An asthma attack can be terrifying, both for the sufferer and for his or her loved ones. You should be well aware of what asthma can do and what the condition entails, so you are able to manage asthma appropriately. Always know what could possibly happen, learn to spot the warning signs, and be prepared to react if you can’t prevent them.
Do you know which type of asthma you suffer from? When you know in-depth information about your asthma, you can figure out how to fight against it. For example, if your asthma is brought on by bronchitis, you should keep your rescue inhaler with you during times when you are sick. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
If you have asthma, you should definitely avoid smoking or being exposed to any kind of fumes or vapors. Stay away from jobs that would expose you to toxic or heavy vapors, and refrain from any tobacco use.
If you suffer from asthma, stay away from the fumes of household cleaning products. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. There are many natural alternatives you can use to clean your home, instead of using harsh chemicals.
What triggers your asthma? One of the best ways to combat asthma and its limiting effects on your life is to know and understand as much as you can about your specific condition. Those whose asthma is exacerbated by exercise will know to always have an inhaler on hand. Knowing the patterns related to your symptoms could aid you in avoiding crises.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Asthma is an ongoing disease and requires ongoing health management. Be sure you are practicing proper self-care, and make sure you have your inhaler ready to go in case you suffer a full-blown attack. To find which treatment options are the best for you and your condition, make sure you speak with a doctor and allergist.
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. Work with your allergist and doctor to find the right treatment program that makes you feel good and allows you to still do the things you want to do.
You might want to purchase a dehumidifier to use at home if you have asthma. Reducing the amount of humidity in your home reduces the number of dust mites, which in turn reduces the chances of your asthma flaring up. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can’t breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. This will force the air from your lungs. Inhale three times with short breaths, and then on the fourth one take a deeper breath so your lungs are full of air but still comfortable. Then breath out as hard as you can again. Pay attention to what you are doing and follow a regular rhythm. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Try keeping the air indoors as fresh as it can be.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
If you are dealing with asthma, make sure you take lots of Vitamins E and C. These vitamins help to control asthma symptoms and improve the function of your lungs. 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.
Most of the triggers for attacks, and causes of asthma, are found inside the home. These include dust, mold and spores. Have your home inspected for and cleaned of these things to reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. In addition, cleaning the house regularly can greatly contribute to keeping these substances from building up.
You may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your home if you suffer from asthma. When your home has less humidity, there are less dust mites, and that minimizes the chances of an asthma flare-up. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
Rescue Medications
For those who have asthma, the safest choice is to stick with unscented products. Simple everyday things such as air fresheners, incense and perfume can cause indoor air pollution levels to increase and trigger an attack. Irritating odors are also given off by new carpeting and paints. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Understanding how to properly administer your asthma medications is important, particularly in regard to rescue medications. Asthma is usually treated by using a regular medicine supplemented with a rescue medicine, like an inhaler. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
A lot of times asthma will develop over time, and has symptoms that aren’t always obvious. Some people have even died from having an asthma attack, and they didn’t even know they had asthma. So, if you are having trouble coughing and breathing, talk to a doctor to see if you need treatment. You might receive a prescription to treat or prevent asthma.
If you are traveling by plane and must bring inhalers or nebulizers on board, you should bring a written prescription for the equipment. Having proof that it belongs to you and is medically necessary will make the security check easier.
When you need to take your asthma supplies on an airplane, it is a good idea to bring your doctor’s prescription with you. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
Using your preventative inhaler should be done daily. It’s important to know, though, that it can cause sores and infections near your gums and teeth. To prevent complications from using a preventative inhaler, brush your teeth immediately after using it and use mouthwash as well.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. If the inhaler is used more than twice, the asthma problems you are suffering from may not be well-managed or something else might be causing additional attacks to come on. The amount you utilize your inhaler can remind you to always monitor your environment as a means of effectively managing your asthma.
Avoiding smoke is one of the best asthma-prevention tips out there. Smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes and vapors, and any type of wood or cigarette smoke. These environmental conditions can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. Ask any smokers not to smoke in your presence.
Asthma sufferers need to know which types of animals and breeds won’t trigger their asthma attacks. While allergies from animals can complicate asthma, those without allergies can get asthma attacks from dust or pollen that the animals carry.
Get a second opinion. The first place to consider visiting is your main doctor, but they might also be able to recommend a specialist. Pulmonologists, allergists, asthma centers and also nutritionists can assist you in exploring every avenue of treatment for your asthma.
If you have asthma attacks, remember to stay calm. Grab your inhaler and use it, then wait to see if it helps. If not, then use it again in thirty seconds. If your attack continues to worsen, seek help. Have someone call emergency services or drive you to the nearest hospital. Try to breathe into a paper bag so that you can calm your breathing when you’re on the way.
Asthmatics should avoid smoking tobacco products whenever possible. Pretty much everyone is aware that smoking is dangerous, but for people suffering with asthma, it can have devastating effects. Smoke is extremely irritating to the already sensitive asthmatic lungs, so care should be taken to not only smoke, but also avoid being in the presence of other people who are smoking.
Know how to properly use your inhaler if you’ve got asthma. 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. An inhaler is not of much use if you aren’t taking it correctly.
As stated earlier, there is a lot that you should know about asthma. The tips in this article offer a few ways to deal with asthma, whether you suffer personally or if it’s a loved one. Follow all directions given by your doctor and use prescription medications exactly according to the manufacturers instructions. This can reduce asthma’s impact on your life.
A support group for those with asthma can really help, and so can simply talking to people about your condition. By talking to fellow sufferers, you will learn more about asthma and what you should do in case of an attack. Keeping supportive people in your daily life is very important.