Living through a bout of asthma is quite unsettling, as is the knowledge that the disease will never entirely go away. The quality of your life can be drastically improved if you understand how to live and deal with your asthma. Keep reading for new, and old, ideas on handling your asthma.
You should avoid smoking and any type of fumes if you suffer from asthma. You should avoid all tobacco products. You also need to consider where you see employment. If you have asthma, you should not work in areas where you will be exposed to smoke or vapors as they could cause you to have an asthma attack.
What kind of asthma do you have? You can learn to combat the life changing effects of asthma by understanding your specific type. An example would be to bring in your gym bag an inhaler if you happen to have exercise-induced asthma. You will be able to prevent asthma attacks if you can recognize symptoms.
Do you know the type of asthma that you suffer with? 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 you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. When you know what triggers your asthma, you will be more prepared to stop attacks before they begin.
It is vital that neither you, nor anyone else, smoke around a child with asthma. It has been medically proven that smoking can cause asthma or make existing symptoms worse. Also, do not let your child around others who smoke.
Cleaning products should be avoided when you have asthma. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Although smoking is terrible for everyone, it is even worse for an asthma sufferer due to less oxygen supply in the lungs and that can trigger an attack.
There are some medications that may contribute to asthma symptoms. NSAIDs and aspirin are known for their ability to cause symptoms. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. If you’ve been diagnosed as asthmatic and are taking medications unrelated to your asthma, be sure your doctor is aware of them.
If you are prone to asthma attacks, avoid any cigarette or other tobacco smoke. Do not smoke! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. More often than not, smoke is going to trigger an unavoidable asthma attack. If people smoke around you, you should get away form that area.
It is crucial that you stay away from all types of cigarette smoke if you suffer from asthma. Avoid smoking altogether. Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. Doing so can cause an asthma attack you might not have the ability to stop. Never visit a home or establishment where people will be smoking, and if people start to smoke, walk out.
If your asthma attacks are severe, you may want to speak with your doctor about a long lasting injection of medication to control your symptoms. Omalizumab is one such medication, and can control the allergic symptoms you may be experienced. An allergist will be able to tell you if this is a good option.
A leukotriene inhibitor should be taken into consideration when asthma is a struggle. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that can bring about inflammation, resulting in an asthma attack. The prescription will help to decrease home much leukotriene is in your system and therefore, the number of asthma attacks you have.
If you suffer from asthma, ensure you consume lots of Vitamins E and C. You can buy these vitamins to help you get better function from your lungs and control your asthma symptoms. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
Make sure that you and your loved ones get a flu vaccination yearly. You do not want to have 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.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. Put down some new carpeting and throw up a coat of paint to get rid of indoor odors. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Stand ready for a boost to your asthma treatment should you suffer from illnesses like colds or hay fever. The side effects of many illnesses can flare up your asthma so bad that you have to have an increase in treatment. Your doctor may need to add new treatments to your typical asthma regimen until you are well.
Asthma Treatment
The more humid your home is, the easier it is for mildew and mold to grow. They are a nuisance for people with asthma; the asthma attacks they trigger require you to eliminate them. So, it makes sense to keep dry air in your home. A dehumidifier can be used in the winter, and in the summer, many air conditioner models also help strip moisture from the air.
Know that your asthma treatment or medication may have to be increased a bit if you are suffering from allergies, hay fever or a cold. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. Your physician might also work an additional treatment into your therapy until such time as you are healthier.
When flying and bringing along asthma medications and equipment, be sure to pack your prescriptions. This is especially true for large items like a nebulizer. When you can prove that an item is medically necessary, it can save a lot of time and hassle while working through airport security.
Make sure you get a flu shot once a year if you suffer from asthma. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.
Asthma sufferers should definitely stay indoors more when pollen increases. 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. Many areas provide air quality information publicly, allowing you to stay indoors when the air outside is poor.
Be certain you are aware of what triggers an asthma attack so you can avoid it, or at least be prepared to handle the symptoms. Common asthma triggers include pollen, smoke or dander. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
If you have asthma and allergies, don’t use a vaporizer or humidifier if it has not been completely cleaned. Permitting bacteria to grow inside the appliance will result in irritants being dispersed into the air you breathe.
You must have regular asthma reviews, even if you are not having any problems. You don’t know when you could have another flare-up, or if there are better or safer medications available.
If you experience a sudden asthma attack, staying calm is extremely important. Use your inhaler, wait 30 seconds and use it again. Should your asthma get even worse, seek medical attention immediately. Have someone take you to a hospital, or if necessary call an ambulance. Breathing into a paper bag on the way can sometimes help by slowing your breathing rate.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. If you know other asthma sufferers, you can stay up to date on the latest medicines and treatment options.
If you use your inhaler over two times a week, talk to your doctor about changing your medicine. Frequent need of an inhaler is an indication that the medication prescribed is not the right strength. This also applies to anyone who needs to refill their inhaler more than two times in a single year.
If you suffer form asthma, it is very important that you understand the best ways to manage it. Dealing with asthma becomes easier when you learn more about how to effectively manage it. The advice from above can surely help you live a better life with asthma.
Make certain you have checkups scheduled with your physician every few months so you keep on top of your asthma. Your physician needs to have the opportunity to see what is happening with you, and alter your treatment plan if necessary. You are in charge of scheduling your visits with your physician in order for him or her to properly take care of you.