A simple physical task can feel overwhelming for someone who has difficulty breathing due to asthma. Luckily, there are a number of ways to combat the devastating symptoms of
asthma and make life much more manageable. The following article will provide you with important information about this devastating and often life-changing respiratory condition.
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. A lot of agents in cleaners tend to trigger asthma attacks and symptoms. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
Never smoke around a child with asthma, or you could kill them! There’s a long list of environmental asthma triggers, and secondhand smoke is at the top of it. Ensure that your child is not around other people that smoke, either.
Keep away from any and everything that you know triggers your asthma attacks. For some people, this is allergy related; things like pollen and dust can start an attack. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. Smoking is a bad habit for everyone, but patients that suffer from asthma are negatively affected by smoke as it cuts the oxygen supply off and induces an asthma attack.
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. Never smoke a cigarette! Stay away from vapors and chemical fumes, too. Doing so can cause an asthma attack you might not have the ability to stop. If you find that you have people smoking around you, get yourself out of that area rather quickly.
If you suffer from asthma, strong cleaning products should be avoided. A lot chemicals that are in these items can set off an asthma attack or aggravate other symptoms. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. The inflammation caused by this substance can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Leukotriene is an oral therapy for the treatment of asthma, but it is not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. One antibody medication available is called Omalizumab and can be prescribed by your doctor or allergist.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. As you are inhaling air, spray the correct dosage in your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products that contain strong scents, like incense, perfume, or air freshener can trigger an asthma attack just by lingering in the air. An asthma sufferer’s airways can feel irritated by odors such as fresh paint or new carpeting. Try keeping the air indoors as fresh as it can be.
Consider consulting a social worker if your asthma medication is not covered by an insurance policy. You will need asthma medications, and if you are unable to afford them, a social worker can find a hospital or clinic that can offer you medication for free or for a little cost.
There are support groups available to you, both in person or on the Internet. Asthma, especially if it is severe, can be quite debilitating and can keep you from being an active participant in life. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
Asthma attacks have been found to be more likely in homes where four or more different cleaning products are in use. Organic cleaning products should be selected due to their lack of irritating chemicals.
Mold and mildew can thrive in a humid home environment. Mold and mildew can easily cause severe asthma attacks. Therefore, it can benefit you to ensure your home stays as dry as possible. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
You should be ready to increase asthma treatments if you suffer from hay fever or a cold. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.
In the winter, prevent attacks by wearing shawls, mufflers and scarves that cover the nose and mouth. You can help warm the air with these things before they bring any harm to your lungs. Breathing cold air triggers your asthma attacks, particularly in young kids with bad asthma.
If you have asthma or you live with an asthma sufferer, you should ensure you receive an annual flu shot. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
Emergency Medication
In the winter, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or shawl to prevent asthma attacks. This allows you to warm air before it enters your lungs. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Be sure you understand how to use your asthma medication, especially emergency medication. Asthma is usually treated on two fronts. One is a standard medication, taken daily, and the other is an inhaler, intended for use in an emergency. Because you will have asthma for the rest of your life, it is important that you take your maintenance medication properly, and that you use your emergency medication correctly.
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 you will have asthma for the rest of your life, it is important that you take your maintenance medication properly, and that you use your emergency medication correctly.
Asthmatics should avoid smoking tobacco products whenever possible. A lot of people know that smoking is bad for you, but if you have asthma it is far worse. Smoke greatly irritates the sensitive lungs of the person with asthma, so in addition to not smoking, someone with asthma should avoid people that are smoking.
Asthma is a condition that typically will develop over a long period of time, with symptoms that are not very obvious. In some serious cases, people have dropped dead due to an asthma attack without ever knowing they had asthma in the first place. If you have any trouble breathing or are coughing a lot, you need to see a doctor to determine what it is and if you need any medication or treatment for asthma prevention.
Asthma sufferers should stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts rise. While asthma isn’t a type of allergy, those with asthma are frequently bothered by the same kinds of irritants that cause problems for allergy sufferers. Check the local air quality report online to determine whether to stay indoors and keep irritant exposure to a minimum.
When you fly, make sure to take along prescriptions or doctors’ notes for all of your asthma equipment and medications, especially if they are unusual. Written proof of needing your equipment can help you with any issues you might have in the security line.
It can help out to meet and talk with others who have asthma. They can offer you tips about handling different situations and help you manage your asthma. It is essential that you have a strong support network.
When housecleaning, it is better to clean your floors with a damp mop than sweeping them with a broom. Sweeping can trigger an asthma attack due to the copious clouds of minute asthma-triggering particles it kicks up. When dusting, use a damp cloth, as feather dusters just move dust around.
Now that you know the basic treatment options for asthma, you can either ask your doctor about them yourself or support a loved one in his or her search for effective treatment. You can use this information for you or someone you care about, and you should realize that the diagnosis of asthma does not mean your life as you know it is over.
When you are trying to prevent asthma, you should avoid smoke. Cigarette smoke will often trigger an asthma attack. Avoid triggers like vapors, chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke as much as you can. These things will aggravate your asthma and worsen the symptoms. Ask people around you not to smoke in your presence. Don’t be rude about it, but don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.