If you do not carefully manage your asthma, it can easily spiral out of control. Asthma attacks may be very serious or fatal. If you have asthma, you need to talk to a doctor, but there are things you can do on your own, as well. The following article will give you advice to help control your asthma.
IF you have asthma, you should consider buying a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. Dehumidifiers work by taking the humidity out of the air.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is a huge health risk and directly plays a role in why people develop asthma. Any place where smoking is allowed should be avoided if you have a child with asthma.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. When you breathe in smoke, especially in small spaces, it diminishes breathing ability, which greatly increases the probability of an asthma attack.
In order to prevent asthma attacks, keep away from triggers. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. For others, physical activities can cause them. Look for the trigger points in your life, so you can work around them.
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Don’t smoke indoors, or allow any junk food in your home. If you clean with any harsh chemicals or bleach, make sure to ventilate thoroughly afterwards.
Asthma Problems
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. Those who experience asthma are susceptible to some common things like pet dander, smoke, or pollen. Do your best to avoid coming into contact with substances that you know will trigger your symptoms.
Be aware of certain medications that can lead to asthma problems. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. The medication you take for high blood pressure can also cause asthma symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed as asthmatic and are taking medications unrelated to your asthma, be sure your doctor is aware of them.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. Same thing with bedding – purchase sheets and a comforter that are constructed from hypoallergenic materials.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Opt for organic cleaning products that do not contain irritating chemicals.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. These causes can include dust, spores and mold. Have an inspector who focuses on allergens and irritants come into your home once a year to help you detect what you have and learn how to remove it. Clean up your house regularly so these substances do not accumulate.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
If your home is damp, it can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. These substances are prime triggers for asthma attacks. A dry home will help you out a lot more. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Avoid a lot of these infections by getting vaccinated each year.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma typically is treated so that the sufferer has a regular maintenance medication, but is also prescribed a rescue medication, like an inhaler. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. The stress of travel may temporarily weaken your body and make you more vulnerable to attack triggers. It’s hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid being around smoke. Smoke can seriously affect the lungs and is a common asthma trigger. The fumes from chemicals, or smoke from cigarettes, should be avoided at all costs. Exposure to these substances can worsen your asthma considerably. If someone starts smoking near you, politely inquire whether they can smoke in your absence.
Even if you have not had any recent breathing problems, you should nonetheless schedule regular checkups. It is important to make sure your condition isn’t worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
Asthma sufferers need to know which types of animals and breeds won’t trigger their asthma attacks. Some asthma sufferers are allergic to animal fur or dander on top of their asthma, but even those who don’t have such an allergy can bring on an attack if they breathe in too much of these irritants.
Support Group
Keep yourself as calm as possible when having an asthma attack. You should immediately use your inhaler and use the inhaler again 30 seconds later. If you feel your ashtma attack worsening, get immediate help. Have someone call emergency services or drive you to the nearest hospital. Breathing in and out of a paper bag on the way will help slow down your breathing.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Asthma, especially severe asthma, can be a debilitating condition and prevent you from participating fully in daily life. Being a part of a support group can help provide you with honest information about products and helpful hints, as well as medical news.
You shouldn’t have to take inhaled medication on a frequent basis. Talk to your doctor about changing medicines if you have asthma attacks two or more times per week. This means that the medication in your inhaler is not working well enough. This also applies to anyone who needs to refill their inhaler more than two times in a single year.
If you’re flying with asthma medications, be sure you get a prescription from your physician. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
If you have asthma, visit your doctor every three or four months so that they can help you monitor your health. This will give your doctor a chance to assess your current asthma condition, and make any needed adjustments to your medication. You are in charge of scheduling your visits with your physician in order for him or her to properly take care of you.
If you are working to prevent asthma, it is best not to smoke. Smoke and chemicals have been known to trigger asthma attacks. You should attempt to minimize your contact with cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and noxious vapors. These things can cause your asthma symptoms to greatly increase. If someone starts smoking near you, politely inquire whether they can smoke in your absence.
If you want to paint something, get a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Paint could irritate asthma greatly, but using a mask will act as a protective shield needed to fight this issue. In general practice, in fact, it is best to avoid fumes that will likely trigger an attack.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Knowing your catalysts for asthma attacks is the first step to preventing them. Write down anything that triggers an asthma attack, then share what you’ve written with your asthma specialist. Once they are known, do whatever it takes to prevent triggers from going off, and if possible, just wipe them out of your life and environment completely.