Living with asthma poses a unique set of challenges, many of which can be overcome with proper management techniques, leading to the resumption of a healthy and active lifestyle. There are numerous things you can to do in order to stop asthma from disturbing your life. Here you will find tips on making the most out of your life with asthma.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? Particular cases of asthma can respond differently to the same treatment, so you need to know all that you can about your case to treat it most effectively. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. By knowing the pattern to your symptoms it will be a big help to you avoiding crises.
Asthma Attack
Asthmatics should not smoke. If you smoke – quit immediately. Smoking is not recommended for anyone, but it creates worse complications for asthma patients by cutting off part of the oxygen supply needed to breathe properly.
Second hand smoke can cause asthma to develop in children, and can trigger an asthma attack if they already suffer from asthma. Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of asthma, and it can also trigger an asthma attack. Always ensure your child is in a smoke-free area.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. Certain asthma sufferers experience attacks when they around around allergy triggers, such as dust or pollen. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
Know situations and conditions that cause asthma attacks for you, and stay away from them in the future as much as possible. For many people, allergens such as dust and pollen can induce an attack. Or, you may need to avoid certain activities that overexert your body. You should know what causes asthma, so you can stay away from these things.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Some medications can cause your asthma to be worse such as beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are an asthmatic and you are using these medications.
Keep rooms free of dust, and do not turn on a fan if you do have dusty rooms. Turning on a fan is going to cause the dust to leave its surface and begin filling the air of your environment. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
If you find yourself having a mild asthma attack, force the air from your lungs until they are empty. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. 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. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It also will push all of your air out of the lungs so that you can get more air in. This breathing technique may cause some coughing or sputum, but it can help regulate your breathing and reduce the attack.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that may cause inflammation. This can make a person have an asthma attack. This inhibitor can prevent leukotrienes, which makes you less likely to have an asthma attack.
Make proper use of your inhaler. 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. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medicated mist to fill your lungs.
Make sure to examine what it is that causes your asthma attacks in order to best avoid having to deal with them. Common triggers among asthma sufferers are smoke, pollen, or pet dander. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
Social Worker
If you plan to take a trip, you must always keep your rescue medication with you at all times. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
If you have asthma and lack the health insurance coverage to deal with asthma treatment, talk to a social worker. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
You must have regular asthma reviews, even if you are not having any problems. 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.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. Do everything you can to avoid a respiratory infection if you have asthma. This means taking every precaution possible, do things like getting vaccinated to prevent sickness to hand washing on a regular basis.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. If you’ve got written proof, it’ll save you a lot of hassle when you’re at a security check.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor might add additional medication until your sickness gets better.
For a deeper and more thorough cleaning, mop your floors instead of simply sweeping them. When you are sweeping with a broom, you stir up triggers like dirt and dust mites that can cause you to go into an asthma attack. Use damp rags instead of a dry feather duster so triggers won’t be filling the air.
As you can see, there are several ways for you to control or stop asthma from interfering with your life. Having asthma does not mean that your life has ended; if you develop a strategy on how to cope with it, you will live a much more satisfying life.
Avoiding smoke is key in controlling asthma. Cigarette smoke will often trigger an asthma attack. Stay away from cigarettes, chemicals, and anything else that may emit smoke. All of these will increase your asthma symptoms. When anyone lights up a cigarette or cigar in your presence, politely inform them that you have asthma and ask them not to smoke beside you.