Asthma is a condition that can terrify some people because it can severely restrict your ability to function normally and breathe freely. Its onset can be instantaneous, and can even result in death. To figure out where asthma attacks come from and what you can do to reduce your risk and manage your asthma condition, take a look at the helpful advice below.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, but if you are afflicted with asthma, preventing oxygen from getting to your lungs is just begging for an attack.
Can you identify the exact type of asthma you’re dealing with? Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. 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. If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
Avoid anything that can trigger your asthma. This could be something you’re allergic to like pollen or dust. Others may need to avoid certain physical activities to keep from suffering an attack. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
If you’re someone who gets an asthma attack related to allergy like symptoms, there’s medication you can use to help. An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
Make sure that you and your loved ones get a flu vaccination yearly. Asthma patients should try their best to avoid getting respiratory infections. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Don’t exhale for ten seconds so that the medicine can go through your lungs.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
Studies show that using a variety of cleaning products in the home can actually increase the odds of triggering an asthma attack. Choose natural and organic products which don’t have chemicals that will irritate your disease.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Using scented products, like air fresheners and perfume, will increase the level of air pollution and is likely to trigger an attack. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. 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. New carpeting and even a fresh coat of paint can aggravate the airway and lungs as well. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
Asthma Attacks
Make sure you get a flu shot once a year if you suffer from asthma. Prevent those flu infections before they happen by getting a flu shot each year.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. These culprits include dust, spores and mold. To stay healthy and reduce the chance of asthma attacks, you should have an inspector visit your house yearly to remove these harmful agents. It also helps to clean your home frequently to prevent a buildup of these allergens.
Understand what things make your asthma flare and avoid these things or manage the symptoms. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. Try to avoid these items as much as humanly possible so as to not trigger a full attack.
The more humid your home is, the easier it is for mildew and mold to grow. This stuff can easily set off an asthma attack. So, it makes sense to keep dry air in your home. When you use the heater in the winter, be sure to have a dehumidifier control the humidity in your home. During the summer time, be sure to use the air conditioner to maintain a dry home.
Look for a support group, such as an online community or a local group. Asthma, especially the more severe forms, cause many problems that interfere with the quality of life and present many challenges. The individuals in this group could also provide you with new insights about medications that are out there, as well as other advice in dealing with asthma.
Management Medication
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma is typically treated with a regular medication supplemented by rescue medicine, such as an inhaler. Managing your medicine properly is important because asthma is a chronic health problem.
Understanding how to properly administer your asthma medications is important, particularly in regard to rescue medications. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
You should use your inhaler everyday regularly; however, be forewarned that the medicine can potentially lead to mouth infections, especially around your gums and teeth. One way to reduce the probability of such infections is to immediately brush and gargle after inhaling the medicine.
If you’re flying with asthma medications, be sure you get a prescription from your physician. When you can prove that an item is medically necessary, it can save a lot of time and hassle while working through airport security.
Those with asthma should minimize time with pets and animals. Even if they are not allergic to the animals, the pollen and dust that animals attract can trigger an asthma attack.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. Brushing or gargling immediately after use can help reduce the risk of infection and other problems.
See multiple doctors to keep asthma under control. Your PCP can be the person you go to for help with asthma, but it’s also a good idea to talk to a specialist. Pulmonologists, allergists, asthma centers and nutritionists can help you take advantage of the many treatments available to those with asthma.
Use a mop that’s wet to clean your floors instead of a broom. Sweeping your floor can kick allergens into the air, triggering an asthma attack. 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 you suffer from asthma or allergies, avoid using a vaporizer or humidifier unless it is consistently and thoroughly cleaned. Bacteria can build up in the moisture of these machines, and get relayed into the very environment that you are attempting to make more conducive to your condition.
Avoiding smoke is key in controlling asthma. Smoke can cause asthma attacks. So do whatever you can to stay away from vapors, chemical fumes and smoke from cigarettes. Your asthma symptoms will be exacerbated by these things. Ask your family to smoke outside, and consider moving if they refuse.
Remain calm if you do happen to come under an asthma attack. You should immediately use your inhaler and use the inhaler again 30 seconds later. If this procedure does not stop your attack, seek immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. If there is someone nearby, have them call an ambulance or drive you to the nearest hospital. Breathing in and out of a paper bag on the way will help slow down your breathing.
It can also be fatal if not treated and controlled. By following the advice in this article, you can help to manage your asthma and bring better breathing and more activity to your life.
Make sure your doctor shows you how to take your inhaled medication properly, and don’t leave his office until you are entirely comfortable using your inhaler. Simply spraying it into your mouth with just a light inhale will not get the job done. Every time you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe the mist in deeply and hold it for a a few moments. Using the inhaler in a proper manner can make all the difference for those who deal with asthma.