Asthma is a dangerous condition that has the potential to seriously affect your life. One of the best methods to deal with asthma is to understand how to prevent attacks before they begin. This article contains several tips and methods to help manage your asthma.
Some asthmas are specific to certain triggers, so identify what kind you have. Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. People suffering from asthma that is exercise-induced, for example, had best be prepared for asthma attacks at the gym! By knowing the pattern to your symptoms it will be a big help to you avoiding crises.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. Being aware of your particular asthma condition can help you to effectively treat it on a daily basis. For instance, people with exercise-induced asthma would do well to carry an inhaler in their gym bag! You can actually start preventing asthma attacks if you are aware and mindful of any patterns that your symptoms present.
You need to avoid all of the asthma triggers that you know. This is different for everyone, but some people, things like dust or pollen can trigger an attack. For other people it may physical activities that will set them off. Keep a journal of your attacks so that you can start to learn what your triggers are so that you can prevent flareups before they begin.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you don’t 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.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you’re taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. If you suffer from any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
If you’re someone who gets an asthma attack related to allergy like symptoms, there’s medication you can use to help. Omalizumab can effectively control allergy symptoms you may be experiencing and can be suggested by your local allergist if it fits your needs.
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 aggressively, as hard as you can. Get the air all out of the lungs. 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 voids your lungs of old air so that new air can enter. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
Be sure to take plenty of Vitamins C and E if you have asthma. These vitamins aid in improving the function of the lungs and controlling the symptoms of asthma. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Find a good place and follow all of the directions that have been provided by the maker of the product. 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. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
Cleaning Products
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. Precautions include washing your hands and staying current with vaccinations.
It has been shown that use of four or more different kinds of cleaning products can raise the risk of asthma attacks. Consider purchasing and using organic cleaning products since they are void of irritating chemicals.
If you suffer from asthma, ensure that your diet contains adequate amounts of Vitamin E and Vitamin C. These vitamins help to control asthma symptoms and improve the function of your lungs. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
It is best to use products that are unscented in the home with someone who is asthmatic. Simple everyday things such as air fresheners, incense and perfume can cause indoor air pollution levels to increase and trigger an attack. You should also avoid fresh paints or new carpets, as they give off fumes that can irritate the airway. Keep your indoor air clean and free of pollutants to stay healthy.
When suffering from asthma, make sure to choose products that are unscented. 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. Other asthma irritants include fresh paint fumes and new carpeting. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. It is also possible that your physician will add an additional treatment to your routine until you recover from your illness.
As per usual with such ailments, always consult a doctor when your symptoms pass that certain threshold and become unbearable. Apply these tips where you can and you are sure to keep your negative symptoms away and improve your way of life.
Receiving a flu shot annually is very important if you or a loved one are asthmatic. Therefore, it is very important to avoid as many infections to the lungs as possible by getting a vaccine each year.