Living with asthma poses a unique set of challenges, many of which can be overcome with proper management techniques, leading to the resumption of a healthy and active lifestyle. There are a variety of methods you can utilize to maintain and stop asthma from taking over your life. Here you will find tips on making the most out of your life with asthma.
If you are afflicted with asthma, it is critical that you don’t smoke. Smoking is a terrible habit but it’s even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Keep away from any and everything that you know triggers your asthma attacks. This is different for everyone, but some people, things like dust or pollen can trigger an attack. Others experience an attack from physical activities. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
Quit smoking or avoid smoke if you suffer from asthma. Smoking is unhealthy for everyone, however it is especially bad for asthmatics. Your lungs are already compromised from the asthma and adding smoke to that will cut off the vital oxygen supply your lungs need to breathe.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. Speak to your physician and allergist to find out what medications are right for you.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. Some people have allergies that cause asthma, and allergens such as dust and pollen can cause an attack. Or, you may need to avoid certain activities that overexert your body. Keep a journal of your attacks so that you can start to learn what your triggers are so that you can prevent flareups before they begin.
If you’re in a dustier room, avoid turning on a fan. The fan will circulate the dust along with the air, which can cause it to get into your lungs and make your asthma worse. The better way would be to open a window to increase the airflow in the room.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. 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. While inhaling, spray the dosage in your mouth. You should hold your breath 10 seconds so the medicated mist is able to fill up your lungs.
During an attack that isn’t severe, force all air from your lungs. Exhale hard and fast. Really force that air out of your lungs! Then take three small breaths in, followed by a deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably. Next, exhale forcefully again. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It also expels air from your lungs so more can enter. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Asthma Attacks
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Use organic cleaning products since they don’t have irritating chemicals.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotriene inhibitors work to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can cause asthma attacks by causing inflammation. The prescription will help to decrease home much leukotriene is in your system and therefore, the number of asthma attacks you have.
If you suffer from asthma and do not smoke, make sure to avoid people who do smoke. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
It’s been proven that you should use no more than four cleaning products in the home. If you do it can increase the risk of asthma attacks. Choose instead organic products that are not filled with harmful chemicals.
To lower the chances of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as can be, especially the bedroom. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. Let in plenty of fresh air if the weather permits, and avoid using harsh chemicals to bleach.
Keep your home meticulously clean to reduce attack potential if there is an asthma sufferer living there, especially the bedroom. Only eat in the kitchen, and never let anyone smoke inside the house. If you clean with any harsh chemicals or bleach, make sure to ventilate thoroughly afterwards.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Regular vaccinations will help you and your children to avoid lung infections.
You should be ready to increase asthma treatments if you suffer from hay fever or a cold. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.
If you suffer from asthma, consider using a feather-free pillow to sleep. Pillow feathers are known to worsen asthma and affect the lungs. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Asthma Attack
If you are on the road, be certain to travel with your inhaler at all hours. 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. You can’t exert as much control over your environment when you travel, so you may have an asthma attack or exacerbation of symptoms under unfamiliar conditions.
Have your rescue inhaler with you at all times, especially when on vacation. Traveling is hard on your body, and you might have an asthma attack easier because your body is more likely to respond to triggers. It is often hard to maintain the right kind of environment when you are traveling, and this may heighten the risk of an asthma attack or worsening symptoms.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life – especially if it is quite severe. Furthermore, these groups will keep you informed about any changes in medicines or any other scientific discoveries that are relevant.
Even if you have not had any recent breathing problems, you should nonetheless schedule regular checkups. A flare-up can occur at any time, and your physician may have learned of a prescription medication that can treat your symptoms more safely and effectively.
You should have a team of medical professionals to help you craft your asthma treatment. Your usual doctor will be able to help you, but you should also consider seeing a specialist. Allergists, asthma centers, pulmonologists, and even nutritionists can work with you to make sure you are taking advantage of all avenues of treatment.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. In addition, a community of other asthma sufferers will let you know about changes in medications or other relevant scientific discoveries.
If the pollen count is rising, stay indoors when possible. Asthma is not considered an allergy, but elements that cause allergies usually trigger asthma attacks too. These days, information about the quality of local air is readily available, so people with asthma can avoid spending time outside when the air is full of things that irritate their lungs.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. Typical asthma triggers in the home are dust and mold spores. Have an inspector come visit your house to remove any harmful agents that you have so that you can stay healthy and lower your risk for an asthma attack. On top of that, doing housecleaning regularly can prevent build up of these particles.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you are using your inhaler the proper way. You should not just stick it between your lips and spray. Breath deeply each time you push your inhaler button. Follow the instructions on your inhaler exactly to get the most benefit.
Being around animals should be avoided. Some asthma sufferers are allergic to animal fur or dander on top of their asthma, but even those who don’t have such an allergy can bring on an attack if they breathe in too much of these irritants.
If you frequently use your inhaler (more than two to three times per week), you should talk to your doctor about alternative methods of treatment or a different prescription. This means that the medication in your inhaler is not working well enough. It also isn’t working right if you’re having to refill the inhaler more than two times a year.
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Use the inhaler, wait thirty seconds, and use once more. If you feel your ashtma attack worsening, get immediate help. Have someone call emergency services or drive you to the nearest hospital. You can slow your breathing by placing a paper bag over your mouth and nose to slow your breathing until you get medical attention.
Strengthen your core and gradually increase lung capacity. Do not gamble with your chances of triggering an attack by attempting a workout that is beyond your current skills.
As you have seen in the above article, there are various solutions you can use to control or even stop asthma’s interference in your life. A diagnosis of asthma doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to a life of inactivity. An effective treatment plan for your asthma will help you lead an active and rewarding life.
Know what symptoms indicate a serious asthma attack that requires immediate medical intervention is occurring. Increased usage of medication to no avail of relief and fingernails and lips turning bluish-gray are indications of a severe asthma attack. Your child may also be unable to speak.