Asthma creates a serious health condition for people in every age group, from children to seniors. Not only should you regularly see a medical professional, but you should also keep an eye on certain triggers. This article contains several simple suggestions to help you better handle your asthma and lower the chances of an asthma attack.
When you have asthma, you need to be careful around chemical cleaning products. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. There are many natural alternatives you can use to clean your home, instead of using harsh chemicals.
It is crucial for asthma sufferers not to smoke. 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.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. Certain outdoor areas may be off-limits because they cause allergies to flare up. For other people it may physical activities that will set them off. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.
Asthma Symptoms
There are some medications that may contribute to asthma symptoms. Aspirin along with other NSAIDs can have this effect. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. If you’ve been diagnosed as asthmatic and are taking medications unrelated to your asthma, be sure your doctor is aware of them.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. Talk to a doctor if you have any of these conditions along with asthma.
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. Otherwise, the dust will fly into the air and could give you an attack. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
Keep rooms free of dust, and do not turn on a fan if you do have dusty rooms. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. On smog-free, low pollen days, open your windows to improve airflow in the house.
Make sure that everyone in your family, including you, gets annual flu shots. Do everything you can to avoid a respiratory infection if you have asthma. Making sure to consistently wash your hands, and getting the proper vaccinations are two standard precautions.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The only way the inhaler can help is if the medication can reach your lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Dehumidifiers keep the air in your home dry by eliminating humidity.
Vitamins C and E can greatly assist you in fighting asthma attacks. These vitamins can help improve your lung function, ultimately controlling asthma. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. Another great benefit of vitamin C is that it will help to strengthen your immune system overall.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Clean your indoor air and keep it as fresh as you can.
Asthmatics should avoid being exposed to smoke, regardless if you are a smoker. If you inhale the smoke, it will harm your lungs and increase the possibility of an asthma attack. Always be mindful of this, especially in small spaces that do not have very much air flowing.
Avoid pillows with feathers if you have asthma. Feather can decrease lung function and trigger asthma symptoms. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
If your child or yourself are asthma sufferers it is very important that you get the flu shot every single year. Avoid a lot of these infections by getting vaccinated each year.
When you are traveling, be sure to carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Traveling tends to put extra stain on the body, and you’re more susceptible to your asthma triggers under these conditions. It’s also hard to control the environment you’re in when traveling, which is another reason you might experience more symptoms or have an attack.
When you are traveling, make sure you have a rescue inhaler with you. Traveling is hard on your body, opening you up to an asthma attack. The change in environment can also have a negative impact, since it is impossible to control. This can lead to more frequent attacks or attacks with symptoms that are worse than normal.
Look for a support group, such as an online community or a local group. Extremely severe asthma can be debilitating and prevent one from living a full life. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
Some of the major causes of asthma, and triggers for asthma attacks, can exist right in the home. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. Stay on top of your health and reduce the likelihood of attacks. You can do this by having it inspected every year to get rid of triggers. In addition, regularly cleaning the home can stop these things from building up.
The development of asthma symptoms can occur over time and they can be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. Many individuals died from their very first asthma attack because they weren’t aware they had the risk factors for an attack. Because of this, if you notice that you have trouble breathing or are constantly coughing, you may want to visit your doctor. They can tell you if you have asthma and if there is a medication that you should be taking. Your doctor can also tell you if there is something you can do to prevent asthma from developing.
Asthma usually takes an extended interval of time to fully develop, and the warning signs are rarely obvious. There are known cases where someone has actually died from a single asthma attack, because they were unaware that they had the disease. Always consult with a doctor to see if a persistent cough or difficulty breathing is a sign that you require treatment for asthma. There may even be things you can do to prevent it from getting worse.
Using your preventative inhaler should be done daily. It’s important to know, though, that it can cause sores and infections near your gums and teeth. A good way to prevent these complications and side effects is to brush your teeth and gargle immediately after using your inhaler.
Using a preventative inhaler is important, but you need to know the side effects it can cause such as mouth infections. Always clean your teeth and rinse your mouth after you use your inhaler.
Avoid smoke if you want to prevent asthma. Smoke can cause asthma attacks. Make sure to stay away from chemical fumes and cigarette smoke whenever possible. Things like this can make your asthma worse. If you know someone who smokes, politely ask that they do not smoke in your presence.
When preventing asthma, stay away from smoke. Smoking can actually trigger an asthma attack. Stay away from all types of fumes as well as cigarette smoke. These can increase symptoms of asthma. If a person is smoking around you, politely ask him to smoke at times when you are somewhere else.
Bed linens can collect dust, pollen and other allergens, all of which can further aggravate asthma. You may cut down on these potential inducers of an asthma attack by cleaning your sheets and pillows in hot water each week. Clean bed linens that are washed frequently will help you breathe easier every time your head hits the pillow.
You should always realize that asthma is a serious condition. Some asthma attacks may be lethal, you should take proper measures to lower the chances of your asthma getting out of control. Always have an emergency inhaler on you at all times, and try decreasing the number of allergens and airborne dust in your home. Apply these tips to gain control over your condition.
Follow up with your doctor three or four times a year to manage your asthma. Your doctor should be recording your current state as a benchmark, and making necessary changes to improve your situation if needed. You have to take it upon yourself to make and keep these crucial appointments so that your doctor can assist you in managing your condition as effectively as possible.