Asthma, like any respiratory condition, can be extremely scary, since it interferes with your ability to take in oxygen, which is required to live. It can happen without warning, limiting your freedom in life and putting your life in jeopardy. This article not only explains some of the triggers of asthma attacks, but also details solutions for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. 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. You can actually start preventing asthma attacks if you are aware and mindful of any patterns that your symptoms present.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. Because of this, you should avoid any kind of tobacco smoke and take any job that you want to apply for into consideration; factories could expose you to a variety of smoke, vapors and dust.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. While smoking is bad for everyone, it’s particularly hard on an asthma sufferer as it restricts oxygen getting to the lungs.
Asthma Symptoms
If you are having an attack that is not severe, push as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breath out as hard and fast as you can. Really expel the air from your lungs! Take in three breaths, and then a deeper breath until your lungs are full of air. Then exhale with force again. This will create a rhythm and will help you be aware of the way you are breathing. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. If you cough up mucus, don’t worry – just get the breathing back to normal.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. 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. 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.
If allergens are causing you to suffer from frequent asthma attacks that are moderate to severe, there is an injectable medication that can provide you with long-term relief. Omalizumab is one such medication, and can control the allergic symptoms you may be experienced. An allergist will be able to tell you if this is a good option.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Exhale hard and fast. Try hard to push the air out from your lungs! Inhale for three quick breaths, and then take one deep breath so that you can allow your lungs to fill with air, and then force the air out again. Paying attention this way will help you stabilize your breathing and make it rhythmic. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. There may be periods of harsh coughing and a substantial generation of sputum, but this is actually what you want in order to get the airways opened and the breathing back on a regular pattern.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a quiet secluded area so that you can calmly take the inhaler as directed by the instructions from the manufacturer. You can inhale all you want, but it’s useless if the medication doesn’t make it 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.
If you find that you are in a dusty room, do not put on any type of fan. When you turn on the fans they will move the dust in the room around and this can trigger your asthma very easily. Open a window to bring clean, cool air inside instead.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. Try to avoid getting any respiratory infections if you have asthma. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
If you suffer from asthma and allergy attacks, ask your doctor for a long-lasting allergy injection. There are antibody medications used to control allergic reactions that come recommended by allergists.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers work by taking the humidity out of the air.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. It is thought that these vitamins will help increase lung function and will help control asthma symptoms. Get these nutrients through supplements or food. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
If you have asthma, avoid people who are smoking. When you breathe in smoke, especially in small spaces, it diminishes breathing ability, which greatly increases the probability of an asthma attack.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Try using organic cleaning products which don’t contain irritating chemicals.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, can pollute the air triggering your asthma. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
You should know what triggers your asthma attacks; this will allow you to either avoid them or be ready to manage the symptoms. A lot of people who suffer from asthma have the same triggers, pet dander, smoke, or pollen. Whenever you can, avoid the things that trigger your asthma.
In order to minimize the chance of an asthma attack, be sure to keep your living area very clean, most definitely the bedroom area. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. After using chemical to clean, air out the house.
Asthma Support Group
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Getting vaccinated yearly can help keep many of these illnesses at bay.
Try joining an in-person or virtual asthma support group. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. On top of that, an asthma support group will keep you apprised of the latest developments in asthma medication and other significant medical breakthroughs.
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor’s appointments. You don’t know when another flare-up will happen, or when your physician can offer you safer or superior medicine for your symptoms.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. These can include dust, mold and spores. To stay healthy and reduce the chance of asthma attacks, you should have an inspector visit your house yearly to remove these harmful agents. As an additional measure, a home that is regularly cleaned will help keep these irritants from building up.
When it’s colder, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler that will cover your mouth and nose to avoid asthma attacks. This helps warm the air prior to it entering your lungs. Studies have consistently shown that cold air can cause your throat and lungs to constrict, triggering asthma attacks. Children are especially susceptible to cold-induced asthma.
If not properly treated and managed, asthma may be a death sentence. By adhering to the advice here, you will see that asthma management is not difficult rocket science; and with a little investment of your time and energy, you can better manage your breathing and get back to a normal life.
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. Carrying your prescriptions along with written proof that they are medically necessary, will cut down on potential problems at the airport checkpoints.