Are you one of the millions of people of all ages who suffer from asthma related symptoms? The article below contains simple tips to help you manage your asthma symptoms.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
Cleaning products can trigger an asthma attack, so try to keep your exposure to them to a minimum. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. It is advisable to consider using products that have an organic base when cleaning.
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. A leukotrienes is a type of chemical that causes inflammation, which leads to asthma attacks. Using an inhibitor will counteract the negative effects of leukotriene, thereby decreasing the occurrence of asthma attacks.
Asthma Symptoms
It is always a problem if you have asthma and don’t have health insurance, but talking to a social worker may help you resolve this issue. A social worker can possibly help you with finding treatment and low-cost medications.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma together with any of these conditions.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. If you have asthma, try to avoid getting respiratory infections if you can. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 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.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Simple everyday things such as air fresheners, incense and perfume can cause indoor air pollution levels to increase and trigger an attack. Irritating odors are also given off by new carpeting and paints. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with a social worker. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Food should only be eaten in the kitchen area, and whatever you do, please don’t smoke. Bypass chemicals when cleaning your home if at all possible, and be sure to open doors and windows afterwards.
Stand ready for a boost to your asthma treatment should you suffer from illnesses like colds or hay fever. The side effects of many illnesses can flare up your asthma so bad that you have to have an increase in treatment. Your regular medication may also need to be combined with other treatments your doctor may recommend.
Sleep with a feather-less pillow if you have asthma. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. This applies to bedding, as well, so it’s best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Be knowledgeable about the factors that cause asthma attacks in order to avoid the triggers or develop a plan for managing the symptoms of asthma. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. When possible, stay away from triggers of asthma symptoms in an effort to prevent a severe attack.
To stay out in front of your asthma, make sure that you see the doctor to receive regular checkups. You never know when you might suffer another flare-up, or when your doctor might have a better or safer medication to prescribe for your symptoms.
Keep all your doctors appointments even if your asthma symptoms aren’t bothering you. Your health care provider may have new prescriptions that could benefit you in case the need arises.
Look for a support group, such as an online community or a local group. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life – especially if it is quite severe. Also, other asthma sufferers can alert you to scientific breakthroughs and changes, such as new medications.
A humid home environment is a healthy environment for mildew and mold to develop. Mold and mildew can easily cause severe asthma attacks. It is best if you keep the air in your home as dry as possible. In the winter, use a dehumidifier along with your heater, and in the summer months, you can use your air conditioner to help control the amount of water in the air within your home.
Avoiding smoke is one of the best asthma-prevention tips out there. Smoke is a major cause of asthma attacks. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes and vapors, and any type of wood or cigarette smoke. These environmental conditions can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. Ask any smokers not to smoke in your presence.
In the winter, prevent attacks by wearing shawls, mufflers and scarves that cover the nose and mouth. This allows you to warm air before it enters your lungs. Breathing cold air can set off an asthma attack, particularly in small children who have have somewhat severe asthma.
Asthma sufferers should have minimal contact with animals including pets. While allergies to dander or animal hair can possibly complicate your asthma, even those with no such allergies can have asthma attacks by inhaling the pollen and dust animals usually carry about with them.
Rescue Medication
To make sure all of your medical needs are being met, you will need to consult at least two doctors. Specialists can supplement the asthma treatments your regular doctor provides for you. You’ll want to visit an asthma center, or consult with a pulmonologist to get additional help improving your lung function. In addition, you should get tested for allergies so that you can avoid allergic reactions that trigger asthma attacks.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma is usually treated by using a regular medicine supplemented with a rescue medicine, like an inhaler. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
If you have asthma, don’t smoke. People know that smoking is dangerous, but it is even more dangerous to those with asthma. Smoke is extremely irritating to the already sensitive asthmatic lungs, so care should be taken to not only smoke, but also avoid being in the presence of other people who are smoking.
It is important to track how often you use your fast-acting inhaler each week. If you use it very often, you may not have it under control. You are able to judge how the environment around you effects your body by how many times you need to use your inhaler.
Proper use of an inhaler is crucial if you suffer from asthma. It isn’t as simple as spraying your mouth with it and lightly inhaling air. Every time you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe the mist in deeply and hold it for a a few moments. Neglecting to learn how to use your inhaler correctly will cause your symptoms to worsen significantly.
Your bed linen could be filled with dust, pollen or other allergens. Clean your linen and pillow case every week to prevent asthma attacks. Fresh bed linens, washed regularly, will ensure that you can breathe a little easier while you sleep.
You must use a protective mask when you paint, so make sure you have one before you start your project. The fumes from paint can easily cause your asthma to flare up. Having a mask will help you to prevent this. Avoid all substances and chemicals which trigger problems with your asthma.
See more than one doctor. You may use your primary physician for most things, but a specialist can be very helpful as well. 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.
Include more vitamin B6 foods in your diet. Known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 has been proven to reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. Vitamin B6 helps your body to produce molecules that work to relax your bronchial tissues. Bananas contain B6, as do many other delicious foods.
If you do have an asthma attack, make sure to stay calm. Use your inhaler, wait 30 seconds and use it again. If this procedure does not stop your attack, seek immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. Have some one call for an ambulance or take you to the hospital. Try breathing in a paper bag to slow your breathing on the way there.
If you find yourself experiencing the signs of an impending asthma attack, look for caffeinated foods or beverages in the event your inhaler is not close by. Caffeinated chocolate, coffee or black tea can facilitate symptom reduction when an asthma attack strikes. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels in the body, which can open airways.
Knowing the correct way to use an inhaler is essential. You can’t just spray into your mouth and softly inhale. Every time you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe the mist in deeply and hold it for a a few moments. Holding it in will allow the medicine to open up your bronchial passages and relieve your attack.
If you suffer from asthma, you should avoid being exposed to smoke in your home, car, or anywhere in your immediate area. If there is a smoker present, they should be directed to smoke outside or away from asthma sufferers. In some cases just the smell of a heavy smoker’s clothing can cause an asthma attack.
A support group for those with asthma can really help, and so can simply talking to people about your condition. They will provide tips on how to deal with asthma, or what to do in certain situations that may be new to you. Support from those you are around is crucial.
Get your yearly flu vaccination. Even if you never get sick, or the flu doesn’t affect you, a vaccination is still preferred. When you have asthma attacks, you may have worse infections of the sinuses or respiratory system that can be aggravated by the flu.
Eat more foods rich in vitamin B6. Research has shown that pyridoxine, commonly referred to as vitamin B6, can lower the number of asthma events and lessen their intensity. Pyridoxine produces molecules that facilitate the relaxation of bronchial tissues. You can find a good supply of vitamin B6 in natural foods such as bananas.
If you have an asthmatic child under 5 years old, you must carefully monitor for attacks that may require immediate medical intervention. For example, if your child is gasping for breath or can’t talk because of lack of breath, he may be having an asthma attack. If you see any of these symptoms, your child is in need of immediate medical care.
This article offers a variety of tips and tricks for managing the symptoms of asthma. However, the biggest factor will be how determined you are to apply them. If you ignore warning signs and neglect to vigilantly care for your asthma, your asthma symptoms will come back stronger than ever. Protect yourself from continued problems with asthma by consistently using the tips in this article.
If you are asthmatic, exercise should not be done in cold, dry outdoor air. Cold and dry air can cause your bronchial airways to constrict, causing an asthma attack. That’s why you always need to be certain it’s humid and warm before you attempt any exercise outside.