Asthma can be serious to have and may cause a lot of negative problems in your life. You should take necessary steps to keep it from becoming severe and out of control. The next few paragraphs will give you some practical tips for controlling asthma symptoms.
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, of course, unhealthy for anyone. The habit is even more dangerous for asthma patients, however, because anything that reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs can trigger an attack.
Do not smoke around a child with asthma. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. It’s best to also keep your child away from places in which others will be smoking.
Asthma is a disease that is continuous. As such, it requires long-term health management. You need to keep taking your medications to control the asthma symptoms every day, and if an attack should occur, you should have quick relief medication at your disposal. Discuss treatment strategies with both your primary care physician and your allergist.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. For other people it may physical activities that will set them off. It is important to determine what triggers your asthma attacks so you can try to avoid those things.
During an attack that isn’t severe, force all air from your lungs. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. Try hard to push the air out from your lungs! Take three short breaths, and then take a fourth, deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably; then, breathe out with force again. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It will also help to get the air to come out of the lungs so more can come in. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
Exhale Forcefully
A leukotriene inhibitor should be taken into consideration when asthma is a struggle. These inhibitors can prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can cause asthma attacks by causing inflammation. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
If you have moderate asthma attacks, exhale forcefully, so that you force air from your lungs. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. Really expel 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. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. You might cough hard or create mucus, but its just a sign your breathing is getting back to normal.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. The dosage that is required should be sprayed into the mouth while you inhale air. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
If you’re in a dustier room, avoid turning on a fan. If you do, the dust will move around, and you can trigger your asthma. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. 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.
Get a flu shot every season and make sure your family does as well. Asthma patients should try their best to avoid getting respiratory infections. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t expose yourself to secondhand smoke. 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.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. Get these nutrients through supplements or food. These vitamins are great for your immune system, and a strong immune system wards off illnesses that can trigger asthma attacks.
Be aware that your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you are suffering from a cold, flu or hay fever. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home if you have asthma. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. A dehumidifier makes the air in your home dry by keeping humidity to a minimum.
Figure out your asthma triggers. Once you know what they are, you can change your lifestyle to prevent asthma attacks. If you can’t avoid a trigger, you can pack your inhaler, take allergy pills or engage in other preventive measures so you don’t have an attack. Smoke, pollen, or pet dander are common triggers. Whenever you can, avoid the things that trigger your asthma.
If you think that your asthma is becoming worse, go to your doctor. As much as possible, take steps to use these tips to manage your symptoms, and improve life quality.
Avoid pillows with feathers if you have asthma. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. Patients should also buy hypoallergenic bedding.