If you were recently diagnosed as an asthmatic, you may be panicking. There is no getting rid of asthma if you have the condition. Life is not over though, just because of an asthma diagnosis. Keep reading to gain insight as to what you can do to keep this serious disease under control.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smoke, fumes and vapors. Thus, you need to avoid cigarettes and cigars and be vigilant about steering clear of environmental or workplace exposure to smoke.
Asthmatics should not smoke. If you smoke – quit immediately. Smoking is unhealthy for everyone, however it is especially bad for asthmatics. Your lungs are already compromised from the asthma and adding smoke to that will cut off the vital oxygen supply your lungs need to breathe.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. Asthma sufferers are often sensitive to chemical cleaners; using these products can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. If you are responsible for cleaning your residence, think about purchasing natural products, which are less likely to set off your asthma.
Cleaning Products
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you must avoid cigarette smoke at all costs. If you smoke, try quitting. It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
Cleaning products can trigger an asthma attack, so try to keep your exposure to them to a minimum. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. If you have the job of cleaning your house, you should safer, natural products.
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. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. Open some windows if you want fresh air.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. You can inhale all you want, but it’s useless if the medication doesn’t make it to your lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Cigarette smoke will make your asthma worse. Avoid smoking altogether. Inhaling the chemical-laden fumes and even the vapors from cigarettes can be extremely harmful. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. When you see people smoking in your area avoid them and move away.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. Take the right steps to stop yourself from getting sick, wash your hands and get the right vaccines.
Don’t turn on the fan if the dust in a room is aggravating your asthma. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. If you lessen your humidity in the house, you will stave off dust mites that may make your asthma flare. Air is kept dry by dehumidifiers by sucking the humidity out of it.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. They are believed to aid respiratory function and to be instrumental in keeping your asthma in check. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. You cannot be certain when you will next have an issue with your asthma, or when there may be a better medication available to utilize for your condition.
A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the asthma attacks experienced by you or other afflicted members of your household. When your home has less humidity, there are less dust mites, and that minimizes the chances of an asthma flare-up. Air is kept dry by dehumidifiers by sucking the humidity out of it.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. These are harmful substances that can trigger asthma attacks. Therefore, you should always strive to maintain a dry home. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
Asthma attacks have been found to be more likely in homes where four or more different cleaning products are in use. Organic products are preferable to more chemically loaded, commercially produced cleaning products.
Know the right way to take your asthma medication, and above all any rescue medication. Most people treat their asthma with regular daily medication, and carry supplemental emergency medication in the form of a rescue inhaler. It’s crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
Asthmatics should avoid being exposed to smoke, regardless if you are a smoker. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
If you are working to prevent asthma, it is best not to smoke. Smoke and chemicals have been known to trigger asthma attacks. Stay away from cigarettes, chemicals, and anything else that may emit smoke. Exposure to these substances can worsen your asthma considerably. If there’s smoke around you, ask politely for the person to stop smoking.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Keep food consumption to the kitchen and the dining room, and never allow anyone to smoke in the house. After cleaning around the house, open windows and allow fresh air into the house. This can reduce the smell and pervasiveness of household cleaners like bleach.
Bed linens often collect asthma aggravators, such as pollen, dust and allergens. A weekly wash cycle using hot water can eliminate these potential triggers for asthma attacks. Fresh, laundered bedding will help you sleep that much easier at night.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Getting vaccinated yearly can help keep many of these illnesses at bay.
Visit at least two different doctors. Of course your regular doctor will be the one you go to for help with your asthma, but you should also see a specialist. Asthma doctors, allergists, and pulmiologists are the people who you want to consult with to help with asthma.
Many of the most common asthma triggers are found in the home. Three triggers comprise the asthma triad of doom: spores, dust and mold. To keep healthy, lower your risk of an asthma attack by getting rid of these triggers from your home. In addition, cleaning the house regularly can greatly contribute to keeping these substances from building up.
Do not make the decision to smoke. Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking, but for someone with asthma, the consequences are even more serious. Smoke is extremely irritating to the already sensitive asthmatic lungs, so care should be taken to not only smoke, but also avoid being in the presence of other people who are smoking.
Wear a covering over your mouth and nose when you go outdoors in the colder weather. A shawl, scarf or muffler would work well. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Any time that pollen counts go up, anyone suffering from asthma would be wise to keep their outdoors time to a minimum. Asthma is in no way an allergy, but a lot of the same burdens that bother allergy suffers also affect people who suffer from asthma. Since data on air quality is now widely published, those with asthma have the ability to avoid being outside when concentrations of irritants are high.
Know exactly how any asthma medication you take or may take works. Asthma is usually treated with an everyday medication that is sometimes supplemented with an emergency treatment, like an inhaler. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
Make sure you keep calm if you are having an asthma attack. Use your rescue inhaler, rest for a half to one minute, then use the inhaler again. Seek help if your attack gets worse. Have someone drive you directly to the hospital or call an ambulance for you. Inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag can slow your breathing while en route.
If asthma does strike, don’t lose your cool. Try taking inhaled medication to get your asthma back under control. Breathe the medication in as deeply as you can. Take two doses, timed 30 seconds apart, before determining whether the medication is working. If this procedure does not stop your attack, seek immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. Have someone call emergency services or drive you to the nearest hospital. Try breathing into a paper bag in order to slow down your breathing while on the way to the hospital.
If you have asthma, visit your doctor every three or four months so that they can help you monitor your health. This person needs to have the ability to look at your current situation so that they can make any changes as necessary. You have to take it upon yourself to make and keep these crucial appointments so that your doctor can assist you in managing your condition as effectively as possible.
Knowing the correct way to use an inhaler is essential. Spraying it into your mouth and then inhaling doesn’t work. Every time you spray the inhaler, breathe deeply inward for about 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.
Gradually increase your strength, and lung capacity. Never tempt an attack by starting a grueling workout when you know you cannot finish it because of asthma.
If you find it necessary to use an inhaler more than two times a week, you should talk to your doctor about changing your medication. This can indicate that the inhaler you are using is not working for you. This is also true if your inhaler needs refilling more than two times annually.
Know what symptoms indicate a serious asthma attack that requires immediate medical intervention is occurring. Increased usage of medication to no avail of relief and fingernails and lips turning bluish-gray are indications of a severe asthma attack. If your child is having difficultly talking normally, this may also be an indication of a life threatening attack.
Preparation is the key to living with your condition. Once you know how to effectively care for yourself and your asthma problems, you will be able to avoid big problems. This article is a building block in your knowledge to combat asthma effectively!
If you start to have an asthma attack but can’t find your medication, try to find some caffeine instead. Strong black tea, coffee or chocolate can aid in mitigating asthma attack symptoms. Caffeine is a stimulant that dilates your airways, giving you temporary relief from asthma symptoms.