If it is left without watching, asthma can become very severe. A severe asthma attack can put you in the hospital or kill you. Consulting a medical professional is the first step in any treatment plan. Beyond that, however, you must take an active role in maintaining your health. The following article will give you advice to help control your asthma.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you should refrain from smoking or being around any vapors or fumes. This means avoidance of all tobacco products, as well as taking into consideration any smoke or vapors you might be exposed to in a prospective workplace.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. That means you have to avoid all tobacco, and seriously consider think about what jobs you take; for example, factories are probably not a healthy place for you because of all the vapors and smoke.
You should stay away from anything you might believe which can trigger an asthma attack. Certain outdoor areas may be off-limits because they cause allergies to flare up. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
There are many different types of asthma. Learning about your type of asthma will help you manage its impact on your life. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
You need ongoing treatment for asthma because it’s an ongoing disease. Be certain that you are using the right maintenance medicines to control your asthma and that you also have a rescue or emergency medication when you have an acute asthma attack. Consult with your physician and allergist to find out what is best for you.
If you are an asthmatic, it is vital that you never smoke, and if you already do, you should quit as soon as possible. Smoking is detrimental to anyone’s health, but those with asthma suffer especially because cigarettes lessen the oxygen supply that is crucial for the lungs to function properly and prevent an asthma attack.
If you suffer from asthma, try seeing if a leukotriene inhibitor helps. These medications prevent the production of leukotrienes. A leukotrienes is a type of chemical that causes inflammation, which leads to asthma attacks. The inhibitor will prevent leukotrienes, which can decrease the amount of asthma attacks that you have.
Asthma doesn’t just go away, so you can’t just stop managing it. Make sure to take the right medication for controlling everyday asthma symptoms, but also have quick relief medication with you in case of an attack. See your doctor or allergist to find out which treatment plan is best for your situation.
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
Never use a fan in a dirty, dust-filled room. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the asthma attacks experienced by you or other afflicted members of your household. If you lessen your humidity in the house, you will stave off dust mites that may make your asthma flare. A dehumidifier makes the air in your home dry by keeping humidity to a minimum.
If you suffer from asthma, taking enough Vitamin E and C can help you. It is thought that these vitamins will help increase lung function and will help control asthma symptoms. You can get both of these vitamins from eating certain foods, or by taking the vitamins in supplement form. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
It has been shown that if you use multiple varieties of cleaning products around your house, it will increase the chance of an asthma attack. Try using organic cleaning products that are not comprised of irritating chemicals.
It has been shown that use of four or more different kinds of cleaning products can raise the risk of asthma attacks. To limit the chemicals in the air, look for organic cleaning alternatives.
Asthmatics should avoid being exposed to smoke, regardless if you are a smoker. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in small areas without much ventilation, lung function may be severely impacted, and you have a higher chance of having an attack.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Scented products should be avoided, such as air fresheners, perfume, and incense. These can increase the amount of air pollution in the home and even trigger an attack. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Try to avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleach in the home while cleaning; and, once the home is cleaned, air it out.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. It’s hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
Feather pillows can be bad for those with asthma. The feathers from a pillow can cause asthma symptoms and decrease your lung function. You should also look into hypoallergenic materials when buying sheets and a comforter.
You should definitely use your preventative inhaler on a daily basis. However, you should be warned that the drug can also cause infections in your mouth, particularly near your teeth and gums. Always brush and gargle as soon as you’ve finished using your inhaler to prevent mouth infections.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. You don’t know when another flare-up will happen, or when your physician can offer you safer or superior medicine for your symptoms.
See how many times a week you typically use the rescue inhaler. If you use it three or more times each week, your treatment plan may not be working effectively or else an atypical situation may be triggering an increased number of attacks. The frequency of use of your inhaler can give you an idea about your surroundings and the need to watch them.
Support Group
If you are working to prevent asthma, it is best not to smoke. Inhaling smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes and vapors, and any type of wood or cigarette smoke. All of these air-borne pollutants can greatly increase your asthma symptoms. If there are smokers around you, you may want to ask them if they will smoke in another area.
Join an online or offline support group. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. By getting involved in a support group you will also be speaking with other sufferers who may know of new scientific discoveries and treatment plans you may not be aware of.
Your bed linens are where pollen, dust and other allergens like to collect. To reduce the chance that your bed linens will induce an asthma attack, wash your sheets every week in hot water. You’re less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
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.
Consult with more than one physician. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. Pulmonologists, allergists, asthma centers and nutritionists can help you take advantage of the many treatments available to those with asthma.