smoke can seriously affect the lungs and is a common asthma trigger. You should avoid cigarette smoke, vapors, and chemical fumes as much as possible. These environmental conditions can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. If someone starts smoking near you, politely inquire whether they can smoke in your absence.
Possible sources that cause asthma include a either genes, environmental aspects or a mix of the two. If you have a family member with asthma, keep a close watch on your children and yourself for any asthma related symptoms. All sorts of environmental factors can cause asthma, and they include smoke, pollution, excess dust and mold spores. It is best to avoid these hazardous situations, especially if there are children present.
For asthma sufferers having contact with pets or other animals need to be minimized. While allergies to dander or animal hair can possibly complicate your asthma, even those with no such allergies can have asthma attacks by inhaling the pollen and dust animals usually carry about with them.
If you have two or more attacks in a week, it is probably time to change your medication. That many attacks in a week can be dangerous, and does not even need to happen according to medical professionals.
Do not make the decision to smoke. Smoking is an unhealthy habit for everyone, but it poses an even greater danger to people with asthma. Asthmatics have sensitive lungs and tobacco smoke is very, very irritating. Smoke is so bad, that asthmatics should never allow themselves to be in the same vicinity as someone who is smoking.
Try to take your time as you build your strength, this will also allow you to gradually increase the capacity of your lungs as well. The last thing you should do is a frenetic workout. You will surely trigger an attack. Start slow and build your stamina.
It is important to remain calm during an asthma attack. Grab your inhaler and use it, then wait to see if it helps. If not, then use it again in thirty seconds. If this doesn’t start to control your attack, get assistance right away. Have some one call for an ambulance or take you to the hospital. Try to breathe into a paper bag so that you can calm your breathing when you’re on the way.
Asthma Symptoms
If you frequently use your inhaler (more than two to three times per week), you should talk to your doctor about alternative methods of treatment or a different prescription. Frequent need of an inhaler is an indication that the medication prescribed is not the right strength. In addition, if you must change the cartridge in the inhaler more than two times in a year, you may need to see your doctor regarding a medication switch.
This article has a ton of tips you could use to control your asthma symptoms. You must remain consistent and persistent with applying the tips found here. If you stop following your good habits, your asthma symptoms will come back. Keep protecting yourself by using the tips and methods laid out here to help you with your asthma.
Learn all you can learn about your condition. If you know a lot about asthma, you can work towards fixing it. In order to ensure that you are always getting the best possible care, stay abreast of new developments and up-to-date treatments. The only way you can do this is by arming yourself with condition and treatment knowledge.