Asthma can be a very hard ailment to live with. It makes even the most mundane activities difficult at times. Even worse, the disease can not be cured and the symptoms can be hard to control. This article provides some methods of preventing your asthma symptoms for taking over your life.
The symptoms of asthma might not always be apparent, but for those that suffer from the disease, the condition never goes away entirely. Take the proper medications for controlling your asthma daily, and keep quick relief medication somewhere on you just in case you have a sudden attack. See your doctor or allergist to find out which treatment plan is best for your situation.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you should refrain from smoking or being around any vapors or fumes. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
It is crucial that you stay away from all types of cigarette smoke if you suffer from asthma. Never smoke a cigarette! Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. This can cause your asthma to flare up, causing an attack that may be uncontrollable. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
What kind of asthma do you have? Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. You will be able to prevent asthma attacks if you can recognize symptoms.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
Because asthma is a continuing condition, you have to continually manage your health. Be certain that you are using the right maintenance medicines to control your asthma and that you also have a rescue or emergency medication when you have an acute asthma attack. A variety of options are available for the treatment of asthmatic attacks. Consult your doctor and an allergist.
A dehumidifier is an excellent investment for asthma sufferers. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. Dehumidifiers work by pulling the moisture out of the air of your home.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
Be sure not to smoke as well as stay away from any smokers in general, this can be very harmful for you if you have asthma. 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.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
When suffering from asthma, make sure to choose products that are unscented. Scented products, like air fresheners, incense and perfume, raise indoor pollution levels and can trigger asthma attacks. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
A leukotriene inhibitor can be helpful if you have asthma. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can provoke an inflammation that causes an asthma attack. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. It is impossible to predict the next attack. Furthermore, newer or safer asthma medications may be approved in the time since you last visited your doctor.
Talk to a social worker if you have asthma and no health insurance. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
Most homes are full of common asthma triggers. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. Have an inspector who focuses on allergens and irritants come into your home once a year to help you detect what you have and learn how to remove it. Clean up your house regularly so these substances do not accumulate.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
Be sure you understand how to use your asthma medication, especially emergency medication. Asthma is usually treated on two fronts. One is a standard medication, taken daily, and the other is an inhaler, intended for use in an emergency. Asthma doesn’t go away, so it’s important to be vigilant about taking your daily medication and using your rescue inhaler when an attack occurs.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. 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.
You can use the preventative inhaler daily, but know that it can cause mouth infections near your gums and teeth. You can prevent any of these mouth issues by brushing your teeth and gargling mouthwash as soon as you use the inhaler.
Be sure not to smoke as well as stay away from any smokers in general, this can be very harmful for you if you have asthma. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
It is important to track how often you use your fast-acting inhaler each week. Using it more often than twice weekly means that you should have your asthma assessed by a doctor. The frequency of use of your inhaler can give you an idea about your surroundings and the need to watch them.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. Your physician might also add more treatments to your regimen until your asthma is under control again.
Bed linens tend to collect asthma triggers like pollen, dust and other allergens. Wash sheets on a weekly basis to rid them of allergens. Use hot water to wash the sheets. You should also wash pillowcases. These fresh, regularly washed linens can help you breathe easier when sleeping.
Do not treat your asthma lightly. Take the appropriate steps to prevent and reduce symptoms, and consult professional help if you think that the symptoms are starting to get out of control. If you use the above advice, you can make asthma something you only have to attend to occasionally rather than something that rules your life.
If you frequently use your inhaler (more than two to three times per week), you should talk to your doctor about alternative methods of treatment or a different prescription. Using your inhaler this frequently means your prescription is not effectively treating your asthma. This same advice also goes for those who must refill their inhalers more frequently than every six months.