Asthma can turn a normal life into a nightmare after that fateful first attack. At the same time, you should understand that the symptoms are manageable if you are willing to make certain changes and take the proper medicines. This article is packed with useful tips and advice for living with asthma.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
What kind of asthma do you have? When you know in-depth information about your asthma, you can figure out how to fight against it. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. You can avoid a crisis by knowing your symptoms’ patterns.
When you have asthma, it is vital that you avoid cleaning products. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. If you have the job of cleaning your house, you should safer, natural products.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is a trigger for asthma attacks, not to mention the myriad of other diseases it can cause. Never allow anyone to smoke around your child, and teach them not to smoke as an adult themselves.
When you are suffering from an asthma attack, exhale all of the oxygen from your lungs. Breathe out quick and forcefully. This will force the air from your lungs. Then take three small breaths in, followed by a deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably. Next, exhale forcefully again. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. If you cough or produce sputum, don’t worry. Just remain focused on your objective, which is to regain a normal rate of breathing.
Smoking is a horrible habit, even deadly, for an asthma sufferer. Smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, but if you are afflicted with asthma, preventing oxygen from getting to your lungs is just begging for an attack.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, stay away from all types of cigarette smoke. Smoking is off limits. Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. If you are around others who are smoking, remove yourself.
Know situations and conditions that cause asthma attacks for you, and stay away from them in the future as much as possible. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. Others may need to avoid certain physical activities to keep from suffering an attack. Look for the trigger points in your life, so you can work around them.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a quiet secluded area so that you can calmly take the inhaler as directed by the instructions from the manufacturer. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Though it is easy to postpone or avoid, get those annual flu vaccinations. Keep yourself healthy, and without respiratory infections as best you can. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Social workers are there for your assistance if you live with asthma, yet can’t get approved for health insurance. You must have the ability to afford your medication, so a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer them at little cost or free.
If you have asthma, try to avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke. Tobacco smoke causes your lung function to decrease, increasing the risk of a very severe attack, especially in enclosed rooms without much air flow or ventilation.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. Inhaling smoke from tobacco products can compromise your lung function, which then makes you more susceptible to an attack. The risk of an attack from cigarette smoke is increased as the space you are in decreases.
If someone in your home has asthma, make sure to keep a clean house, especially their bedroom so that the risk of an attack is reduced. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. Air the house out thoroughly after cleaning and avoid the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals indoors.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Traveling is hard on your body, opening you up to an asthma attack. You also have little control over your environment when traveling, which can make you more susceptible to an attack and symptoms of greater severity.
If you have asthma, use a pillow that doesn’t have feathers in it. The feathers contained in these pillows can aggravate asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. This applies to bedding, as well, so it’s best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Some of the major causes of asthma, and triggers for asthma attacks, can exist right in the home. These include mold, dust and spores. 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. Keep your house clean to keep these asthma triggers out of your home.
Attend your regular asthma checkups, even if things seem to be going well. You can not predict when an attack might hit you, or if your doctor has found a different medication that is safer and will help your symptoms more.
Like this article has said, if you don’t keep up with your symptoms, asthma can become life threatening. Always carry an inhaler for emergencies and avoid allergens or excessive air pollution. Take the tips you have read here and apply them to your own condition so you can conquer your asthma, and prevent it from diminishing your freedom.
When the weather starts to turn colder, wear a scarf or shawl that covers your mouth and nose to help prevent asthma attacks. This allows you to warm air before it enters your lungs. Breathing cold air triggers your asthma attacks, particularly in young kids with bad asthma.