Are you a privileged member of the group of millions who suffer the challenges of asthma every day? This article contains helpful advice on how to take control of your asthma.
Be aware of certain medications that can lead to asthma problems. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. You can also use medications that can control high blood pressure and heart disease, things like beta blockers. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
Do you know which type of asthma 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 often triggered by workouts, your inhaler should always be on hand when you exercise. If you know and understand your asthma triggers, you can better avoid and handle attacks.
If you’re suffering from an asthma attack that’s moderate or mild, then work to force all the air you can from your lungs. Breath out as hard and fast as you can. It can’t be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Inhale three times with short breaths, and then on the fourth one take a deeper breath so your lungs are full of air but still comfortable. Then breath out as hard as you can again. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. It pushes air from your lungs so you can breathe more in. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. Many asthma suffers find that dust or pollen can trigger an attack. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. Pay attention to what causes your attacks so you can prevent them from happening.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. The fan will circulate the dust along with the air, which can cause it to get into your lungs and make your asthma worse. Instead, you should consider opening a window to get some fresh clean air going through your lungs.
Smoke Yourself
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Do not smoke yourself, either! Avoid breathing in the vapors and any other types of chemical fumes. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. If you find yourself in a situation where you are around smokers, remove yourself as quickly as possible.
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. It is critical that every asthma sufferer have access to the proper medicines to keep the condition under control, and a social worker could help you locate a hospital or clinic that will provide you the necessary medication on a low or no-fee basis.
Never use a fan in a dirty, dust-filled room. Dust blown around by fans can cause your asthma to rear up. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. Take the right steps to stop yourself from getting sick, wash your hands and get the right vaccines.
Use your inhaler as directed. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler’s maker. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. Be sure to hold the mist in your lungs for about ten seconds.
Stand ready for a boost to your asthma treatment should you suffer from illnesses like colds or hay fever. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. The doctor may choose to pursue additional treatment options during your illness as well.
Social Worker
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Therefore, it is very important to avoid as many infections to the lungs as possible by getting a vaccine each year.
Contact a social worker if you have asthma but do not meet the eligibility requirements for health insurance. A social worker can possibly help you with finding treatment and low-cost medications.
Be keenly aware of the triggers for your asthma attacks. If you know the cause, you can stay away to prevent asthma attacks. Most with asthma share common triggers, like pet dander, pollen or smoke. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, you should consider buying a dehumidifier for your home. When your home has less humidity, there are less dust mites, and that minimizes the chances of an asthma flare-up. Dehumidifiers keep the humidity out of your home by keeping the air dry.
Keep all your regularly scheduled asthma appointments, regardless of how you are feeling. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.
This article contains a number of tips to help you better control your asthma symptoms. The most important step is to take this advice and use it. If you ignore the signs of an asthma attack or stop doing the things that work to keep your asthma under control, you’ll most likely start having trouble with your asthma again. Keep yourself well-protected against the dangers of asthma by applying the advice of this article.
You may want to think about joining support groups you can find both online and offline. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. By getting involved in a support group you will also be speaking with other sufferers who may know of new scientific discoveries and treatment plans you may not be aware of.