Asthma can get uncontrollable if it is left unchecked. The attacks can be life threatening in some instances. If you have asthma, you need to talk to a doctor, but there are things you can do on your own, as well. This article contains many simple tips that can help you improve and relieve your asthma symptoms.
Do you know the type of asthma that you suffer with? Learning about your type of asthma will help you to deal with it. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. Knowing your asthma symptom patterns will help keep you safe.
If you are an asthma patient, do not expose yourself to vapors, fumes and cigarette smoke. This means avoidance of all tobacco products, as well as taking into consideration any smoke or vapors you might be exposed to in a prospective workplace.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. If you’re the one that cleans your home, try organic or natural cleaning solutions that are much less risky to your health.
If you are asthmatic, you absolutely must not subject yourself to any form of cigarette smoke. Smoking is not recommended for anyone, but it creates worse complications for asthma patients by cutting off part of the oxygen supply needed to breathe properly.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breathe out hard and fast. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. 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. It will also help to get the air to come out of the lungs so more can come in. It may cause you to cough or even generate sputum, but that’s fine, you goal is for your breathing to get back to normal.
If you suffer with asthma, avoid cleaning products. A lot chemicals that are in these items can set off an asthma attack or aggravate other symptoms. If you are responsible for cleaning your residence, think about purchasing natural products, which are less likely to set off your asthma.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. There are modern medicines that are highly effective at blocking leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen, is responsible for inducing many of the symptoms of an asthma attack. By blocking the effects of leukotrienes, a leukotriene inhibitor can reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
Asthma Symptoms
For asthma sufferers, the unscented option is always the best choice among different products. 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. Irritating odors are also given off by new carpeting and paints. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Some medications can exacerbate asthma symptoms as a side effect. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Additionally, beta blockers, a type of medication used for heart disease and hypertension, may cause asthma symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed as asthmatic and are taking medications unrelated to your asthma, be sure your doctor is aware of them.
To lower the chances of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as can be, especially the bedroom. Only eat in the kitchen, and never let anyone smoke inside the house. Bypass chemicals when cleaning your home if at all possible, and be sure to open doors and windows afterwards.
Be sure to avoid cigarette smoke if you have asthma. Avoid smoking altogether. Avoid breathing in any of the vapors or other chemical fumes. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. The minute you spot people smoking, immediately remove yourself from the area.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes has a hand in causing swelling and inflammation in your lungs, and may trigger a asthma attack. Using an inhibitor will counteract the negative effects of leukotriene, thereby decreasing the occurrence of asthma attacks.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.
Use the inhaler the right way. Move to a quiet area, and then simply follow manufacturer’s instructions. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. Generally, it is found that items such as smoke and pollen can trigger attacks in those that suffer with asthma. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
Be sure to take plenty of Vitamins C and E if you have asthma. It is widely believed that these vitamins can help control asthma symptoms by improving lung function. Many foods have these vitamins in abundance, but you can also use a supplemental pill. These vitamins will also help prevent illnesses by boosting your body’s immune system.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. If you’ve got written proof, it’ll save you a lot of hassle when you’re at a security check.
Even if you are feeling great, never skip your regular asthma checkup. You don’t know when another flare-up will happen, or when your physician can offer you safer or superior medicine for your symptoms.
When you are cleaning your home, it is always better to use a wet mop rather than sweeping your floors. Those particles that can trigger asthma attacks are stirred up when you sweep. A damp rag should be used when dusting because a feather duster can cause dust to kick up and lead to an asthma attack.
Support Group
Asthma aggravation, such as dust and pollen, can collect in your bed sheets and pillowcases. You can avoid this by making sure to wash your bed linens in hot water at least once a week. Clean bed linens that are washed frequently will help you breathe easier every time your head hits the pillow.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Extremely severe asthma can be debilitating and prevent one from living a full life. Being a part of a support group can help provide you with honest information about products and helpful hints, as well as medical news.
Consider using more than just one doctor. While your asthma treatment should start with your primary care doctor, visiting one or two asthma specialists can make a real difference in how well you understand and manage your condition. Asthma centers, pulmonologists, nutritionists and allergists can all work with you, making sure you are getting all the treatment you need.
Making mouth and nose coverings such as mufflers, shawls or scarves a routine part of your winter wardrobe can help you ward off asthma attacks. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
Make sure your doctor shows you how to take your inhaled medication properly, and don’t leave his office until you are entirely comfortable using your inhaler. It is not as simple as spraying a little into your mouth and inhaling. When you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe in as deeply as you can for two to three seconds. If you have asthma, there’s no way around it: you need to get familiar with the right method of using your inhaler.
If you need to travel with your asthma medication, particularly if you plan on bringing a nebulizer or other large equipment, it can be helpful to obtain a letter from your doctor explaining their use. Without a written prescription stating that the item is medically necessary, you may experience frustration and delays at security checkpoints.
Educate yourself as much as you can about the asthma. The greater your knowledge base regarding asthma, the more involved you can be in determining treatment plans. Keep current with treatments and ensure you have the greatest possible care that you can have. The only way you can do this is by arming yourself with condition and treatment knowledge.
It’s a very good habit to use your asthma inhaler as a daily preventative, although the drug residue can cause issues for your gums and teeth. Always clean your teeth and rinse your mouth after you use your inhaler.
It is important to visit with your doctor often, every two months or so, in order to stay on top of your asthma. Only your doctor can fully evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate changes in treatment. You are in charge of scheduling your visits with your physician in order for him or her to properly take care of you.
Using a wet mop is superior to using a broom to clean your floors. An asthma attack is one possible outcome of a sweeping session that fills the air around you with allergens and dust. Use a dampened rag when dusting, instead of a feather duster, so as to prevent stirring up loose dust particles and other asthma triggers.
Eat more foods that contain vitamin B6. Research has shown that by increasing the amount of vitamin B6, sometimes referred to as pyridoxine, individuals can reduce how often they suffer asthma attacks. At minimum, it can help lower the intensity of attacks. Through this research, it has been proven that pyridoxine helps produce molecules that aid in relaxing the bronchial tissue. You can find good reserves of vitamin B6 in bananas.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
The etiology of asthma is both genetic and environmental. If your family has a history of asthma, pay special attention to any respiratory symptoms that may indicate that you or a family member is developing asthma. The air is full of pollutants and other debris that can trigger an asthma attack in you or your affected children, so be very careful to protect your family from these factors.