Your lungs are pretty important for healthy body function, so it’s not all surprising that a condition like asthma can put a damper on activities of daily living. Life can still go about as normally as it ever would, even with something as serious as asthma holding you back. You can control your asthma with medication, treatments and by listening to the advice of your doctor.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. Beta blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease can develop asthma like symptoms. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
You need to make sure that you do not smoke and that you stay away from a lot of fumes and vapors if you suffer from asthma. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Asthma sufferers should avoid smoking cigarettes and any place that has cigarette smoke. If you smoke, try quitting. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes or vapors. More often than not, smoke is going to trigger an unavoidable asthma attack. When you see people smoking in your area avoid them and move away.
Don’t smoke around your child if they have asthma; this could worsen their situation. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Make sure you keep your child away from other people who are smoking, too.
Consider consulting a social worker if your asthma medication is not covered by an insurance policy. If you cannot afford medicine for asthma, your social worker can help you locate someone that can help.
Asthma Attacks
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, you should consider buying a dehumidifier for your home. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. A dehumidifying device reduces the moisture in the air.
When you suffer from asthma, avoiding cleaning products is really important to do. Many chemicals that are in these products can cause the triggering of asthma attacks. Use natural cleaners instead of chemical cleaners to reduce your chances of asthma attacks after cleaning.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. 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. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Clean your indoor air and keep it as fresh as you can.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you’re taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. If you suffer from asthma, be sure that your medical professional is aware of this.
If you have asthma or you live with an asthma sufferer, you should ensure you receive an annual flu shot. Therefore, it is very important to avoid as many infections to the lungs as possible by getting a vaccine each year.
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. Never smoke a cigarette! Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. Chemical fumes will trigger asthma attacks that you won’t be able to put an end to. Leave a room if people smoke, or ask them to stop.
Join an online or offline support group. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. A support group also makes it easier to keep up to date on advancements in asthma science or new medications that come on the market.
If you have asthma and find yourself having frequent attacks caused by alleries, it may be time to consider a long-lasting medication. One antibody medication available is called Omalizumab and can be prescribed by your doctor or allergist.
During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Inhaling cold air can elicit an asthma attack or create other serious respiratory problems.
Use the inhaler the right way. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler’s maker. Proper use delivers the medication to your lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
Asthma generally develops over a period of time, and the symptoms are not always obvious. In some cases, people do not even know they might have a chance of an asthma attack and their first one proves fatal. If you often have difficulty breathing or a persistent cough, it would be wise to make an appointment with your physician, so he or she can confirm whether you have asthma. If you do, your doctor can then prescribe medications to manage or treat it.
Dealing with asthma is a difficult battle throughout your entire life, but after each day, it can be easier if you have some good advice to follow, such as the tips in this article or from a professional doctor. Your asthma can be under control, but at the same time you can be on the look out for new, more effective treatments.
Make sure you count how many times, within a week, you have to use your inhaler. If your records start to show you need the inhaler more than two times weekly, your environment might be causing you problems or your asthma is not being controlled as well as it could be. The frequency of your inhaler use is a good way to remember to check out your environmental surroundings and be mindful of all factors relating to your asthma regimen.