Asthma is probably one of the most terrifying conditions as it can come and go swiftly, restricting your ability to properly breathe. It can occur suddenly and can potentially be fatal and can limit your life. This article is filled with helpful information about the hows and whys of asthma and offers useful advice on living with the condition and its effects.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you need to avoid smoking and exposure to fumes or vapors of any kind. Because of this, you should avoid any kind of tobacco smoke and take any job that you want to apply for into consideration; factories could expose you to a variety of smoke, vapors and dust.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Never smoke a cigarette! Avoid all fumes of chemical products or breathing harmful vapors. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. If you find that you have people smoking around you, get yourself out of that area rather quickly.
It is vital that neither you, nor anyone else, smoke around a child with asthma. Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of asthma, and it can also trigger an asthma attack. Make sure you keep your child away from other people who are smoking, too.
If you are having trouble dealing with asthma, a leukotriene inhibitor might be of good use. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
Exacerbate Asthma
Make proper use of your inhaler. Move to a quiet area, and then simply follow manufacturer’s instructions. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
There are certain medications that cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Not everyone knows this. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. If you suffer from asthma, be sure that your medical professional is aware of this.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home’s humidity, leaving dry air.
If you’re in a dustier room, avoid turning on a fan. 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.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Choose organic products, and stick to as few products as possible.
When struggling with asthma, consider using a leukotriene inhibitor. As its name suggests, this inhibitor works by preventing the release and build-up of leukotriene. The chemical leukotriene is a common cause of inflammation in the lungs which in turn, can trigger asthma attacks. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
You may want to think about joining support groups you can find both online and offline. Asthma, especially if it is severe, can be quite debilitating and can keep you from being an active participant in life. On top of that, an asthma support group will keep you apprised of the latest developments in asthma medication and other significant medical breakthroughs.
Make sure you use the inhaler in the proper, prescribed method. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler’s maker. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. While inhaling air, spray required dosage in your mouth. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. Breathing cold air can set off an asthma attack, particularly in small children who have have somewhat severe asthma.
Social Worker
Asthma is a disease that can develop slowly over time, making it sometimes difficult to spot the symptoms. Sometimes, a person can die from their first asthma attack without actually knowing they had the disease to begin with! Given that fact, if you have any kind of consistent cough or respiratory ailments, consulting a physician for testing is a good idea, since you want to know if you are suffering from asthma and if so, what to do about it.
Consider consulting a social worker if your asthma medication is not covered by an insurance policy. It is important that you are able to afford your asthma medications, so a social worker may be able to find you a clinic or hospital that offers your medication at little to no cost.
If traveling by plane with your asthma equipment or medications, always carry your written prescription with you to avoid problems. Without a written prescription stating that the item is medically necessary, you may experience frustration and delays at security checkpoints.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home if you have asthma. With less humidity, there will be fewer dust mites, and that means that there is less of a chance that your asthma will flare up. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
For a deeper and more thorough cleaning, mop your floors instead of simply sweeping them. If you choose to sweep, you’re swirling up a tornado of dust and allergens, both of which are common triggers for asthma symptoms. A damp rag should be used when dusting because a feather duster can cause dust to kick up and lead to an asthma attack.
Stand ready for a boost to your asthma treatment should you suffer from illnesses like colds or hay fever. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. Your doctor might add additional medication until your sickness gets better.
You may want to consider having numerous doctors treat your asthma. The first place to consider visiting is your main doctor, but they might also be able to recommend a specialist. The allergists, pulmonologists and nutritionists in asthma centers can help you take full advantage of all treatments available.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. The pillow feathers can cause asthma to flare up and minimize your lung function. The same goes for bedding – try to buy a comforter and sheets that are made from hypoallergenic materials.
When pollen counts are high, people who have asthma should stay inside. Asthma is in no way an allergy, but a lot of the same burdens that bother allergy suffers also affect people who suffer from asthma. Now that local air quality information is available in most areas, asthma sufferers can minimize their outdoor exposure when potential irritants are in the air.
Asthma is a medical condition that tends to slowly develop over time, and the symptoms are not always that obvious. In some serious cases, people have dropped dead due to an asthma attack without ever knowing they had asthma in the first place. That is why it is important to check regularly with your doctor and always point out if you are having any kind of breathing problems or related symptoms. With the proper medical attention, you can prevent attacks and keep asthma under control.
If you do have an asthma attack, make sure to stay calm. Immediately use your inhaler, then wait a half a minute and do so again. If your attack worsens, get help. Have some one call for an ambulance or take you to the hospital. Inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag can slow your breathing while en route.
It’s a very good habit to use your asthma inhaler as a daily preventative, although the drug residue can cause issues for your gums and teeth. To avoid those complications, be sure to brush teeth, gargle, and rinse mouth completely right after you have used the inhaler.
If you are dealing with asthma it is critical you understand how to properly use an inhaler. You cannot just spray it in your mouth and lightly inhale. Every time you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe the mist in deeply and hold it for a a few moments. Failing to do so will mean that the medicine will not be able to help open up your breathing.
Using a wet mop is superior to using a broom to clean your floors. Sweeping can trigger an asthma attack due to the copious clouds of minute asthma-triggering particles it kicks up. Use damp rags instead of a dry feather duster so triggers won’t be filling the air.
Take the time to learn all there is to know about your affliction. The more you understand about the condition, the more effective you’ll be in taking steps to manage your asthma. Keep up with trends and new treatment methods, and ensure that the medical professionals on your team are working hard to help you. The only way you can do this is by arming yourself with condition and treatment knowledge.
Do not smoke cigarettes. If you have asthma, you could have serious health complications from smoking. Smoke can severely irritate an asthma sufferer’s lungs; so, if you do suffer from asthma, stay away from both smoking and being around smoke in general.
It is important to visit with your doctor often, every two months or so, in order to stay on top of your asthma. Your physician can assess if there’s been any changes in your condition, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. You are responsible for ensuring you schedule checkups with your doctor in order for him or her to follow up on you, and ensure you remain healthy.
When planning on painting an interior area of your home, make sure that you purchase a mask to protect your respiratory tract from the paint’s fumes. Not surprisingly, paint fumes are a known irritant for asthma. Specially designed masks can filter out these fumes. Do not go use certain chemicals that will make your asthma worse.
If you want to paint something, get a mask to protect yourself from the 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. Learn what type of chemicals trigger your asthma and try to stay away from them.
If left untreated, it can be deadly. By using the advice in the article above, you can better control your asthma.
The mere act of discussing your asthma condition with other people can have a soothing and positive effect. They can provide you with valuable tips and lessons on how to fight against asthma in many different situations. Keeping supportive people in your daily life is very important.