If you have asthma, you should learn everything you can about your condition. Asthma is a fairly common lung disorder that causes inflammation of airways, coughing and wheezing. A lot of people want to know a lot more when it comes to asthma, but they don’t know where to look for this type of information. Read on to get a firm foundation of knowledge about your asthma, and find some tips and techniques you might not already know.
What kind of asthma do you have? One of the best ways to combat asthma and its limiting effects on your life is to know and understand as much as you can about your specific condition. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. Treating asthma is less difficult if you and your physician are aware of the triggers that bring on an attack.
Do not smoke around your children if they have asthma. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Always ensure your child is in a smoke-free area.
Don’t smoke around your child if they have asthma; this could worsen their situation. Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of asthma, and it can also trigger an asthma attack. Any place where smoking is allowed should be avoided if you have a child with asthma.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, regardless of their health; however, when you have asthma, smoking restricts the oxygen your lungs needs to breathe and function properly. If your lung function is affected, you run the risk of having more frequent attacks.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is peaceful, and then follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. Make sure that you spray the required dosage directly into your mouth, inhaling the medication into your lungs. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. Allergens such as dust and pollen can bring on an asthma attack at any time. Others experience an attack from physical activities. Know your asthma causes so you can avoid putting yourself in a situation where you may suffer from an attack.
A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the asthma attacks experienced by you or other afflicted members of your household. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. A dehumidifying device reduces the moisture in the air.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. A couple of common culprits that do this are aspirin and NSAIDs. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. It is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, so they can best treat your asthma.
If you are asthmatic, it may be a good idea to use a pillow that is not filled with feathers. Pillow feathers force the lungs to work harder and can exacerbate asthma problems. Be sure to keep the same advice in mind for your bedclothes. They should be made from materials that do not increase allergy symptoms.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
When you need to take your asthma supplies on an airplane, it is a good idea to bring your doctor’s prescription with you. Carrying written prescription information will help you to avoid security hassles, and you won’t have to worry about your medication being confiscated.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Traveling to places can strain your body, and it is more vulnerable to asthma triggers when it is under strain. 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.
You can use the preventative inhaler daily, but know that it can cause mouth infections near your gums and teeth. Prevent these unnecessary side effects by gargling and brushing your teeth right after you use the inhaler.
Asthma Attacks
Bed linens are a magnet for nasty allergens and asthma triggers, including dust and pollen. You can eliminate or reduce these inducers by washing your pillowcases and sheets weekly in hot water. You’re less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. These include dust, mold and spores. To stay healthy and reduce the chance of asthma attacks, you should have an inspector visit your house yearly to remove these harmful agents. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
See a specialist. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. Some specialists to consider visiting are those who deal directly with allergies or nutrition. This is a great way to attack asthma from all angles.
If conclusion, it’s normal for people experiencing asthma to be curious about their condition because it affects their everyday life. The intent of this article has been to provide information that will help you better your life despite the fact that you suffer from asthma. When properly managed, asthma is not nearly as imposing.
Do not make the decision to smoke. Although bad for everyone, cigarettes can cause greater problems for those with asthma. An asthmatic’s lungs are more vulnerable than those of a healthy individual, which makes it especially important to abstain from smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.