Asthma is a very serious condition which can change someone’s life. Education and practice are necessary to keep your asthma under control. This article provides many tips and approaches to help deal with your asthma.
Figure out what type of asthma you are suffering with. Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. You can avoid any future crisis by knowing and figuring out patterns of the symptoms you have.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. Gaining as much knowledge as you can about the type of asthma you have can make your day-to-day activities a little easier. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma will need to make sure that they have an inhaler with them inside of their gym bag. Knowing your asthma symptom patterns will help keep you safe.
In order to prevent asthma attacks, keep away from triggers. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. Or, you may need to avoid certain activities that overexert your body. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. Many chemicals that are in these products can cause the triggering of asthma attacks. If you enjoy cleaning, or are the sole cleaner in the household, you are sure to be able to find one of the many natural cleaners that will be safe for your use.
Always use your inhaler in the proper manner. Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
Asthma is an ongoing disease and requires ongoing health management. Make certain you are doing the most you can each day to keep your symptoms under control. Take the proper medications needed for everyday symptoms, and always have quick relief medication by you at all times in the event an attack occurs. Consult with your physician and allergist to find out what is best for you.
If you have asthma and do not have health insurance, you should consider seeing a social worker. You must have the ability to afford your medication, so a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer them at little cost or free.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Don’t use strong cleaners or bleach and air out the house immediately following cleaning.
If you have asthma and do not have health insurance, you should consider seeing a social worker. It’s vital that you stay on medication, so there may be programs available to help you get them at a discount.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. Adjusting your medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms of these and other illnesses. Your doctor may prescribe a new medicine or change the dose of your existing medication until the hay fever or cold passes.
Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important if you suffer from asthma. These vitamins can help improve your lung function, ultimately controlling asthma. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. The vitamins can help to boost the immune system, which will help you to stay healthy and less ill, which means you will have less asthma attacks.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
Cleaning Products
Realize what triggers your attacks, and you can avoid or manage these situations. There are some quite common triggers that can invoke an attack in asthma sufferers, for example cigarette smoke, pollen, or pet hair and dander. Avoid these things when you can to breathe easier.
Using more than four different types of cleaning products in your home has been shown to increase the risk of an asthma attack. Organic cleaning products should be selected due to their lack of irritating chemicals.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. Feathers in a pillow can bring on the symptoms of asthma and decrease lung function. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
You should know what triggers your asthma attacks; this will allow you to either avoid them or be ready to manage the symptoms. If you have asthma, it’s most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can’t tolerate smoke. Whenever you can, stay away from these agents that can trigger symptoms or cause full-blown asthma attacks.
If you are on the road, be certain to travel with your inhaler at all hours. Traveling tends to put extra stain on the body, and you’re more susceptible to your asthma triggers under these conditions. It is often hard to maintain the right kind of environment when you are traveling, and this may heighten the risk of an asthma attack or worsening symptoms.
A support group can offer empathy and information about new treatments and medication. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
Think about the benefits of joining an online or in-person support group. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live 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.
The more humid your home is, the easier it is for mildew and mold to grow. These can very easily cause an attack. So try your best to make your home as dry as possible. Using a dehumidifier during cold weather and turning on your air conditioner when the weather gets hot again can help keep humidity out of your home to ensure your asthma is under control.
During cold months, you could avoid asthma attacks by constantly wearing a shawl, muffler or a scarf that covers both your mouth and nose. This allows you to warm 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.
Rescue Medication
Asthma often takes time to develop, the symptoms appearing slowly. A few people have even died from an asthma attack without knowing they even had this dangerous condition. If you often have difficulty breathing or a persistent cough, it would be wise to make an appointment with your physician, so he or she can confirm whether you have asthma. If you do, your doctor can then prescribe medications to manage or treat it.
Be sure you understand how to use the medication you’re given for asthma properly, especially your rescue medication. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
If you are going on a trip on a plane and need to take your asthma medicine, take your prescription with you! Having written documentation supporting this medically necessary item will eliminate any hassles when going through the security check point.
Visit your doctor if you think your symptoms are getting worse. If you desire less symptoms, less stress, less pain, or less discomfort from your asthma; you will certainly want to give these tips a read and learn how they apply to you.
If you use your inhaler over two times a week, talk to your doctor about changing your medicine. This might mean that your inhaler isn’t working enough for you. This also goes for refills. If you find yourself refilling your inhaler in excess of twice a year, then you need to change medications.