Do you have asthma and feel like you wish you knew more about this condition? Don’t worry, you aren’t the only one feeling this way. Many people want to know more about asthma but just do not know where to find this information. You many just be surprised when you read the following information about asthma.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Breathe out fast and hard. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Take three short breaths, then one last deep breath to ensure your lungs have enough air, then forcefully breath out. The breathing rhythm that you create by doing this will cause you to be aware of every breath you take. It will also help to get the air to come out of the lungs so more can come in. You might start coughing, and some sputum may come up, but this is no problem and your focus is to get back into a relaxed, rythmic breathing pattern again.
Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals if you are an asthma sufferer. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. If you must do the cleaning in your home, opt for natural products with lower chemical content.
It is crucial that you stay away from all types of cigarette smoke if you suffer from asthma. Asthmatics should also never smoke. Avoid breathing in vapors from smoke or other chemical-type fumes. Any of these things can trigger an asthma attack. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
A lot of medications can trigger an asthma attack without you knowing. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma together with any of these conditions.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. Otherwise, the dust will fly into the air and could give you an attack. A fan will just blow around dust without providing fresh air, so opening a window is a better option as it brings in fresh air and ventilation.
During an attack that isn’t severe, force all air from your lungs. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. It can’t be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Breathe in by taking three quick breaths, followed by one very deep breath. Doing this will fill your lungs completely, and allow you to expel the air forcefully again. Breathing in this rhythmic manner helps you to concentrate on the breaths you’re taking. It also helps to push air out from your lungs so new air can come back in. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
If allergy symptoms cause you to have moderate to severe asthma attacks, there is a medication available that can help for extended periods of time. Omalizumab is an antibody medication that is used to control these allergic reaction symptoms and may be recommended by your allergist.
If you have asthma and have frequent attacks that are related to allergies, there are medicines that can be injected to provide you with long-term relief. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. It is then necessary to hold the breath for about ten seconds to give the medication time to work in your lungs.
Make sure you use the inhaler in the proper, prescribed method. Go to a quiet place, and be sure to follow all instructions from the manufacturer. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
If you have asthma, get a dehumidifier for your home. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Dehumidifiers reduce attacks in your home by making the air cleaner and drier.
If you have asthma, avoid people who smoke. As soon as you inhale any smoke from tobacco, your lungs become sensitive, which increases your risk of an attack. Just avoid any type of smoke, especially in small areas, and keep your lungs healthy to be safe.
Keep your home meticulously clean to reduce attack potential if there is an asthma sufferer living there, especially the bedroom. Food should be restricted to the kitchen, and smoking inside the home should never be permitted. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. 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. Take all necessary measures to ensure that your home is always filled with fresh, clean air.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. You might even get a new treatment added onto our existing program until the illness subsides.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Asthma isn’t often something that pops up over night, but instead takes time to develop and the symptoms are slowly noticeable. People can even die from their very first asthma attack as they’re not prepared for it! 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.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Left untreated, asthma can be very debilitating and prevent you from enjoying your normal activities. Your peers will be able to provide you with advice and tips that work for them, information about new treatment techniques, and even some home remedies you might not know about.
If you are taking an airplane and you need to travel with your asthma apparatus or medications, bring your written prescription with you. Written proof of needing your equipment can help you with any issues you might have in the security line.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. These fungi are both common triggers for asthma attacks. Try, then, to ensure your home is dry. 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.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. If you are using it more than twice, your asthma may not be as well-controlled as you think or you may be experiencing unusual circumstances bringing on more frequent attacks. You are able to judge how the environment around you effects your body by how many times you need to use your inhaler.
It’s quite typical and healthy for those afflicted with asthma to yearn for more education and information about the disease that is affecting their life and health. The valuable information in the above article will help you feel more confident in dealing with your asthma, and start feeling better fast. Make use of this information in your everyday life, and you will soon realize that asthma is not such a difficult thing to deal with after all.
Smoke should always be avoided when you suffer from asthma. Smoke can cause you to have an asthma attack. Stay away from chemical fumes, vapors, and cigarette smoke at all times. These are all common triggers and can aggravate asthma symptoms. When anyone lights up a cigarette or cigar in your presence, politely inform them that you have asthma and ask them not to smoke beside you.