Respiration is one of the most important of the body’s functions. If you have a condition that affects your breathing and lungs, such as asthma, the complications to your life and health can be extreme. There are still ways to manage a normal life and remain safe, so do not think asthma means the end to fun and good health. Give the following paragraphs a read, and see how you can live a normal life with asthma.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. For some people, this is allergy related; things like pollen and dust can start an attack. For others, physical activities can cause them. You should know what causes asthma, so you can stay away from these things.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is something that can lead to serious asthma. Keep your child away from any area where people are smoking.
There are some common medications that you could be using that will cause asthma symptoms. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are an asthmatic and you are using these medications.
You should stay away from anything you might believe which can trigger an asthma attack. For some people, it may be related to allergies, such as a reaction to dust or pollen. Others may need to avoid certain physical activities to keep from suffering an attack. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Asthmatics should also never smoke. Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
Cannot Afford
Consider a leokotriene inhibitor if your asthma is not controlled by other methods. This type of inhibitor is designed to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammation-causing chemicals that can bring on asthma attacks. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. If you cannot afford medicine for asthma, your social worker can help you locate someone that can help.
An increased propensity for asthma attacks has been linked with the utilization of multiple cleaning products. The more you use, the greater the risk of an attack. Try to use organic based cleaning products that are not harmful to asthma sufferers.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
Make sure you get a flu shot once a year if you suffer from asthma. Regular vaccinations will help you and your children to avoid lung infections.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. A reduction in humidity will also lessen the amount of dust mites in your home. This lessens the chance of an asthma flare up. Dehumidifiers work by pulling the moisture out of the air of your home.
When you travel, your rescue medication should be with you all the time. Traveling is hard on your body, opening you up to an asthma attack. Influencing the environment around you is nearly impossible while on the road, which is another opportunity for deteriorating symptoms or attack triggers.
Buy products that are unscented if you suffer from asthma. Scented products, like air fresheners, incense and perfume, raise indoor pollution levels and can trigger asthma attacks. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
Even if your asthma seems like it is under control, always keep your asthma appointments with the doctor. 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.
There is good reason to make sure you have your rescue medicine for asthma in a convenient, easy to reach place. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. It’s also hard to control the environment you’re in when traveling, which is another reason you might experience more symptoms or have an attack.
During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
Try joining an in-person or virtual asthma support group. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life – especially if it is quite severe. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
Asthma is a health condition that usually develops over a period of time, and has symptoms that may not be obvious. There are known cases where someone has actually died from a single asthma attack, because they were unaware that they had the disease. If you have any trouble breathing or are coughing a lot, you need to see a doctor to determine what it is and if you need any medication or treatment for asthma prevention.
Your home can be full of the major triggers leading to an asthma attack. Typical asthma triggers in the home are dust and mold spores. Have an inspector who focuses on allergens and irritants come into your home once a year to help you detect what you have and learn how to remove it. In addition, cleaning the house regularly can greatly contribute to keeping these substances from building up.
If you are taking an airplane and you need to travel with your asthma apparatus or medications, bring your written prescription with you. Having evidence from a doctor that the medication is necessary for your health will greatly help with security at the airport.
Your home’s humidity can cause mold and mildew growth within it. Protect yourself against allergens, dust mites and fungus to avoid exacerbating your asthma symptoms. Try, then, to ensure your home is dry. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
If you have asthma, don’t stop using your inhaler unless your doctor tells you to. However, watch for infections in your gums or other mouth discomfort after using your inhaler. To best method to prevent these side effects and complications is by brushing your teeth, then gargling directly after using the inhaler.
Asthma is a medical condition that tends to slowly develop over time, and the symptoms are not always that obvious. People can even die from their very first asthma attack as they’re not prepared for it! Because of this, persistent respiratory problems need to be checked out by a doctor, who may prescribe medication to treat existing symptoms or prevent new ones from appearing.
To make sure all of your medical needs are being met, you will need to consult at least two doctors. Your usual doctor will be able to help you, but you should also consider seeing a specialist. You’ll want to visit an asthma center, or consult with a pulmonologist to get additional help improving your lung function. In addition, you should get tested for allergies so that you can avoid allergic reactions that trigger asthma attacks.
Managing your asthma is a lifelong task, but it gets easier every day as long as you stay informed and follow good advice and habits, from your doctor or the tips contained here. There are new medications and techniques developed all the time, so before long, asthma will be much easier to treat.
If you find you need your inhaler too often, more than two times a week, talk to your doctor about changing your prescription. Frequent use of the rescue inhaler means that your management medicine is not working as it should. Also, if you refill the inhaler more than 2 times each year, there is the same result, which means making an appointment with your doctor.