You have just been diagnosed with asthma, and you are panicking. Asthma is generally accepted to be a chronic disease that currently has no cure. Your life does not have to stop after you have been diagnosed with asthma. This guide will give you a few ways on how you can manage asthma effectively and safely.
Do not smoke around a child with asthma. One of the biggest reasons people have asthma is secondhand smoke. You should also make sure your child is never in an environment where other people are smoking.
If you have asthma, it is crucial that you do not smoke, or quit if you do. Smoking is a terrible habit but it’s even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, regardless of their health; however, when you have asthma, smoking restricts the oxygen your lungs needs to breathe and function properly. If your lung function is affected, you run the risk of having more frequent attacks.
You need ongoing treatment for asthma because it’s an ongoing disease. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. A variety of options are available for the treatment of asthmatic attacks. Consult your doctor and an allergist.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. This can also be caused by beta blockers, like medications that are used in managing high blood pressure or heart problems. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
When suffering a mild or even moderate asthma attack, attempt to push all air from your lungs. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Inhale three times with short breaths, and then on the fourth one take a deeper breath so your lungs are full of air but still comfortable. Then breath out as hard as you can again. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. Do not be alarmed if you cough or generate excess mucous; this is perfectly normal. Your only concern is to return your breathing to normal.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. If you do, the dust will move around, and you can trigger your asthma. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
If you have asthma, avoid cigarette smoke of all kinds. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, stop. Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. If people are smoking around you, remove yourself from that area quickly.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
Consider a leokotriene inhibitor if your asthma is not controlled by other methods. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. The inflammation caused by this substance can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Using an inhibitor will counteract the negative effects of leukotriene, thereby decreasing the occurrence of asthma attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, taking enough Vitamin E and C can help you. They are believed to aid respiratory function and to be instrumental in keeping your asthma in check. You can take these vitamins in pill form, or you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get the vitamins that way. These vitamins will also provide a boost to your immune system. This will prevent respiratory illnesses that can trigger your asthma attacks.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The inhaler can only help you if the medication actually reaches the lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Try organic cleaners that are free of irritating chemicals.
If you’re having asthma problems, a dehumidifier is a beneficial purchase. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Illnesses like this can often worsen your asthma symptoms, which may require that you up your dosage of certain medications. Your physician might also work an additional treatment into your therapy until such time as you are healthier.
It is best to use products that are unscented in the home with someone who is asthmatic. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, fill the air with irritants that can trigger an asthma attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting also produce smells that can cause irritation to the airways. Keep the air inside your home clean and fresh, and free of any asthma triggers.
Make sure you know what triggers asthma attacks so you can either avoid those triggers or be prepared to manage your asthma symptoms. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. Make a special effort to avoid agents that bring on even minor asthma symptoms, much less a major attack.
Make sure you know what triggers asthma attacks so you can either avoid those triggers or be prepared to manage your asthma symptoms. A lot of people who suffer from asthma have the same triggers, pet dander, smoke, or pollen. When possible, stay away from these triggers that cause symptoms or ultimately, full-blown attacks.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. These culprits include dust, spores and mold. 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. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
Even if your asthma seems like it is under control, always keep your asthma appointments with the doctor. You can never tell when an attack will strike, or when your physician may have some better or safer advice for you to follow.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. This stuff can easily set off an asthma attack. Therefore, you should always strive to maintain a dry home. When you are heating your home during the winter months, a dehumidifier can be used to control the humidity. In the summer, use an air conditioner to maintain dry air.
Mold and mildew can thrive in a humid home environment. These fungi are both common triggers for asthma attacks. Therefore, it can benefit you to ensure your home stays as dry as possible. When it’s cold, a dehumidifier can keep moisture to a minimum; in hot months, your A/C unit will do the same thing.
You should have limited contact with animals, as it can cause you to have an asthmatic reaction. Animals carry pollen and dust with them and can trigger serious asthma attacks.
If you are going to be flying and are bringing your asthma medicine with you, take written prescriptions from your physician with you, especially if you will be taking large equipment like a nebulizer. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
Bed linens can collect dust, pollen and other allergens, all of which can further aggravate asthma. You can reduce or eliminate these potential asthma attack inducers by laundering your sheets and pillowcases in hot water every week. You’re less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
It’s important to keep up with your daily preventative inhaler routine, but watch out for mouth infections, especially in both teeth and gums. Always brush and gargle as soon as you’ve finished using your inhaler to prevent mouth infections.
See multiple doctors to keep asthma under control. 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. Think about going to a pulmonologist, an allergist or even a nutritionist, depending on what is triggering your attacks.
During the week, you should take note each time your rescue inhaler is used. Using it two times or may may mean that your asthma is not as controlled as you may think it is. It could also mean that something else is bringing on these frequent attacks. If you have to use your inhaler a lot, you will know that you should more closely monitor your surroundings.
If the pollen count is rising, stay indoors when possible. While asthma and allergies are separate illnesses, you’ll find that the triggers for one tend to be mirrored in the other. Air quality levels for specific pollutants are now readily available and it is possible to use this information to limit exposure on high level days.
To live with asthma, you have to be prepared. Knowing the flavor of asthma from which you suffer, as well as practicing a good treatment regimen, is the easiest way to stop attacks from happening before they start. The insights here can be your first line of defense in arming yourself with invaluable knowledge.
Asthma support groups can also provide moral support to help you deal with difficult times and the frustration of asthma. They can offer you tips about handling different situations and help you manage your asthma. Having support from other people in the same situation as you are is an amazing help to your treatment and state of mind.