Asthma is a serious medical condition that can have a huge impact on your life. You should take necessary steps to keep it from becoming severe and out of control. This article gives you insightful tips on ways to control your symptoms of asthma.
If you suffer from asthma, stay away from the fumes of household cleaning products. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. Smoking is, of course, unhealthy for anyone. The habit is even more dangerous for asthma patients, however, because anything that reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs can trigger an attack.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma together with any of these conditions.
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
If you are prone to asthma attacks, avoid any cigarette or other tobacco smoke. If you smoke, try quitting. Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. This may cause an asthma attack you can’t stop. If people smoke around you, you should get away form that area.
Asthma is an ongoing disease and requires ongoing health management. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications in order to manage everyday asthma symptoms. In addition, you should have a quick-fix medication handy in the event you suffer from an attack. To determine the best options for you personally, consult your physician and an allergist.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
When suffering a mild or even moderate asthma attack, attempt to push all air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and with power. Get the air all out of the lungs. After that, take in three shallow breaths and one deep breath. Once your lungs are full again, do another forceful exhale. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. If you cough up mucus, don’t worry – just get the breathing back to normal.
If you have asthma, it is imperative that you stay away from smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. If you have asthma, you can protect your health by taking all steps possible to avoid any type of cold, flu or other upper respiratory infection. To do this you must take extra precautions against getting sick, like washing your hands often and getting vaccinated every year.
Products with no scent are the safest and best option for an asthma sufferer. 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. In addition, paint that is fresh or carpet that is new release odors that can cause breathing irritations that lead to an asthma attack. Strive to maintain an indoor environment that is free from these pollutants, keeping the air fresh.
A dehumidifier is an excellent investment for asthma sufferers. Decreasing the humidity in the house decreases dust mites, which decreases asthma flare ups. A dehumidifying device reduces the moisture in the air.
If you have hay fever or a cold, chances are your asthma treatment will be increased. These kinds of illness can inflame you asthma to a degree that a treatment increase is necessary. Your physician might also add more treatments to your regimen until your asthma is under control again.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Try using organic cleaning products which don’t contain irritating chemicals.
If you have asthma or you live with an asthma sufferer, you should ensure you receive an annual flu shot. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
If someone in your home has asthma, make sure to keep a clean house, especially their bedroom so that the risk of an attack is reduced. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. Feathers may trigger asthma symptoms by irritating your lungs. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. Your doctor may choose to also add an additional treatment until the illness gets better.
Whenever you travel, always keep your rescue inhaler or other fast-acting medication by your side at all times. The stress of travel may temporarily weaken your body and make you more vulnerable to attack triggers. It is often hard to maintain the right kind of environment when you are traveling, and this may heighten the risk of an asthma attack or worsening symptoms.
Wear scarves, shawls and mufflers to cover your noise and mouth during colder weather. Proper winter wear can keep cold air from agitating your lungs. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma, especially severe asthma, can be a debilitating condition and prevent you from participating fully in daily life. By joining a support group, you will be able to discuss new scientific breakthroughs or treatment alternatives with those who are interested.
Rescue Medication
Avoid cold-induced asthma attacks by protecting your mouth and nose with a scarf. This allows you to warm air before it enters your lungs. Inhalation of cold air is proven to initiate asthma attacks, and younger kids afflicted with asthma of moderate or severe proportions are especially at risk.
You need to know how to properly use asthma medications that are prescribed to you, especially your rescue medication, so that you are prepared if you need to use it during an emergency. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. Asthma is not curable, so it is very important that you take your medication properly and only use your rescue medication if you need it.
Be sure to thoroughly understand how to utilize asthma medication correctly, particularly any rescue medication. Asthma typically is treated so that the sufferer has a regular maintenance medication, but is also prescribed a rescue medication, like an inhaler. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
Instead of sweeping your floors with a broom, it is preferable to clean using a wet mop. Those particles that can trigger asthma attacks are stirred up when you sweep. Dust will adhere to a wet towel instead of being loose in the air like feather dusters do where it can aggravate your asthma.
If traveling by plane with your asthma equipment or medications, always carry your written prescription with you to avoid problems. Having written proof that the item in question is in fact medically necessary can cut down on hassles at the security check.
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Immediately use your asthma inhaler, rest for 30 seconds, then use it once more. If this procedure does not stop your attack, seek immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. Have someone drive you directly to the hospital or call an ambulance for you. Breathing in and out of a paper bag on the way will help slow down your breathing.
Smoke should always be avoided when you suffer from asthma. Breathing in smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Stay away from chemical fumes, vapors, and cigarette smoke at all times. Things like this can make your asthma worse. If someone starts smoking near you, politely inquire whether they can smoke in your absence.
If you suffer from asthma, it is imperative that you know how to correctly use your inhaler. It is not as simple as spraying a little into your mouth and inhaling. When you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe in as deeply as you can for two to three seconds. Holding it in will allow the medicine to open up your bronchial passages and relieve your attack.
Being around animals should be avoided. Even people that do not have allergies are prone to suffer an asthma attack from the pollen and dust on animals.
Talking to other asthma sufferers, or attending a formal support group, can be a very effective way to cope with asthma. These people can supply you with advice on how to control your asthma and its symptoms. It is essential that you have a strong support network.
People who suffer from asthma should stay inside as much as they can when the pollen count is up. 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. 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.
Vitamin B6
Take in every piece of asthma information available to you. If you know a lot about asthma, you can work towards fixing it. Keep current with recent developments in asthma treatment and research so that you can maintain cutting edge care in your personal case. The best way to ensure this is to know as much as you can about asthma and your options for treatment.
Add more vitamin B6 to your diet. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 has been demonstrated to reduce the number of asthma attacks in various studies. Pyridoxine is crucial in making molecules, which can relax bronchial tissue. One excellent source of vitamin B6 is bananas.
It is important to visit with your doctor often, every two months or so, in order to stay on top of your asthma. This will allow your doctor to stay updated on your condition as it improves or weakens, and make the necessary changes to your treatments. 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.
Avoid allergens and consult your doctor if your current medication fails to limit your asthma attacks to less than three each week. Doctors agree that having more than two attacks a week can be dangerous.
Eat a lot of foods that have vitamin B6. This vitamin, which is sometimes called pyridoxine, offers many benefits, including reducing the overall frequency of severe asthma attacks. Pyridoxine is essential because it produces certain substances that relax bronchial tissues. Chicken and carrots, as well as bananas, are two good food sources which contain vitamin B6.
See your doctor if your symptoms are worsening. More importantly, apply these tips as soon as you can to improve your life and reduce these symptoms.
Target gradual strength training and increase the capacity of your lungs. A more strenuous exercise program may irritate your airways and bring on an asthma attack so you will want to proceed with caution.