If you have recently been given a diagnosis of asthma you may be feeling some panic. Asthma is generally accepted to be a chronic disease that currently has no cure. However, this does not mean that life stops after a diagnosis of asthma. This guide will give you a few ways on how you can manage asthma effectively and safely.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. 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.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. Secondhand smoke is a huge health risk and directly plays a role in why people develop asthma. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke and any other kind of fumes.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some of these include aspirin and NSAIDs. This can also be caused by beta blockers, like medications that are used in managing high blood pressure or heart problems. If you have asthma paired with heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor.
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.
If you’re having an asthma attack, a great way to handle this is to immediately evacuate the air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and with power. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. Pay attention to what you are doing and follow a regular rhythm. It will also empty your lungs of air, so that they’re ready to take in new, fresh air. 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.
Stay away from any tobacco smoke, even people that are smoking tobacco. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the lung’s function can be decreased, and you will increase the chance you have an asthma attack. Smaller areas without proper ventilation make you even more susceptible to an attack.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. When you are afflicted with asthma, steer as clear as you can of all types of respiratory infections. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
Unscented products are best for asthma sufferers. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. Fresh paint and new carpeting can also irritate the airway. Try to see that the air inside your home remains as fresh as possible.
If you suffer from asthma, ensure you consume lots of Vitamins E and C. These vitamins make lungs function better and keep symptoms of asthma under control. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Keep food in a kitchen or on the dining room table, and avoid cigarette smoking inside. Let in plenty of fresh air if the weather permits, and avoid using harsh chemicals to bleach.
As is evident by what you have read, preparedness is the key to managing asthma. By understanding this disease and how to manage it, you can keep it from escalating into a crisis situation. This article is a building block in your knowledge to combat asthma effectively!
Pay attention to your symptom triggers. The more aware of your triggers you become, the easier it will be to avoid them and reduce the number of attacks you suffer. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. When possible, stay away from triggers of asthma symptoms in an effort to prevent a severe attack.