It is common to be scared when a doctor gives you a diagnosis of asthma. Asthma, being a chronic condition, has no cure. An asthma diagnosis is definitely not the end of the world, though. This article is like a virtual library full of information on asthma symptoms and treatments.
What type of asthma are you having to deal with? Particular cases of asthma can respond differently to the same treatment, so you need to know all that you can about your case to treat it most effectively. For instance, people with exercise-induced asthma would do well to carry an inhaler in their gym bag! Treating asthma is less difficult if you and your physician are aware of the triggers that bring on an attack.
You should not smoke or be anywhere near smoke if you suffer from asthma. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
It is vital that neither you, nor anyone else, smoke around a child with asthma. There’s a long list of environmental asthma triggers, and secondhand smoke is at the top of it. You should take care to also make sure your child does not get exposed to other environments where people might be smoking.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? When you’re informed about your asthma, you’ll be able to do more to cope with the illness and prevent it from having a negative effect on your life. Those whose asthma is exacerbated by exercise will know to always have an inhaler on hand. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
You should stay away from anything you might believe which can trigger an asthma attack. This could be something you’re allergic to like pollen or dust. Others have asthma attacks when they participate in physical activities. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
If you are having an attack that is not severe, push as much air out of the lungs as possible. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. It can’t be said too strongly: you must force the air out! 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 also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. It is okay to cough, even to generate sputum. Your ultimate goal is getting your breathing regulated.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some of these include aspirin and NSAIDs. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Asthmatics should also never smoke. Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening. The minute you spot people smoking, immediately remove yourself from the area.
If the room that you’re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack. Open a window to bring clean, cool air inside instead.
If you suffer from asthma, and have many attacks that are related to your allergy symptoms, there is a medication that is injected and provides long term effects. Your allergist may recommend a variety of medications to control your reactions and the onset of asthma.
Injections are available to people who suffer from asthma related to allergies, to help give them some long term relief. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Find a peaceful spot, and make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Make sure that you spray the required dosage directly into your mouth, inhaling the medication into your lungs. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, even if it’s secondhand. 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.
Social workers are there for your assistance if you live with asthma, yet can’t get approved for health insurance. 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.
If you suffer from asthma, you might want to use a pillow that doesn’t contain feathers. Pillow feathers are known to worsen asthma and affect the lungs. It is also advisable to use hypoallergenic sheets and comforters for the same reason.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. Decreasing the humidity in the house decreases dust mites, which decreases asthma flare ups. Dehumidifiers reduce attacks in your home by making the air cleaner and drier.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. Three triggers comprise the asthma triad of doom: spores, dust and mold. To keep your body healthy and to cut down the frequency of asthma attacks, it is important to have your house professionally inspected and cleaned to remove these harmful substances. Conscientious house-cleaning can help prevent buildup of substances in your home that might trigger an asthma attack.
If you have asthma, avoid people who are smoking. When you breathe in smoke, especially in small spaces, it diminishes breathing ability, which greatly increases the probability of an asthma attack.
Protect yourself against breathing in cold air that aggravates your asthma by wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth. This will warm the air that you breathe before it enters your lungs. Breathing cold air triggers your asthma attacks, particularly in young kids with bad asthma.
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. When it is possible avoid substances that make you have symptoms or attacks.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. Having written proof that the item in question is in fact medically necessary can cut down on hassles at the security check.
Be prepared to live with arthritis! Crises can be avoided by knowing your particular form of asthma and how to effectively manage it. Hopefully, this article will leave you better informed and well prepared to effectively combat this very serious and potentially life changing disease.
It is important to use your maintenance inhaler daily as prescribed. However, understand that most types of inhalers contain ingredients which may make your mouth more susceptible to infections. A good way to prevent these complications and side effects is to brush your teeth and gargle immediately after using your inhaler.