Asthma, when left uncontrolled, has the ability to limit the way you live your life, making even a simple walk outside a dangerous prospect. You should do whatever you can in trying to control this condition. Use these simple ideas to manage your asthma symptoms and regain your life.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. Stay away from jobs that would expose you to toxic or heavy vapors, and refrain from any tobacco use.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. You can actually start preventing asthma attacks if you are aware and mindful of any patterns that your symptoms present.
Avoid anything that can trigger your asthma. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. Some things, such as physical exertion, can cause an asthma attack. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.
Never smoke around a child with asthma, or you could kill them! Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of asthma. If your child is in an area where people are smoking, remove him quickly to avoid an asthma attack.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. You can also use medications that can control high blood pressure and heart disease, things like beta blockers. If you have any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
You want to make sure you can avoid situations that could trigger your asthma. For many people, allergens such as dust and pollen can induce an attack. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
Use your inhaler as directed. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. Proper use delivers the medication to your lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. Work with your allergist and doctor to find the right treatment program that makes you feel good and allows you to still do the things you want to do.
If you have asthma that is not covered by health insurance, contact someone in a government agency, like a social worker. Affording asthma medication is important for handling the illness, and social workers can find places the offer the medicine at low costs.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. When you see people smoking in your area avoid them and move away.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. Keep yourself healthy, and without respiratory infections as best you can. This means that you should take all standard precautions to avoid illness, such as washing your hands, getting vaccinated and avoiding those who are sick.
Consider a leokotriene inhibitor if your asthma is not controlled by other methods. A leukotriene inhibitor is for the prevention of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a chemical substance that can lead to inflammation that can cause an asthma attack. The inhibitor prevents leukotrienes, and that can decrease the number of asthma attacks you deal with.
Think about buying a dehumidifier if your asthma symptoms are bad. Reducing the amount of humidity in your home reduces the number of dust mites, which in turn reduces the chances of your asthma flaring up. Dehumidifiers keep the air in your home dry by eliminating humidity.
Many people underestimate asthma, or at least think that they can’t do anything about it since it is an incurable disease. However, you’ll be amazed at how much difference you can make simply by following these simple steps to try and relieve symptoms and reduce the sources of asthma attacks.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Many of these illnesses will worsen your asthma symptoms bad enough to require more treatments than you typically need. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.