Asthma can be an uncontrollable disease if it’s not checked. Not only can asthma attacks prove severe, some are flat out fatal. It is important to consult with physicians, though there are additional things you can do to help your own situation. This article provides easy tips to help alleviate some asthma symptoms and to help you to better treat your asthma.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma will need to make sure that they have an inhaler with them inside of their gym bag. Knowing when an asthma attack is likely to strike can help you avert disaster.
If you are an asthmatic, it is vital that you never smoke, and if you already do, you should quit as soon as possible. Smoking is a terrible habit but it’s even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking is horrible for people, it is really bad if asthma becomes worse and blocks oxygen to your body, you need oxygen to work and stave off asthma.
Never take medications without getting your doctor’s approval so you don’t wind up taking one that has a side effect of exacerbating asthma.. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. Asthma sufferers are often sensitive to chemical cleaners; using these products can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. Use natural cleaners instead of chemical cleaners to reduce your chances of asthma attacks after cleaning.
Secondhand Smoke
During a mild to moderate attack, force all of the air out of your lungs. Breathe out aggressively, as hard as you can. Expel the air in your lungs with great force! Follow this by breathing in three times quickly, and a fourth time deeply to ensure your lungs are filled to capacity, then exhale again as forcefully as possible. This will create a rhythm and will help you be aware of the way you are breathing. It will also help to get the air to come out of the lungs so more can come in. This breathing technique may cause some coughing or sputum, but it can help regulate your breathing and reduce the attack.
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! Inhaling the chemical-laden fumes and even the vapors from cigarettes can be extremely harmful. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. Avoid secondhand smoke by leaving physical distance between yourself and the smoker.
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation 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.
Try a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotrienes has a hand in causing swelling and inflammation in your lungs, and may trigger a asthma attack. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Be aware that your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you are suffering from a cold, flu or hay fever. Many of these illnesses will worsen your asthma symptoms bad enough to require more treatments than you typically need. The doctor may choose to pursue additional treatment options during your illness as well.