Asthma can get uncontrollable if it is left unchecked. The attacks can be life threatening in some instances. If medical experts aren’t providing you with sufficient advice, you may need to take matters into your own hands as it pertains to your treatment. This article provides easy tips to help alleviate some asthma symptoms and to help you to better treat your asthma.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Learning about your type of asthma will help you to deal with it. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, throw an inhaler into your gym bag. Knowing when an asthma attack is likely to strike can help you avert disaster.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
Avoid anything that could trigger your asthma. This can vary from person to person, as small particles like dust can cause asthma attacks. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. 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.
Avoid being around any known asthma triggers. This could be something you’re allergic to like pollen or dust. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
Asthma doesn’t just go away, so you can’t just stop managing it. You need to always take your medications for your everyday symptoms, and keep your quick relief medication with you in case you do have an attack. Have a discussion with your doctor or allergist to determine what the best plan for you might be.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. Force all the air 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. 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. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors work to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammation-causing chemicals that can bring on asthma attacks. By blocking the effects of leukotrienes, a leukotriene inhibitor can reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. While it may seem smart to get the air circulating, in reality this will only stir up the dust, making it easier to inhale and trigger an attack. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. This means that you should take all standard precautions to avoid illness, such as washing your hands, getting vaccinated and avoiding those who are sick.
Use the inhaler the right way. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You can inhale all you want, but it’s useless if the medication doesn’t make it to your lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. You should keep your breath held for 10 seconds at a minimum to let the medicated mist fill up your lungs.
For those who have asthma, the safest choice is to stick with unscented products. Using products with scents, like perfume, incense and air fresheners, boosts the amount of air pollution indoors and can bring on an attack. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. Keep the air inside your house as fresh as you can.
Though it is easy to postpone or avoid, get those annual flu vaccinations. If you have asthma, it’s important to prevent all respiratory infections, if at all possible. It’s important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. The side effects of many illnesses can flare up your asthma so bad that you have to have an increase in treatment. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. These particular vitamins are believed to better your lung function and help manage your symptoms of asthma. You can choose to ingest this vitamins by eating foods that are rich in the vitamins or through a supplement. These vitamins can also boost the immune system and help prevent asthma attacks.
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. Traveling can put additional strain on your body, making you more susceptible to asthma triggers. You also have little control over your environment when traveling, which can make you more susceptible to an attack and symptoms of greater severity.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. On top of that, an asthma support group will keep you apprised of the latest developments in asthma medication and other significant medical breakthroughs.