Asthma, like any respiratory condition, can be extremely scary, since it interferes with your ability to take in oxygen, which is required to live. 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. The information here can help make it clear what triggers asthma attacks, and it can provide you with ways to manage it and keep its effects limited.
You want to make sure you can avoid situations that could trigger your asthma. Perhaps you have allergies or are sensitive to dust and pollen. While in other people, all it takes is physical activity and an attack can trigger. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. Dust blown around by fans can cause your asthma to rear up. Open a window instead to get the air flowing.
A good tip that can help your child cope with asthma is to make sure you never smoke around them. It has been medically proven that smoking can cause asthma or make existing symptoms worse. You should also make sure your child is never in an environment where other people are smoking.
If you suffer from asthma, and have many attacks that are related to your allergy symptoms, there is a medication that is injected and provides long term effects. It is called omalizumab, and it is an antibody medicine used to control allergic reaction symptoms. You will need to speak to your allergist to find out if this would be helpful to you.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. 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. It is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, so they can best treat your asthma.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. Discover a location that is peaceful, and ensure you follow all the instructions that are given by the manufacturer. The inhaler can only help you if the medication actually reaches the lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. You should hold your breath 10 seconds so the medicated mist is able to fill up your lungs.
During a mild to moderate attack, force all of the air out of your lungs. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. Get the air all 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 technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. There may be periods of harsh coughing and a substantial generation of sputum, but this is actually what you want in order to get the airways opened and the breathing back on a regular pattern.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home if you have asthma. By bringing down the humidity level, it will reduce dust mites and reduce asthma flare-ups. A dehumidifying device reduces the moisture in the air.
Cigarette Smoke
If you use any more than four kinds of cleaning product around your home, then the risk of an asthma attack is increased. A great way to prevent this is to purchase some organic, non-chemical cleaning products. These all-natural products are safe when inhaled.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, stay away from all types of cigarette smoke. Don’t smoke! Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. This could trigger a serious asthma attack, and you may have trouble preventing it from happening. Do everything you can to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, allergens and harsh chemical fumes to keep your asthma symptoms under control.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Get vaccinated every flu season to avoid a high number of infections.
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
If you suffer from asthma, consider using a feather-free pillow to sleep. Feathers may trigger asthma symptoms by irritating your lungs. This also goes for bedding; use sheets, comforters and blankets that are crafted from hypoallergenic materials.
Social Worker
Go to your regular medical check-ups, even if your condition seems under control. It is important to make sure your condition isn’t worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with 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.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. Others who suffer from asthma can give you immeasurable amounts of support and advice, and help you keep up with new medical developments.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. If you are afflicted with asthma, avoid getting any infections if possible. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Mold and mildew thrive in homes with high humidity levels. Both of these allergens can be contributing factors in asthma attacks. A dry home will help you out a lot more. In the winter, use a dehumidifier along with your heater, and in the summer months, you can use your air conditioner to help control the amount of water in the air within your home.
Make sure you are taking plenty of Vitamins E and C if you suffer from asthma. Since both of these have been attributed to better function of the lungs, they also help to control the symptoms of asthma. You can gain vitamins from supplements or the old fashioned way, from food! These vitamins can boost immune systems, which helps you to avoid illnesses that can be a trigger for your asthma.
Know the right way to take your asthma medication, and above all any rescue medication. Asthma is generally managed through regular medicine which is supplemented with rescue medications like inhalers. It’s important to use both forms of medication properly to treat your chronic condition.
Using more than 4 different kinds of cleaning products for your house has been known to increase risks associated to asthma attacks. Organic cleaning products should be selected due to their lack of irritating chemicals.
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. Immediately brush your teeth followed by a quick gargle after using your inhaler. This is a great way to prevent any kind of complications in your mouth.
Asthmatics should avoid being exposed to smoke, regardless if you are a smoker. When you inhale tobacco smoke, you are severely increasing the likelihood of an asthma attack. This is especially true in small, confined areas with little to no ventilation.
It is important to track how often you use your fast-acting inhaler each week. If you use it very often, you may not have it under control. Counting how many times you reach for your inhaler can be a good aid to remind you of what environments you need to control and what else you may need to manage.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Food must only be allowed in the kitchen area, and there should be no smoking in the house at all. Bypass chemicals when cleaning your home if at all possible, and be sure to open doors and windows afterwards.
Your bed linen could be filled with dust, pollen or other allergens. You could reduce the potential impact of these asthma inducers by cleaning your sheets regularly. Fresh, laundered bedding will help you sleep that much easier at night.
When you are suffering from asthma and you have hay fever or a cold, you will most likely need an increase in your treatment. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. It is also possible that your physician will add an additional treatment to your routine until you recover from your illness.
Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the worst things a person with asthma can do. Smoke irritates the lungs of an asthma sufferer, so avoid the presence of people who smoke if you have asthma.
If not properly treated and managed, asthma may be a death sentence. By using the advice in the article above, you can better control your asthma.
During spring or other high-pollen times, don’t go outside unless you have to so that you can avoid a pollen-triggered asthma attack. While asthma is different than allergies, often the same types of things that bother those with allergies trigger irritation in asthmatics as well. Many areas provide air quality information publicly, allowing you to stay indoors when the air outside is poor.