Asthma is a condition that will give you a lifelong struggle. It diminishes your capacity for normal activities, like taking a simple walk. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, and even the symptoms are difficult to control. Keep reading for advice that will help you make the most of life with asthma.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. If you identify your specific causes, you can be prepared to treat the symptoms when they appear during your daily routines. If you have exercised-induced asthma, for example, you’ll want to bring your inhaler with you to the gym or other locations where you might be involved in physical activity. Knowing your asthma symptom patterns will help keep you safe.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Understanding the specifics of your asthma will help you to avoid attack triggers in your day-to-day life. People suffering from asthma that is exercise-induced, for example, had best be prepared for asthma attacks at the gym! If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
If you have asthma, it is crucial that you do not smoke, or quit if you do. While smoking is bad for everyone, it’s particularly hard on an asthma sufferer as it restricts oxygen getting to the lungs.
Cigarette smoke will make your asthma worse. Refrain from smoking! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. This can cause an asthma attack, and you may be unable to bring it under control. If others are smoking and you are nearby, get away from them immediately.
If you have asthma that is not covered by health insurance, contact someone in a government agency, like a social worker. You will need asthma medications, and if you are unable to afford them, a social worker can find a hospital or clinic that can offer you medication for free or for a little cost.
Asthma Attacks
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. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
If your asthma attacks are severe, you may want to speak with your doctor about a long lasting injection of medication to control your symptoms. An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
Feather pillows can be bad for those with asthma. The feathers can make asthma worse and take away from your ability to breathe. The same goes for bedding – try to buy a comforter and sheets that are made from hypoallergenic materials.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The only way the inhaler can help is if the medication can reach your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
You must have regular asthma reviews, even if you are not having any problems. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with a social worker. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
Look for a support group, such as an online community or a local group. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. If you know other asthma sufferers, you can stay up to date on the latest medicines and treatment options.
Vitamins C
It is essential that you learn the proper ways to use all of your asthma medications, especially those used in rescue situations. Asthma is generally managed through regular medicine which is supplemented with rescue medications like inhalers. Managing your medicine properly is important because asthma is a chronic health problem.
Vitamins C and E can greatly assist you in fighting asthma attacks. These vitamins have been known to improve the function of the lungs and reduce some asthma symptoms. These vitamins can be easily obtained, either through your diet or a supplement. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it won’t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
When cleaning your house, clean floors with a wet mop instead of a broom. When you are sweeping with a broom, you stir up triggers like dirt and dust mites that can cause you to go into an asthma attack. Dusting can actually just move the dust around, sending particles into the air, and into your lungs triggering an asthma attack, so try wiping things down with a damp cloth to minimize the amount of allergens you are exposed to.
Buy products that are unscented if you suffer from asthma. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. Fresh paint and new carpeting also give off odors that may aggravate the airways. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
If you have asthma, don’t smoke. Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking, but for someone with asthma, the consequences are even more serious. An asthmatic’s lungs are more vulnerable than those of a healthy individual, which makes it especially important to abstain from smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Keep food consumption to the kitchen and the dining room, and never allow anyone to smoke in the house. Don’t use strong cleaners or bleach and air out the house immediately following cleaning.
The only way that you should use a vaporizer or humidifier when you have asthma or allergies is if it has been cleaned thoroughly. Bacteria can breed inside of the machine due to the moisture, which can exaggerate your allergies or asthma.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. Medical science is constantly evolving, so the doctor might know about a new treatment for you. Besides, you can never be sure when another attack might come on, so it’s better to be checked out.
If you have asthma attacks, remember to stay calm. 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. Go to the emergency room, or call an ambulance if it’s extreme. While heading to the hospital, breathe into a paper bag; it will slow your breathing rate and help reduce the attack.
If your home is damp, it can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. These can very easily cause an attack. Keeping a home dry and mold-free is important. You can maintain a dry home by using a dehumidifier and heater in the colder months, and air conditioning when it is warm.
If you are dealing with asthma it is critical you understand how to properly use an inhaler. It isn’t as simple as spraying your mouth with it and lightly inhaling air. When you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe in as deeply as you can for two to three seconds. If you are having trouble using it correctly, ask your doctor for help at your next visit.
If you are going on a trip on a plane and need to take your asthma medicine, take your prescription with you! The written prescription will help you get through security without difficulty, because it establishes that your nebulizer and supplies are medically necessary.
Always use an appropriately-designed mask when painting to guard against breathing paint fumes. Paint chemicals are a powerful irritant that can cause an asthma attack if inhaled without a mask. Don’t use certain chemicals and substances that could aggravate your asthma.
Asthma should not be taken lightly. Take the steps you need to to prevent asthma symptoms and seek professional help when you are having a potentially dangerous asthma attack. Let the above advice help you to minimize the effects of asthma on your day-to-day life.
Identify your asthma triggers to help yourself prevent asthma attacks. Think about maintaining an ashtma journal so you can record possible triggers as they come up, and then discuss them with your doctor. After you identify substances that trigger your asthma symptoms, you can avoid those substances in your environment or ask your doctor whether there is a medication that will allow you to go into an environment with those triggers and remain free of asthma symptoms.