Asthma is considered to be a medical condition that is very serious and may cause limitations on how you live and appreciate life. However, you should know that most of the symptoms can become manageable if you combine several coping strategies along with effective medication. Read this article to learn more about strategies you should use.
If you have asthma, it is crucial that you do not smoke, or quit if you do. Smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, but if you are afflicted with asthma, preventing oxygen from getting to your lungs is just begging for an attack.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking is a bad habit for everyone, but patients that suffer from asthma are negatively affected by smoke as it cuts the oxygen supply off and induces an asthma attack.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. Additionally, beta blockers, a type of medication used for heart disease and hypertension, may cause asthma symptoms. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
If you suffer with asthma, avoid cleaning products. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
If you are dealing with asthma, keep far away from cigarette smoke. Don’t smoke! Do not breathe in the vapors or any other chemical fumes. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. You should give up on the smokes if you have asthma and also make sure to avoid other people who are smoking.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. Some medications can cause your asthma to be worse such as beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is peaceful, and then follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Proper use delivers the medication to your lungs. As you are inhaling air, spray the correct dosage in your mouth. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
If you are suffering from asthma, stay away from any type of cigarette smoke. If you smoke, try quitting. Avoid vapors and chemical fumes from cigarettes. This can cause your asthma to flare up, causing an attack that may be uncontrollable. The minute you spot people smoking, immediately remove yourself from the area.
If you are an asthma sufferer, be sure to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamins C and E. These vitamins can help improve your lung function, ultimately controlling asthma. Either find a good vitamin supplement to take, or change your diet to include more foods rich in Vitamins E and C. Getting enough vitamins is also a good way to prevent asthma attacks by boosting your immune system.
If you’re in a dustier room, avoid turning on a fan. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. If you need airflow, simply opening a window would be better.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Avoid a lot of these infections by getting vaccinated each year.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The inhaler is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
You need to know what the asthma triggers are so that they can be avoided or treated promptly. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. When it is possible avoid substances that make you have symptoms or attacks.
If you have asthma, it might be helpful for you to buy a dehumidifier. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. A dehumidifying device reduces the moisture in the air.
If you plan to take a trip, you must always keep your rescue medication with you at all times. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. You can’t exert as much control over your environment when you travel, so you may have an asthma attack or exacerbation of symptoms under unfamiliar conditions.
Those with asthma should always opt for unscented items because they are safest. Fragrances are present in hundreds of common consumer products, including cleaning supplies, perfumes, detergents and room sprays. Any of these items could easily increase the of triggering an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting also produce smells that can cause irritation to the airways. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. Stay on top of your health and reduce the likelihood of attacks. You can do this by having it inspected every year to get rid of triggers. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
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. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
Be sure you understand how to use the medication you’re given for asthma properly, especially 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 does not get cured, those afflicted with it must continue to take their regular medication and use their rescue inhaler when needed.
Asthma Symptoms
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
Hay fever and colds can worsen asthma symptoms so prepare to need increased treatments. Many of these illnesses will worsen your asthma symptoms bad enough to require more treatments than you typically need. Your regular medication may also need to be combined with other treatments your doctor may recommend.
Allergens and asthma triggers, such as dust and pollen can cling to your bed linens. You may cut down on these potential inducers of an asthma attack by cleaning your sheets and pillows in hot water each week. Fresh, laundered bedding will help you sleep that much easier at night.
Know what causes your asthma attacks, as this will enable you to work around them or prepare to treat the asthma attacks that result. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. If able, avoid anything that results in symptoms of asthma or an asthma attack.
Proper use of an inhaler is crucial if you suffer from asthma. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s as easy as pumping lightly into your mouth. Every time you use your inhaler, be sure to breathe deeply and slowly. Without proper breathing techniques with your inhaler, your symptoms will worsen.
There is good reason to make sure you have your rescue medicine for asthma in a convenient, easy to reach place. Being in odd environments can cause undue stress on your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. The change in environment can also have a negative impact, since it is impossible to control. This can lead to more frequent attacks or attacks with symptoms that are worse than normal.
It is important to become as knowledgeable as possible about asthma. By being educated, you can treat your symptoms much more effectively. Keep up on what the most effective treatments are and ensure you are receiving the best treatments possible. You can only achieve this by researching your condition, as well as, the treatment options available to you.
The more humid your home is, the easier it is for mildew and mold to grow. You can get asthma attacks because of these substances. So, it makes sense to keep dry air in your home. You can maintain a dry home by using a dehumidifier and heater in the colder months, and air conditioning when it is warm.
Go to your doctor a few times every year to check up on your asthma, and ensure that it is being managed effectively. Frequent check-ups help your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of your current treatment plan and revise the plan as needed. Although your doctor is there to help you stay healthy and manage your asthma, your health is your responsibility. Make and keep regular doctor’s appointments so that you can keep asthma under control.
As stated earlier in this article, asthma is something that should be taken seriously. Make sure you treat and take care of yourself at all times if you have this condition. Protect yourself and have an inhaler on hand in case of an emergency; stay away from allergies. Apply these tips to help you overcome your asthma symptoms, and prevent them from restricting your freedom.
Asthma can stem from environmental causes, genetics or other health issues. If a member of your family suffers from asthma, you should pay close attention to any symptoms of asthma that you and your children display. Many environmental factors like smoke, pollution, dust and mold spores are known to cause asthma; it is best to avoid these hazards when possible.