Asthma can turn a normal life into a nightmare after that fateful first attack. However, when you are treated properly and know how to deal with you asthma, you can manage it and live a fulfilling life. Read on to learn some coping strategies for asthmatics.
When you have asthma, you need to be careful around chemical cleaning products. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. If you’re the one who regularly cleans the house, look for natural cleaning products which are much safer to use.
If you suffer from asthma, stay away from the fumes of household cleaning products. Many chemicals that are in these products can cause the triggering of asthma attacks. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
You need to avoid all of the asthma triggers that you know. Certain asthma sufferers experience attacks when they around around allergy triggers, such as dust or pollen. Others have asthma attacks when they participate in physical activities. Pay attention to what causes your attacks so you can prevent them from happening.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some of these include aspirin and NSAIDs. Beta blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease can develop asthma like symptoms. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. 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.
Asthma is a disease that is ongoing and must be attended to every day. Always be very sure that you’re taking the right type of medication for your condition if you hope to control it. It’s also important to have a quick-relief medication available. Have a discussion with your doctor or allergist to determine what the best plan for you might be.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Then take three small breaths in, followed by a deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably. Next, exhale forcefully again. This will force you to pay careful attention to all of your breaths. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. There may be periods of harsh coughing and a substantial generation of sputum, but this is actually what you want in order to get the airways opened and the breathing back on a regular pattern.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. These inhibitors can prevent leukotrienes. Inhibiting this chemical can lead to a decrease in asthma symptoms. Leukotriene is an oral therapy for the treatment of asthma, but it is not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids.
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor works by preventing leukotrienes. Leukotrienes has a hand in causing swelling and inflammation in your lungs, and may trigger a asthma attack. Leukotriene is an oral therapy for the treatment of asthma, but it is not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. 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. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Be sure to hold the mist in your lungs for about ten seconds.
To cut the risk of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as you can, particularly the bedroom of the person with asthma. Keep food in a kitchen or on the dining room table, and avoid cigarette smoking inside. Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. Making sure to consistently wash your hands, and getting the proper vaccinations are two standard precautions.
Be prepared for your asthma treatment to be increased if you have a cold or hay fever. Many illnesses have side effects that could cause your asthma to flare up so badly that you need to have an increase in treatment. Your doctor might add additional medication until your sickness gets better.
If you suffer from asthma, taking enough Vitamin E and C can help you. These vitamins aid in improving the function of the lungs and controlling the symptoms of asthma. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
If your child or yourself are asthma sufferers it is very important that you get the flu shot every single year. You can ward off a great number of these infections by having annual vaccinations.
If someone in your home has asthma, make sure to keep a clean house, especially their bedroom so that the risk of an attack is reduced. Food should only be eaten in the kitchen area, and whatever you do, please don’t smoke. After using chemical to clean, air out the house.
When you travel, your rescue medication should be with you all the time. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. You can’t control the weather or the environment when you travel, so keep in mind you are more vulnerable to symptoms and attacks when you go to a new area.
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. If able, avoid anything that results in symptoms of asthma or an asthma attack.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. Asthma is a terrible condition that can prevent you from engaging in simple daily activities. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
Even if you are feeling great, don’t skip your asthma check-ups. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. Some triggers include spores, dust and mold. If you want to prevent and manage these sources of asthma attacks, have regular home inspections by a professional, and get identified harming agents cleaned out. It also helps to clean your home frequently to prevent a buildup of these allergens.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. Asthma can be quite debilitating, especially if the asthma is severe, and this condition can interfere with daily life. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
Mold and mildew grow in a home due to the humidity that creates a friendly environment for them. These are harmful substances that can trigger asthma attacks. A dry home will help you out a lot more. Whenever you use a heater, you should use a dehumidifier, and air conditioning will help in the summer.
Humidity in the home can create an environment that is ideal for mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew can have a hand in making you suffer a asthma attack! Therefore, it is important to maintain a dry home. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. Cool air has been known to trigger an asthma attack, particularly in very young children who have severe or moderate asthma.
Make sure you count how many times, within a week, you have to use your inhaler. You should not have to rely on a rescue inhaler more than twice per week. If you find yourself needing it more often, it could be a sign that your asthma is not being controlled well or that there is a new environmental factor causing attacks more frequently. How frequently you need to use the inhaler can help you recognize any environmental changes you need to make.
Rescue Medication
When you suffer from an asthma attack, be sure to remain calm. Use the inhaler, wait thirty seconds, and use once more. If your attack worsens, get help. Get someone to call an ambulance or get you to a hospital. You can slow your breathing by placing a paper bag over your mouth and nose to slow your breathing until you get medical attention.
Make sure you understand the correct way to use your asthma medication, especially any 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. Asthma lasts a lifetime, so you must manage your treatment and lifestyle to ensure you’re taking the best care of yourself.
You should visit your doctor regularly throughout the year, so they can keep you apprised on the status of your asthma. This will allow your doctor to stay updated on your condition as it improves or weakens, and make the necessary changes to your treatments. You should always keep your appointments so that your doctor can follow up on your treatment plans, and work with you to maintain your health.
As was mentioned before, asthma is a very serious condition that can become life-threatening if left unchecked and untreated. Make sure you always have an inhaler on you and avoid what triggers attacks. Live the kind of life you want by managing your asthma symptoms with the effective tips above.
Try to consume foods that are rich in B6 vitamins. Known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 has been proven to reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. It seems to work by producing molecular elements that aid it relaxing the tissues of your bronchial system. Bananas contain B6, as do many other delicious foods.