For the millions of men, women, and children who have difficulty breathing as a result of asthma, even the simplest physical task may seem daunting. But do not lose heart; there are proven methods for alleviating the confusion and fear cause by asthma. The following article will provide you with important information about this devastating and often life-changing respiratory condition.
A good tip that can help your child cope with asthma is to make sure you never smoke around them. One of the primary causes of asthma is secondhand smoke. Try to keep your children out of environments that are smokey to ensure the health of their lungs.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. Omalizumab is one such medication, and can control the allergic symptoms you may be experienced. An allergist will be able to tell you if this is a good option.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Among these medications are aspirin and other NSAIDs. This can also be caused by beta blockers, like medications that are used in managing high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
If you’re suffering from an asthma attack that’s moderate or mild, then work to force all the air you can from your lungs. Breathe out aggressively, as hard as you can. You want to force all of the air from your lungs. Then, follow three short intakes of breath with one longer inhalation until your lungs are filled with air, although not uncomfortably so. Finally, expel the air from your lungs with force again. Paying attention this way will help you stabilize your breathing and make it rhythmic. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. You might cough hard or create mucus, but its just a sign your breathing is getting back to normal.
Social Worker
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. It is essential that you can buy your asthma medicine, and a social worker might help you find a hospital or clinic that can provide your medicine at reduced cost, or free.
You might want to purchase a dehumidifier to use at home if you have asthma. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home’s humidity, leaving dry air.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. Asthma patients should try their best to avoid getting respiratory infections. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. The effects of some illnesses can exacerbate the effects of your asthma, causing the need for more treatments. The doctor may choose to pursue additional treatment options during your illness as well.
Asthma sufferers should take Vitamins E and C. There is some evidence that these two vitamins can improve breathing and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. These vitamins can be easily obtained, either through your diet or a supplement. You can help out your immune system that can help stave off asthma triggers!
Make regular asthma checkups with your doctor, even if you are not having any issues come up. A flare-up can occur at any time, and your physician may have learned of a prescription medication that can treat your symptoms more safely and effectively.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home if you have asthma. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. Dehumidifiers remove the humidity by drying out the air that flows through your house.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Extremely severe asthma can be debilitating and prevent one from living a full life. The individuals in this group could also provide you with new insights about medications that are out there, as well as other advice in dealing with asthma.
If you have asthma, avoid people who are smoking. When you inhale tobacco smoke, you are severely increasing the likelihood of an asthma attack. This is especially true in small, confined areas with little to no ventilation.
Humidity in your home causes an environment where mildew and mold are more likely to grow. Both of these allergens can be contributing factors in asthma attacks. Therefore, you should always strive to maintain a dry home. During winter time, use a dehumidifier if necessary to control humidity while running your heater, and use your air conditioner during summer months to keep air dry.
If you deal with asthma in your life, always choose products that are free of scents. Indoor air pollution rises with the constant use of anything scented, ranging from air fresheners to incense, and all this can trigger asthma attacks. Fresh paint and new carpeting also produce smells that can cause irritation to the airways. Try keeping the air indoors as fresh as it can be.
Avoid all types of smoke, including cigarette smoke, if you have asthma. Inhaling smoke makes it harder for you to breathe and might result in an asthma attack. Stay away from all types of fumes as well as cigarette smoke. These can increase symptoms of asthma. If someone smokes around you, ask them politely if they could smoke when you are not around.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. Feather can decrease lung function and trigger asthma symptoms. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
Do not smoke! Smoking is an unhealthy habit for everyone, but it poses an even greater danger to people with asthma. Smoke is very irritating to sensitive lungs, so take care not to smoke or be around others who are.
When you are traveling, be sure to carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times. You may find that the stress of traveling makes an asthma attack more likely. It is also hard to predict what will come up or to control your environment when you travel, which increases the chances of experiencing more severe symptoms or an attack.
If you have asthma and allergies, don’t use a vaporizer or humidifier if it has not been completely cleaned. Bacteria can breed inside the moist machine and you would be releasing them along with the humid air.
Now that you know how to better handle your asthma, you can have a better quality of life. Whether this information helps you or a family member or a friend, you should feel comfort knowing that asthma is not the worst thing that could happen.
If you frequently use your inhaler (more than two to three times per week), you should talk to your doctor about alternative methods of treatment or a different prescription. This level of frequency can mean your medication is ineffective for your needs. Similarly, if you need to purchase refill inhalers more than twice a year, your medication is ineffective.