Asthma is probably one of the most terrifying conditions as it can come and go swiftly, restricting your ability to properly breathe. Since asthma attacks can occur without warning and can be fatal if not immediately treated, it’s easy to live in fear of asthma, rather than participating in daily activities. This article not only explains some of the triggers of asthma attacks, but also details solutions for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
If you are an asthma patient, do not expose yourself to vapors, fumes and cigarette smoke. That means you have to avoid all tobacco, and seriously consider think about what jobs you take; for example, factories are probably not a healthy place for you because of all the vapors and smoke.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. 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 induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. If you know and understand your asthma triggers, you can better avoid and handle attacks.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking is detrimental to anyone’s health, but those with asthma suffer especially because cigarettes lessen the oxygen supply that is crucial for the lungs to function properly and prevent an asthma attack.
If your child or another loved one suffers from asthma, you should be sure to never smoke cigarettes when you’re near them. Secondhand smoke is a trigger for asthma attacks, not to mention the myriad of other diseases it can cause. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke and any other kind of fumes.
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. When you turn on the fans they will move the dust in the room around and this can trigger your asthma very easily. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
Cleaning Products
Try a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor works by preventing leukotrienes. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
If you’re suffering from asthma, it helps if you can avoid any harsh cleaning products out there. Many of the chemicals in cleaning products can trigger asthma symptoms or attacks. If you’re the one who regularly cleans the house, look for natural cleaning products which are much safer to use.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home 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. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home’s humidity, leaving dry air.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. This can vary from person to person, as small particles like dust can cause asthma attacks. For others, physical activity can irritate them. Try and figure out what gets your asthma started so you know what to avoid.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Scented products such as air fresheners, incense and perfume heighten the degree of indoor air impurities and may possibly contribute to an attack. An asthma sufferer’s airways can feel irritated by odors such as fresh paint or new carpeting. Try to make it your goal to keep the indoor air as fresh and allergen free as possible.
Talk to a social worker if you have asthma and no health insurance. Asthma patients need their medications, and a social worker might be able to hook you up with programs to help you such as clinics and programs through pharmaceutical companies.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Refrain from smoking inside the home, and keep edibles inside your kitchen. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
If you’ve got asthma, don’t smoke or be near smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in small areas without much ventilation, lung function may be severely impacted, and you have a higher chance of having an attack.
If you have hay fever or a cold, chances are your asthma treatment will be increased. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. Fresh paint and new carpeting also give off odors that may aggravate the airways. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, be sure to get flu shots every year. This is doubly important for asthmatic children. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. Your physician may even recommend that you take additional medication until you recover.
Feather pillows can be bad for those with asthma. Feathers can have a negative effect on the lungs and can worsen asthma symptoms. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
Asthmatic patients should avoid using feather pillows. Feathers may trigger asthma symptoms by irritating your lungs. It is also advisable to use hypoallergenic sheets and comforters for the same reason.
Most homes are full of common asthma triggers. These generally include dust, mold and spores. Stay on top of your health and reduce the likelihood of attacks. You can do this by having it inspected every year to get rid of triggers. On top of that, doing housecleaning regularly can prevent build up of these particles.
Some of asthma’s major triggers can be right in your home. These include dust, mold and spores. To keep yourself healthy and avoid asthma attacks, you may need to hire an inspector to come out once a year to test your home and remove any irritants. Additionally, cleaning your home on a regular schedule prevents these unwanted visitors from taking residence en masse.
Asthma develops gradually, and its symptoms may not be very noticeable. There are actually many people that have passed away from an asthma attack without ever knowing they were even at risk. Therefore, if you have trouble breathing or a constant cough, you may want to seek a medical professional to determine if you have asthma. Your physician can also determine whether you need medication for either asthma prevention or asthma treatment.
Anytime you clean your house or apartment, wet mopping is superior to sweeping. Vacuuming or wet-mopping are better than sweeping because they don’t stir up dust and debris that might induce an asthma attack. When you dust, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster which can spread these triggers.
You should definitely use your preventative inhaler on a daily basis. However, you should be warned that the drug can also cause infections in your mouth, particularly near your teeth and gums. You can prevent any of these mouth issues by brushing your teeth and gargling mouthwash as soon as you use the inhaler.
Asthma sufferers should have minimal contact with animals including pets. Asthmatics can be affected by the dander or pollen that comes from the animals, even if they have no allergies to them. This can be a very risky situation to put yourself in and should be avoided.
When you are cleaning your home, it is always better to use a wet mop rather than sweeping your floors. Sweeping can stir up some asthmatic triggers that will exacerbate your symptoms. Dusting with a damp cloth rather than a feather duster can be a considerable help in reducing the amount of dust and other things that might start an attack.
If you do not take the steps necessary to control your asthma, it can potentially be fatal. Using the following article, you can better manage your asthma, so that you can be more active and breathe better.
For asthma sufferers having contact with pets or other animals need to be minimized. Even sufferers not allergic to a certain animal need to remember that dust and pollen on the animals can still trigger an attack.